West Seattle, Washington
23 Saturday
10:04 PM: Police suspect the same people are behind three incidents they’re investigating right now – all involving a vehicle described as a gray Nissan Murano SUV or something similar – first a robbery attempt at 63rd/Alki, second a carjacking (or attempt) on Admiral Way, then a robbery on Beach Drive. No other details yet except that police are pursuing what might be the suspects’ vehicle in the Alki area right now. Updates to come.
10:07 PM: The plates on the vehicle have checked to a Hyundai Santa Fe registered in South King County. The pursuit – reported at up to 90 mph – is moving up to the West Seattle Bridge.
10:10 PM: Now they’ve moved on to southbound I-5. While on the bridge they deployed “stop sticks” and are reporting that tire(s) on the suspects’ car have deflated and are shredding.
10:13 PM: They’re off the freeway and the suspects have bailed out of the car, with a foot pursuit ensuing. At least one person is in custody.
10:16 PM: They’re now reporting two in custody, one still on the run in a rail yard, described as “unknown male, black hoodie, jeans, late teens/early 20s.” They’re near the north end of Boeing Field [map].
10:38 PM: And officers have just told dispatch they’ve taken the third suspect into custody.
10:54 PM: Since this all initially happened so fast, police are now sorting out the original incidents. They’ve said it started with a robbery attempt in the 2800 block of Alki near Cactus, then the carjacking attempt near 59th/Admiral, then the robbery (or attempt) in the 5700 block of Beach Drive. They’re also trying to catch up with the victims (so if by any chance that’s you, you might consider calling 911).
11:43 PM: Two commenters note that the Beach Drive incident happened near the Menashe Family Christmas lights display. Meantime, one suspect has been described over the air as 14 years old.
TUESDAY MIDDAY UPDATE: Here’s how SPD summarized it, in response to our inquiry, including confirmation that all three suspects were booked into juvenile detention:
Police received reports of carjackings in the 2800 block of Alki Avenue Southwest, in the 3800 block of 59th Avenue Southwest, and in the 5700 block of Beach Drive Southwest around 10:00 p.m. yesterday. The victims were approached by the suspects to steal their vehicles. In all three incidents, the victims reported a firearm being involved.
SPD officers located the suspect vehicle and a pursuit ensued. Police deployed stop sticks which caused the suspect vehicle to come to a stop near the intersection of South Corgiat Drive and Ursula Place South. The suspects fled on foot and after a foot pursuit two of the three suspects were taken into custody. KCSO K9 responded to the scene and assisted with locating the third suspect. The suspect vehicle was an unreported stolen vehicle. The three male juvenile suspects were booked into the King County Child and Family Justice Center for robbery, eluding a police vehicle, and possession of a stolen motor vehicle.
Commenters below include at least two of the victims.
ADDED 12:57 PM: The three suspects have hearings in about half an hour. We’ll update.
The fireworks some set off after the Seahawks‘ Monday Night Football victory over Philadelphia (20-17) less than half an hour ago spawned some “possible gunfire” calls to 911. However, in one case, it was actual gunfire. Dispatch sent officers to a home in the Westwood area where a resident reported a bullet piercing a wall; police have reported back to dispatch that it was “confirmed bullet damage.”
MONDAY: Thanks to Alice Kuder (of Winter Wander fame) for tonight’s photo, a house on SW Barton between 32nd and 34th. If you’re looking for areas to wander in search of lights, the streets around Westwood Village have multiple pockets of holiday-spirited neighbors … and this one is among them. … Got lights to suggest? Starting tomorrow we’ll be bumping up to two homes a night – we have some in queue but there’s room for more – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
ADDED WEDNESDAY: Jeremy, who created the display, sent this photo, and notes it is music-synched:
Here’s video:
(Seattle.gov file photo)
A white Christmas is looking unlikely. But your solid-waste pickup dates will be shifting next week and the week after because of the holidays, whatever the weather, if you’re a Seattle Public Utilities customer. No pickup on the next two Mondays – Christmas Day and New Year’s Day – so everyone will shift a day later both weeks – Monday customers get Tuesday pickup, Tuesday customers get Wednesday pickup, Wednesday customers on Thursday, Thursday customers on Friday, Friday customers on Saturday. Then the week of January 8th, everything goes back to normal. SPU also reminds you that it’ll le.take trees and holiday greens for free December 26th through January 31st – guidelines are here (along with charts detailing the temporary pickup-day changes).
Two more stolen vehicles to report – both from the same apartment parking lot in Seaview, one already recovered. The report and photo are from Ryan:
Stolen – 2018 Subaru Legacy (Black)
License Plate: BGY4983, WA
Police report # 23-361064Stolen between 5 pm (12/15/2023) & 3 pm (12/17/2023) from an apartment building parking lot in West Seattle
Also stolen from the same lot, same time frame: 2006 Chevy 3500 Van (White box/bubble truck) & Black Utility Trailer (which were recovered in South Park on 12/17/2023 using GPS tracking).
(Photo courtesy THEM)
There is no more-iconic place to spend New Year’s Eve in Seattle than the Space Needle – and that’s exactly where the West Seattle band THEM will be on Sunday night, December 31. Ellie from THEM emailed us with the news that they’ll be featured on the KING 5 “New Year’s at the Needle” broadcast: “We would just love to get as many people watching the broadcast as possible! It sounds like we will be playing a few songs, right around 11:45 pm, when the fireworks/drone show start. We will be performing on the revolving glass floor right at the top of the Needle!” THEM has been ascending since debuting two years ago after forming at Mode Music Studios (WSB sponsor), when Ellie and bandmates Hudson, Maia, and Thompson were all still teenagers. If you haven’t seen/heard THEM, you can sample their music via channels including YouTube.
Still need a Christmas tree but missed Holy Rosary‘s half-price sale on Saturday? They’re closed for the season now (as is Trees by the Sea on Alki) but a few other places still have trees, including West Seattle Nursery (California/Brandon), which just sent word that they’ve cut prices on their trees by 30 percent. We’ve been keeping the tree-lot list updated in our Holiday Guide all season, so we’ll be checking on other sellers’ status later in the week.
(Reader photo sent by Caitlin)
Fans of Café Osita (7349 35th SW) – closed since the pandemic’s peak – have noticed in recent days that the paper has come off the windows and the coffee shop/eatery appeared ready to reopen. We’ve been going by often in an attempt to catch up with the proprietors, and finally were able to talk to them a short time ago. Yes, it’s indeed reopening under original ownership; they’re not sure exactly when, maybe a week or two, but they’re close. And they have plans to expand into the space next door, too, by taking down a wall – the current space will then become the kitchen. The shop had been open more than a decade before the shutdown.
Two reader reports in West Seattle Crime Watch:
STOLEN CLASSIC RED 4RUNNER: The photo and report are from Josh:
I’m hoping folks could keep a lookout for my red ‘86 4Runner that was found to be stolen this morning at 7 am. It was parked in the Seaview area, 4600 block between Raymond and Juneau. Last seen around 10 pm, believe it may’ve happened in early AM, perhaps around 4 am..
Lic # BAL5663
Has a celebrate diversity bumper sticker on back bumper; the bumper is also dented.
Back window has a Rogue Community College parking-pass sticker on it.
Driver’s-side back seat window has a Dutch Bros sticker in the form of fingers peace sign
Top of truck is sun-bleached to white.Police report was made; please call 911 if seen. Thank you so much.
CAR BREAK-IN OUTSIDE CHURCH: This report is from Liz:
I was parked in front of Fauntleroy Church and the main street (California) Sunday afternoon at 3:35-5:45 attending their Holiday Concert. I came out and got into my car and noticed the glove box open and stuff thrown about. And then I noticed the right rear passenger window had been shattered all over the back seat. Lucky I had nothing of value in the car. Now just the inconvenience of having it repaired.
(Pigeon Guillemot, photographed by Steve Bender at Jack Block Park)
Here’s what’s up for the rest of today/tonight, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and Holiday Guide:
EXTRA SHOPPING: Some local stores that aren’t usually open on Monday will be open today, with just days left in the holiday shopping season. Among them: Lauren’s Jewelry at Westwood Village (WSB sponsor), 10 am-6 pm, and Avalon Glassworks (2914 SW Avalon Way), noon-4 pm. Anyone else? Email us – westseattleblog@gmail.com – and we’ll add you!
FOR VETERANS: If you need help filing a disability claim, the DAV offers free drop-in assistance until 1 pm. (4857 Delridge Way SW)
GET CRAFTY: 6-10 pm, Monday brings “Crafting and Creativity Night” at The Missing Piece (9456 35th SW), info here.
D&D: Open D&D starts at 6:30 pm at Meeples Games (3727 California SW), all welcome, first-time players too. $5.
PRE-GAME FOOD DRIVE: West Seattle High School‘s varsity basketball teams host Newport HS tonight – girls 7 pm, boys 8:30 pm – and food donations for WSHS families in need will be collected before the games; bring nonperishable items.
COMEDY: Monthly show at Otter on the Rocks (4210 SW Admiral Way), this time with headliner Duane Goad – info and ticket link in our calendar listing.
MEDITATION ON ALKI: The Alki Dharma Community invites you to Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds) for guided meditation, discussion, and community. 7 pm.
MEDITATION IN FAUNTLEROY: Free weekly Zen sitting/meditation at the chapel at Fauntleroy UCC (9140 California SW), 7 pm-8:30 pm.
MONDAY NIGHT TRIVIA! Three weekly events – 7 and 8 pm Sporcle Pub Quiz at Three 9 Lounge (4505 39th SW); 7 pm at The Good Society (California/Lander), 7:30 pm with QuizFix at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW)
MUSIC AT THE ALLEY: Live music with The Westside Trio, 8 pm at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW), 21+, no cover.
Have a West Seattle/White Center event to add to our calendar and/or Holiday Guide? Please send info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Next year’s the big one for members of the Class of 1974 = and organizers of the West Seattle High School ’74 reunion sent this to get the word out early:
The West Seattle High School class of 1974 will be holding their 50th class reunion on May 31st, 2024 from 5-9 PM at Whisky West Bar and Grill, 6451 California Ave SW. The cost is $25 per person, of which $18 will go toward your food and drink. Checks are to be made payable to and mailed to Wayne Senter, 134 Dolphin Ave NE, Ocean Shores, WA 98569. Payment can also be made through PayPal to wsenter@aol.com. The WSHS class of ‘74 has a facebook page. Any questions can be answered by committee members there or by contacting Wayne at wsenter@aol.com.
6:01 AM: Good morning. It’s Monday, December 18, one week until Christmas.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Rain returning later today, high in the upper 40s. Today’s sunrise will be at 7:53 am, and the sun will set at 4:18 pm.
(Sunday sunrise, photographed by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)
TRANSIT UPDATES
Water Taxi – Extra runs tonight for the Seahawks game. Check the real-time map if you’re wondering where the boat is.
Metro – Regular schedule today (yes, the Water Taxi shuttles will run for the extra trips mentioned above); check advisories here.
Washington State Ferries – 2-boat service on the Triangle Route. Check alerts for changes, and use the real-time map to see where your ferry is.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Orchard), cameras are also at Delridge/Genesee, Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, and Delridge/Oregon.
High Bridge – the main camera:
High Bridge – the view from its southwest end (when SDOT points the 35th/Avalon/Fauntleroy camera that way):
Low Bridge:
1st Ave. S. Bridge – another route across the river:
Highway 99: – northbound side at Lander:
MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: See all working traffic cams citywide here, most with video options; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are on this WSB page.
BRIDGE INFO: The @SDOTBridges feed on X (ex-Twitter) shows whether the city’s movable bridges are opening for vessel traffic.
If you see a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/bay, please text or call us (when you can do that safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if applicable). Thank you!
What’s reported as a two-vehicle collision at West Marginal and Front St. [map] has resulted in what a police officer described to dispatch as a “huge” fluid slick. It’s closed northbound West Marginal at the scene, so if you’re headed out, avoid that stretch for a while.
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