UPDATE: Police standoff in Arbor Heights

| Arbor Heights | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

11:27 PM: After a vehicle went into a yard in the 10200 block of 31st SW in Arbor Heights, police tried to get the driver to come out. He was reported to have a gun and a dog, and was not responding to commands to come out. So after trying for a while, including loudspeaker calls, police have called in negotiators and SWAT. Thanks to all the neighbors who’ve texted tips and photos (206-293-6302 any time); one neighbor describes the vehicle as a “white Chrysler 300”). We’re not clear on the driver’s status; we heard “passed out” at one point. We’re continuing to monitor.

11:44 PM: It does sound as if he’s passed out but showing signs of life. Meantime, they report “the dog is aggressive” but they’ve managed to seize the gun.

12:06 AM: The man is now reported to be out of the car and in custody. SFD medics will be checking him out. (And police have been figuring out how to have the dog cared for.)

ADDED SUNDAY NIGHT: This incident is featured on SPD Blotter tonight, with some additional information:

Police arrived around 10:00 p.m. in the 10200 block of 31st Avenue Southwest. They found a white Chrysler 300 sedan had backed into a tree. Inside the vehicle was the driver and a large dog.

When officers initially contacted the driver, he had difficulty staying awake. During this contact, police noticed he had a handgun in his coat pocket. In addition, the Pit bull started becoming aggressive within the vehicle.

Officers attempted to call out the driver from the vehicle, but he did not comply. More resources arrived on the scene to assist with taking the suspect driver into custody.

After SWAT and HNT responded to the location, the firearm and dog were secured first, then the suspect was taken into custody.

The firearm recovered was a loaded handgun with an extended magazine.

(SPD photo)

Prior to being booked into King County Jail, police obtained a blood warrant for the DUI investigation. The 41-year-old male suspect was arrested for unlawful possession of firearm, possession of a stolen vehicle, and driving under the influence.

Greystreet October 20, 2023 (11:33 pm)

This is how it started, noticed the vehicle in front of our house which was bizarre, we went outside and it slowly started backing up, we moved away from windows and the car hit our neighbors tree. At that point I called 911…police keep announcing for the occupant to leave the vehicle, while neighborhood peaking through windows…unnerving and I hope they act soon.

Rhonda October 20, 2023 (11:43 pm)

This is a block away from us. Seems like a very tense negotiation. I’m relieved to see SPD swarm the neighborhood.

Arbor Heights Neighbor October 20, 2023 (11:46 pm)

This same car was parked in the street (lights on, running) further up where 31st curves into 102nd between 9:00 and 9:30. I hope the situation will be resolved safely soon.

EJ October 20, 2023 (11:52 pm)

Explains all the lights and sirens I’m seeing screaming south down 35th 🙄

J October 21, 2023 (12:19 am)

Thank you for reporting on this!

Ab October 21, 2023 (12:45 am)

What a scary situation for the pup hope it’s ok.

Terry October 21, 2023 (7:35 am)

Hope his dogs alright

Annaeileen October 21, 2023 (8:12 am)

I heard the loudspeaker and wondered. Poor dog, probably scared too. Thanks for quick reporting!

Richard October 21, 2023 (10:21 am)

how was it known there was a gun? from all the solid evidence as of now, it sounds like this person went through something like a diabetic episode.

WSB October 21, 2023 (10:29 am)

Visible in the car.
Alki resident October 21, 2023 (10:38 am)

He could’ve been drunk or overdosing or nodded off from fentanyl. They would’ve ran his plate at the very beginning and known who he was if it wasn’t stolen.
- AH Neighbor October 22, 2023 (6:50 am)
  
  The police officers said the vehicle was stolen.