WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Bank robbery in The Junction

Thanks for the tips. Here’s what we’ve found out about why the Guardian One helicopter was circling The Junction for a while this past hour: A robbery at Sound Credit Union (4730 California SW), which is temporarily closed as a result.

The robber was described as a white man in his 30s, 5’8″, heavy build, black baseball cap and maroon shirt “over a long-sleeved shirt,” glasses, jeans, yellow shoes; a second person possibly acting as a lookout was described as a white man in his 30s with a white bucket or captain’s hat, red or pink face mask, gray shirt with a Playboy logo, jeans, black shoes. They were last seen in the alley behind the west-side businesses on California between Alaska and Edmunds. The dispatcher was told the robber didn’t show a weapon but presented a note threatening harm. (added) This is at least the third time this branch has been held up this year; our archives show previous robberies in February and in April.

Michelle September 5, 2023 (2:29 pm)

There’ s an active “severe trauma” call at 6327 California – related?

WSB September 5, 2023 (2:37 pm)

Nope.

Charlie September 5, 2023 (3:04 pm)

I was in there when it happened. Didn’t even realize what happened until they sprinted out.

omg September 5, 2023 (3:06 pm)

Did they FIND HIM?????????????

WSB September 5, 2023 (3:12 pm)

I would have included that information if someone had been arrested. No word of an arrest so far.
- omg September 5, 2023 (3:22 pm)
  
  Sorry, not frustrated with you, just freaked out, I live in that building along the alley.

balderdash September 5, 2023 (3:41 pm)

three times this year..

oerthehillz September 5, 2023 (5:03 pm)

This bank should consider moving. This branch is extremely vulnerable the way it’s set up, and if you’ve ever been inside you can see that the tellers are not supported by staff in the way that they’re off to the side doing their thing. Yes, cameras may be working, but it’s just not the same. I worked in banks for a decade or so and the operations area always faced the teller lines for safety.

David September 5, 2023 (6:40 pm)

The tellers are behind bullet resistant glass – what more protection do they need?
- oerthehillz September 5, 2023 (8:21 pm)
  
  It’s not just about the bullet proof glass. It’s about communication with their supervisors and other eyes on the customers. I’ve been in and out of that branch and not once has anyone in the office area ever come out or looked up to see who’s in the lobby.
  - Charlie September 5, 2023 (9:42 pm)
    
    There isn’t a lobby in that branch. Tellers are less than 10 ft from the door.
- Jay September 6, 2023 (8:32 am)
  
  That’s actually part of why they’re a target, it’s a traditional branch. Verity is never going to get robbed.
West Seattle Mad Sci Guy September 5, 2023 (9:23 pm)

Former bank teller. Robberies without acts of violence are more annoying than a big deal. You hand the money. Try to get them to leave. Press a button and have annoying interviews and paperwork about what happened. Can’t speak for everyone, but if they’re just handing a note and taking a small amount of money it isn’t worth considering permanently closing or moving a branch over. They aren’t usually like the movie Heat or The Dark Knight.I actually have some robbery stories that are funny / cute in retrospect.
Curious September 5, 2023 (9:50 pm)

I came here wondering what about this particular bank made it a target – thanks for explaining.

Star55 September 5, 2023 (5:18 pm)

Bring back the bike cops. Thanks to defund the police we lost them.

CAM September 5, 2023 (9:34 pm)

No you didn’t. There was no defunding. SPDs budget has not been cut and their budgeted positions have not been cut.
- AC September 6, 2023 (3:52 am)
  
  The constant declarations that there was no actual defunding are trite. The facts are that SPD staffing levels have dropped by the hundreds since 2020, prior to which, many (ironically even Herbold) had acknowledged a need for increased funding and staffing in certain departments. If the people controlling the budget for my department then indicated they were on board with defunding it by 50%, I would have started looking for work elsewhere the next day too, not wait around for the other shoe to drop. Acting like the council played no part in reduced police staffing (and making the jobs of the remaining officers that much harder) is just burying your head in the sand.
  - Pauline September 6, 2023 (8:59 am)
    
    Last time I check they approved for increased for 2023 lol. $355.5 million so
  - David September 6, 2023 (10:32 am)
    
    The staffing dropped significantly during the pandemic as many quit when they were told to get vaccinated
Peter September 5, 2023 (10:20 pm)

Your lies have no power here.
Jeff September 6, 2023 (10:43 am)

Why do these posts keep happening. Police was never defunded. Stop perpetuating lies.

Millie September 5, 2023 (9:11 pm)

Cameras, bullet proof glass, or any other safety precaution are great, however, it is still a traumatic experience and should be treated as such. I am sure Sound Credit Union has policies/procedures to address employee well-being. As a “retired” Credit Union Board member (not Sound) my heart-felt concern is for the employees. I am also concerned with the ever-increasing theft, vandalism, and violence in our country. Rhetorical question – what is happening to us?

Not Rhetorical September 5, 2023 (9:23 pm)

A generation raised by violent video games?
- CAM September 5, 2023 (9:35 pm)
  
  For which there is no connection to increased risk for crime or violence whatsoever despite what politicians told you in the 90s.
- Peter September 5, 2023 (10:24 pm)
  
  There is not a single shred of credible evidence that video games contribute to violence or any crime in the real world. You’re just spewing repeatedly debunked lies.
- Jeff September 6, 2023 (10:45 am)
  
  Generations (multiple) raised by gun culture (TV shows, games, constant promotion in the media of all forms)
- uncle loco September 6, 2023 (4:15 pm)
  
  I blame heavy metal music.
  - Ozzy September 11, 2023 (4:18 pm)
    
    Black Sabbath and Dio in particular. /s