UPDATE: Suspect arrested after 2-hour police search in Fauntleroy – and southward – with helicopter

| Crime | Fauntleroy | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

4:38 PM: Police are searching around homes on Fauntleroy Way SW just south of the ferry dock, looking for a man in what’s described as a “weapons call” and possible burglary. He’s described as Hispanic, with dark medium-length hair, no shirt, tan pants. The Guardian One helicopter is on its way to join the search. More information as we get it.

4:47 PM: The helicopter’s arrived in the area.

4:56 PM: We went to the area to look for an officer to ask about what preceded all this. We’re told the first call came from people at the ferry dock who saw what they described as a naked man with a knife or possibly box-cutter. Police noted that this might be the same person seen acting suspiciously near Fauntleroy Church earlier in the day.

5:08 PM: This search has moved a bit further south, along Marine View Drive. Meantime, police are also investigating an unrelated burglary near Fauntleroy Park, to the east of all this, and it sounds as if they have arrested someone – DIFFERENT suspect. … The original subject of the search, meantime, is said to be running through yards in the 10000-10200 block of Marine View Drive and is described as carrying a machete.

(Reader photo)

5:22 PM: The search has moved westward from there to 47th SW.

5:34 PM: They’re surrounding an area there and making the mandatory announcements that a K-9 will be deployed.

5:57 PM: Nothing new to report. Many officers still in the area, and Guardian One is back after a brief break.

6:31 PM: With the helicopter’s help, they’ve located the person they believe is who they’ve been looking for. … And he’s reported to be in custody. This was in the 10200 block (whether 47th or Marine View Drive, not clear). … Officers also just told dispatch they’ve found the machete, too.

vashonferry September 21, 2023 (4:53 pm)

Chopper circling Vashon ferry terminal – Fauntleroy side. Focusing on coastline.

1994 September 21, 2023 (5:04 pm)

Still buzzing around, and hear sirens at the bottom of the hill closer to the businesses down there. Hope the guy with a knife is found and safe, and everyone is safe.

Kathy September 21, 2023 (5:33 pm)

About 10 minutes ago 4 police cars drove past us on 47th. To the south.

LM September 21, 2023 (5:10 pm)

I just saw three police cars handcuffing a fellow at the intersection of SW Barton and SW Henderson.

WSB September 21, 2023 (5:16 pm)

Different guy. Added that to the story above. Still closing in on original suspect.

WS4Life September 21, 2023 (5:13 pm)

We were driving up Barton around 5pm and saw SPD take down someone like in the description but he had baggy pants on, and a blanket over his shoulders. This was just past Barton and Henderson, he looked disheveled and obeyed police commands without resist. Still hear helicopter circling Fauntleroy Park.

WSB September 21, 2023 (5:16 pm)

Different suspect in different case.

Amanda September 21, 2023 (5:19 pm)

A man just climbed out of the bushes in my neighbor’s yard. I am not sure of what happened proceeding his running through their yard, but I can say he did NOT have a weapon on him. No shirt or shoes and was wearing tan pants, but was unarmed.

WSB September 21, 2023 (5:25 pm)

If you haven’t already or they haven’t, please call 911 and report that (and any other) sighting(s).
- Amanda September 21, 2023 (5:49 pm)
  
  Yes! I called immediately and gave them a description of him along with our location. I should have mentioned that, apologies. First time posting here and just wanted to share what I saw in hopes of providing some clarity re:weapons.
  - WSB September 21, 2023 (6:00 pm)
    
    Thanks. You’d be surprised, some well-meaning people have the inclination to post (here or elsewhere) first, but in an active situation like this, the phone calls really help – the dispatchers relay relevant info immediately.
Snowskier September 21, 2023 (5:29 pm)

Which block are you on? We are just south of the chopper and wonder if he’s coming our way.
WS Res September 21, 2023 (5:34 pm)

How do you know? Did you search his pockets?

Lisa in Arbor Heights September 21, 2023 (5:30 pm)

A helicopter just left from over my home in Arbor Heights —100th and California Ave. They were here circling for about a half hour. Can still hear them behind me on Marine View Drive.

John September 21, 2023 (5:51 pm)

It pulled away and looped down and is coming back. Holding near Lincoln Park. I think they’re trying to get the guy to try to come out

Scanner September 21, 2023 (5:39 pm)

Hispanic male, tan pants, no shirt with a machete

Lisa in Arbor Heights September 21, 2023 (5:49 pm)

Thank you! I heard the police speaker from inside my house…I locked it down like a school lockdown…but I couldn’t make out what they said. Please let us know when you think be might be safe to lift lockdown in AH.

shirtlessin Fauntleroy September 21, 2023 (5:50 pm)

What was the crime that precipitated such a response?
Carrying a machete or not wearing a shirt?

Neighbor September 21, 2023 (6:03 pm)

saw him myself while in line for ferry, he was naked and running around the dock and waiting room. Public intoxication and indecency. Before he was naked he was carrying two empty beer bottles

AP in Arbor Heights September 21, 2023 (5:52 pm)

Helicopter sounds like it left the area. Is this over now with suspect in custody?

D-Mom September 21, 2023 (6:22 pm)

Just came back. Still doing laps. I can see it from my back yard

1994 September 21, 2023 (5:55 pm)

Have they been apprehended? Or are they a long distance runner in the making and got out of Arbor Heights? The helicopter is gone….well maybe, I hear one coming again.

Jim September 21, 2023 (6:04 pm)

Well seeing is they’re acting erratic and they’ve been running from the ferry dock all the way up there I imagine they’re on something

WL September 21, 2023 (5:55 pm)

I’m where 47th Ave SW meets Maplewood. Chopper is right above me.

Lisa in Arbor Heights September 21, 2023 (5:58 pm)

Clarification: my personal lockdown….not a neighborhood one of course. :-)

1994 September 21, 2023 (6:05 pm)

I am on personal lockdown too. Was going to do some yard work but it can wait. There are so many places to conceal oneself out int the neighborhood!

jim September 21, 2023 (6:02 pm)

Helicopter still patrolling – just now over the very north end of the Arroyo up to Marine view drive, turned around and back west. I can still hear it. I hope the SPD knows about the trail from 47th to the Arroyos (the old 47th SW street a century + ago).

Neighbor September 21, 2023 (6:42 pm)

Is this path still usable? We’re a few doors down and have wondered since moving in.

Lisa in Arbor Heights September 21, 2023 (6:05 pm)

Guardian 1 is back…100th and California Ave SW…Arbor Heights Just when I think it’s over it comes back.

Concerned September 21, 2023 (6:08 pm)

Is it safe to go out? Should we stay in? There’s an ice cream social at the school and we are trying to decide if we should go.

Amanda_arbor heights September 21, 2023 (6:21 pm)

We are in the same boat, trying to decide if we go to the ice cream social or not. I keep thinking the school might cancel but no notice yet.
WSB September 21, 2023 (6:22 pm)

If you’re seeing police near your house, you could ask them what they advise. All I can tell you is that they haven’t made an arrest yet. They’re still focused on what sounds like a slope area between 47th and Marine View Drive. There are at least two police dogs assigned at last report and often when the dogs are out they advise that people stay inside not so much because of danger but because they don’t want the potential track sullied.
D-Mom September 21, 2023 (6:25 pm)

Helicopter is still doing laps along Marine view Dr between 102nd and 106th
Kathy September 21, 2023 (6:26 pm)

On 47th near the fork to the condos and maple wood. all of our neighbors and we are all inside with locked doors and alarms armed. The green belt is basically our back yards. Copters still here and as far as I know, police cars still there.

GR September 21, 2023 (6:16 pm)

Helicopter over Marine View Drive

Mrs September 21, 2023 (6:19 pm)

My daughter usually walks to the pool for water polo practice. I will be dropping her off this evening! Chopper seems to have just left. I’m on 108th near 39th.

HC September 21, 2023 (6:21 pm)

Guardian 1 circled around our area a few times at 37th & 102nd

Mrs September 21, 2023 (6:25 pm)

My bad. They’re still buzzing out there.

1994 September 21, 2023 (6:33 pm)

I hope they locate the guy before dark. Or maybe it would easier to locate him in the dark using the heat sensing equipment? Could be hiding anywhere!

WSB September 21, 2023 (6:33 pm)

And he’s in custody – located by helicopter, lying down in the brush. They also have found the machete.

A H Dad September 21, 2023 (6:43 pm)

Not knowing anything more than what has been published here and what I observed over the last hour plus, I’m thankful for both WSB and SPD!
- D-Mom September 21, 2023 (6:50 pm)
  
  Agree completely! And thank you for the helicopter support!

Fromtheferryline September 21, 2023 (6:41 pm)

Before the police were called, my husband and I saw this man walking down Fauntleroy way (north of the dock) while waiting in the ferry line. At that time he had two beers in one hand and was holding his pants up with the other. By the time we got on the dock, he still had his pants but not the beers. They had stopped the foot traffic on the dock and WSP & WSF personnel were discussing him as he walked up and down the dock. I noticed he was barefoot then. He then appeared back in sight completely naked – no shirt, shoes, pants or underwear. He was walking holding his hands over his privates. The man was completely naked – no weapon in sight and simply walking up and down the dock. From our view, he was not engaging anyone in conversation nor acting aggressive in anyway that we saw. The WSP personnel was on the phone with 911. My husband got out of the car and with the permission of WSP tossed the man some pants. He said thank you and put them on immediately. He continued walking the dock. When SPD arrived, he disappeared from the dock, I think he jumped down to the beach. I understand things may have occurred that we didn’t see or after we saw him but nothing we saw warranted this kind of response. I hope for a peaceful resolution for this man and for all of the residents who are worried about their safety.

Shanti September 21, 2023 (6:52 pm)

He had a machete. And was totally out of it. No excuses. That is an incredibly dangerous person. As a renter in the area, I am thrilled this was taken seriously! Thank you SPD!!!
Sundevil September 21, 2023 (6:57 pm)

He had a freaking machete. Did not warrant this response? Have you lost your mind? What should they have done instead?
- Kmama September 21, 2023 (7:58 pm)
  
  When he was naked on the dock and as he jumped down below, he did not have a weapon. When I saw him earlier up along Fauntleroy, he had on too big of pants that he was holding with one hand, and was holding two half-empty Corona bottles with the other. No weapon.
  - JSS September 21, 2023 (9:34 pm)
    
    I was in the ferry line right next to the man and can also verify that he was completely naked with no weapon. Then someone gave him pants which he had to hold up. He was pacing and talking to the ferry officer in Spanish, talking about having a ticket. This could have been deescalated at this point. He was disoriented, probably a mental health issue (possibly coupled with alcohol). He didn’t approach or threaten anyone for that period of time (20 mins?). I appreciate the police and the ferry staff but I was surprised to see so many police cars arrive.
AH Mom September 21, 2023 (7:10 pm)

Thanks for sharing your experience. I appreciate your accountability and commitment to not fanning the flames of what was already a scary situation.
Fauntleroy Neighbor September 21, 2023 (8:01 pm)

As someone who lives in the neighborhood with children who are out playing daily, I am grateful for the quick and effective response by WSP and SPD, and the K-9 unit. This person indeed had a machete. He ran into our neighbor’s house where a contractor was working – who was suddenly face to face with a man holding a knife. He then continued running through another neighbor’s yard who also saw him with the machete. While I have compassion for anyone who needs help, and while we absolutely need to fix problems we have in our city, my compassion ends at having someone clearly high on drugs, clearly out of it, and clearly dangerous, running in our neighborhood half naked with a knife in hand. That demands exactly the response it received. Great job. Thank you officers, really appreciate everything you do!
- Resident September 22, 2023 (1:54 am)
  
  Thank you for adding this side of the story that nobody wants to recognize. Just because this individual didn’t have a weapon at the time didn’t mean he didn’t have access to one at some point in time. De-escalation techniques don’t always work and it would really be a horrible outcome if we tried the treat this person as if he wasn’t going to harm someone and then he actually did.

Lisa in Arbor Heights September 21, 2023 (6:45 pm)

Oh my gosh…thank you for letting us know WSB! I too was hoping they could find him before dark. Are you able to disclose where they found him?Yes…thank you to you and SPD.I agree…I hope he can get help and I’m glad I don’t have to be freaked out anymore.

Mr J September 21, 2023 (6:46 pm)

Would be great if they used some of these resources to locate Jim. Hopefully the helicopter pokes around a bit for him.

rob September 21, 2023 (7:24 pm)

wouldnt that be awsome imagine ?

Arbor Heights Res September 21, 2023 (6:47 pm)

Aah, the sound of silence. Got him 3 blocks from me…

Sillygoose September 21, 2023 (6:56 pm)

This was a scenario for 988, rather than 911. I hope he gets help.

wscommuter September 21, 2023 (8:24 pm)

When he was just a naked/possibly intoxicated guy – yes to 988. When he was carrying a machete – no – police response absolutely required.
1994 September 21, 2023 (9:14 pm)

I don’t believe 988 has the ability to go out and search for people, no K-9 support….988 is for those who call in to their line. Glad to hear he was apprehended and no one got hurt. I hope he gets some help. Maybe he picked up the machete or large pruning type knife in someone’s yard??? Good idea to keep things secure and locked up because you never know who will come through your yard. I know, I know, they can break in but we gotta try!
Rhonda September 21, 2023 (10:54 pm)

This man had been seen by multiple witnesses drinking multiple beers and was clearly intoxicated. Intoxicated people running around naked/semi-naked in public are a danger to anyone they contact. King County Deputy Herzog was murdered by an intoxicated naked man in Newcastle several years ago. He had no weapon. This man had a large machete.

Bill L. September 21, 2023 (7:01 pm)

Two cop cars parked right across from my house, and I just brought 3 officers to my backyard. They stayed there for about 20 min while the chopper was circling around. They came donw and told me that they got the guy, little bit north of my property, and he was discovered by the chopper’s infrared detection equipment, and police released their dog and caught the person. Great work by the officers on the ground and the helicopter crew!

JennO September 22, 2023 (4:59 am)

Thanks for the detail, Bill!Thank you to the police for their response!!

arbor heights mom September 21, 2023 (7:35 pm)

As an Arbor Heights home owner, I can attest that I leave gardening equipment out in my yard all the time. I have seen multiple neighbors so the same. It is likely that this man found a machete or gardening tool like a machete lying around on someone’s property while trying to evade the police that were chasing after him. We have multiple testimonials here in the comments of residents seeing this man unarmed and naked near the ferry and running through Arbor Heights/Marine View Drive. It sounds like this was absolutely a case for 988 instead of 911. Someone experiencing a mental health crisis is not going to become calmer when being chased by helicopter or a K-9 unit. The escalation at the dock resulted in the prolonged search in our residential neighborhood. Let’s not get the story twisted. I hope more compassion is granted next time someone is in a mental health crisis in public rather than what happened today.

Alki resident September 21, 2023 (8:10 pm)

You can buy a machete for $2 at Harbor Freight. A lot of homeless have them. Mentally ill people can harm you just as quick as anyone else and the police and helicopter did a heck of a job finding him. A lot of training goes into the work they do and I glad this guy was found within a reasonable time.
AH dad September 21, 2023 (9:36 pm)

Would you still say the response wasn’t warranted if this person stabbed one of your neighbors while having an episode? Or would it be justified because they were having an episode? Sorry, the safety of our community trumps all and the response was definitely warranted.
J September 21, 2023 (9:52 pm)

Why is being a home owner relevant?
Rhonda September 21, 2023 (10:02 pm)

988 personnel are not trained/equipped and CANNOT handle a situation like an agitated, delusional man with a machete. They turn those incidents over to police. This very dangerous dilemma was resolved exactly the way the system is designed to work. I’m sure if he had you cornered your backyard wielding a tool that can behead someone with one swipe you’d want a police officer to rescue you instead of a social worker.

ACG September 21, 2023 (8:05 pm)

Any more info on where near Fauntleroy Park the burglary occurred?

WSB September 21, 2023 (8:21 pm)

According to the Twitter/X call list, there was a burglary call in the 4000 block of SW Director around that time. I thought I heard other streets mentioned but that could have been search or witness info. I’m going to try to get info from police tomorrow when following up on this case.

N September 21, 2023 (8:48 pm)

I can certainly understand the response. 20 plus elementary kids were walking off the ferry unsupervised at this time, coming home from school. Hopefully we aren’t at a place where we view someone with a machete as normal, seriously!

Gatewood Neighbor September 21, 2023 (8:59 pm)

Many young kids were running the trails of Lincoln Park just north of ferry terminal as well. Yes we need a police response for a nut job roaming around with a machete. Thanks SPD!

Jethro Marx September 21, 2023 (9:24 pm)

Not to make overlight of what was clearly a scary situation for many West Seattlites, but what crime shall we charge him with? Freaking people out? Being temporarily pantsless? It is not typically illegal to carry a big knife and act weird in America, although that freedom does occasionally get us in odd situations.

Resident September 22, 2023 (1:57 am)

Well, let’s start with public intoxication and lewd conduct. I’m not a prosecutor, but those are two things that are definitely against the law and laws. He definitely broke.

WSPK September 21, 2023 (10:15 pm)

Thank you SPD.

SHIRTLESSIN FAUNTLEROY September 21, 2023 (10:59 pm)

Okay. &nbsp
Apparently this person was reported naked at the ferry dock (which is not necessarily illegal in Seattle, surprisingly being drunk in public is).
Someone was kind enough to give him their pants.
The suspect then ran off the dock and into Fauntleroy where they apparently acquired a machete and ran through peoples’ yards apparently discarding the machete before being found by an all out SPD response with helicopter and canine brought for the search of Arbor heights.
Truly remarkable the extrapolation of concerns being expressed over this incident.
No reports of the suspect actually threatening someone, but the idea of threat along with the machete image are indeed powerful.
I am relieved that this ended without harm to anyone,
I hope the suspect gets the help and care that is called for.
I hope those people so alarmed by this take incident it to heart to go out of their way to support services for other such humans.

Colby September 21, 2023 (11:10 pm)

It should be noted that during this, Arbor Heights Elementary was having a large family engagement event — the playground was packed with children. Appreciate SPD cordoning off an area that possibly prevented the person traveling a few more blocks and accessing the school.

John September 22, 2023 (1:14 am)

Very good point! Was also interesting at the tail and on the police scanner I heard the officer think guardian 1 and say that it wouldn’t have been possible to capture the suspect without them meaning that without the helicopter he may have gotten away. Makes me wonder why SPD doesn’t have one (I mean I get the logistical stuff but with the size of this city and with the way it’s laid out it’s not exactly quick to get to certain areas sometimes)

snowskier September 22, 2023 (8:39 am)

As a parent and coach of the kids that were running XC practice on the Lincoln Park trails, I’m quite pleased that the police were able to capture the intoxicated/incoherent/delusional sometimes naked man with the machete. About 8 years ago a friend was nearly stabbed to death by an incoherent/delusional man with a pocketknife on Gatewood Hill, a situation I hope to never see again. Thank you SPD for capturing this man and getting him to a secure place before anyone was harmed.

Inquiring Mind September 22, 2023 (11:30 am)

I’m sorry, did he actually have a machete or is that just something somebody made up to get a faster response from the police?

Marine View Drive September 22, 2023 (1:03 pm)

Just to set the record straight, the machete was taken from behind our wall fountain as the guy ran by….he then jumped over the bank down into the stickers bushes and was caught a block or two away in the thick brush down the steep slope. Never saw him waving or acting in a threatening manner with the machete.

Amanda September 22, 2023 (3:55 pm)

We must be neighbors! I stated above how I witnessed the man crawl out of the sticker bushes in my neighbor’s backyard. No machete, just two hands trying to hold up the pants the person on this thread offered him at the ferry terminal. He saw me and just kept walking up the hill. I empathize with and understand the concern but also think this man was terrified and in need of social services. I hope people stop exaggerating details they themselves did not witness and echo the sentiments above “I hope those people so alarmed by this take incident it to heart to go out of their way to support services for other such humans.”
Fromtheferryline September 22, 2023 (7:12 pm)

Thank you for saying this. I knew he didn’t have a weapon when it all started. I have been wondering if the machete was intended as a tool to aid his flight through a green belt rather than a weapon to harm. Regardless, I’m thankful it ended quickly and all are safe. I really hope he gets the help he needs.

Sorry, comment time is over.