WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Suspect in jail after short-lived fire-engine theft

A 22-year-old man is in the King County Jail for the ninth time in nine months after his arrest early today following a short-lived fire-engine theft in West Seattle. According to information we’ve obtained from SFD and SPD, an SFD engine was on a medical call at the Arrowhead Gardens senior-living complex, dispatched just after 3 am, when “a witness called regarding a man that reportedly rode a scooter up to a Fire Engine, entered it, and drove away with lights and sirens activated.” He didn’t get far, police say: “After starting the vehicle, (the thief) failed to deactivate the parking brake and was only able to drive around the corner.” Police arrested the suspect a short time later. SFD adds, “The engine was quickly returned to the crew, and the patient received the care they needed.” (The SFD incident log shows it would have been South Park-based Engine 26.) The suspect was booked into jail for investigation of vehicle theft. The jail log shows he has eight previous bookings dating back to last October – most ranging from two to five days at a time, except for the most recent, from June 20th to July 1st, related to two stolen-vehicle cases in which he was charged last year; we haven’t dug through the case-specific documents yet but both of those cases appear to be still making their way through the system, with hearings in early August. Court files do not appear to show any felony convictions on his record.

flimflam July 24, 2024 (2:11 pm)

Ooh how many days will he spend in jail THIS time? Two? Three?

WSB July 24, 2024 (3:31 pm)

Among other things, depends on whether police refer the case in time for rush charging, and then what happens from there. I don’t know if there were any warrants out for him, have to download a sheaf of court documents from the previous cases.

WSCurmudgeon July 24, 2024 (2:51 pm)

This guy could be rehabilitated to work as a repo man. With timing such as he has demonstrated, he could become a “hall of famer.

C July 24, 2024 (2:56 pm)

When does it go from vehicle theft to actual community endangerment seeing as he stole a vehicle he wasn’t fit to drive, AND it’s a medical and fire safety vehicle so he’s impeding care for anyone who may be relying on SFD?

bill July 24, 2024 (3:04 pm)

Ninth time in jail in nine months. Makes sense he couldn’t figure out the parking brake. I want to hear how he planned to get away in a stolen fire engine. That’s not a vehicle that will blend in to traffic, right?

waikikigirl July 24, 2024 (3:25 pm)

Just when you think you’ve heard it all!

WS J July 24, 2024 (3:27 pm)

How are you gonna steal a fire truck, that is helping someone in need smh 🤦🏽

Brian July 24, 2024 (3:33 pm)

Allow me to introduce you to a new character I’m designing called “The Regretful Arsonist”.

Thomas July 24, 2024 (3:39 pm)

If its true that the majority of crimes are committed by a minority of people Why do we keep releasing them to commit more crimes?Nine arrests since October,when does the judicial system understand there is no help for him.

flimflam July 24, 2024 (7:23 pm)

Great question. For whatever reason it seems like these are the exact rerererepeat offenders that are always let out to repeat offend some more.

Alki resident July 24, 2024 (3:39 pm)

If he had crashed it, we’d be out of a truck for awhile. I’m sure he’s already out since it wasn’t a violent offense.

WSB July 24, 2024 (3:47 pm)

No, he’s not. This is a felony. If you’re confusing this with yesterday’s story, that has to do with misdemeanors. Most likely his bail/probable cause hearing won’t even be until tomorrow.
- Alki resident July 24, 2024 (4:37 pm)
  
  Not sure about yesterday’s story. I’m glad this’ll be a felony and they’re keeping him then. Too much revolving door at the jail.

anonyme July 24, 2024 (4:06 pm)

There must (should) be some mechanism by which a criminal on an ongoing crime spree can be detained for more than two days.

Erik July 24, 2024 (5:01 pm)

This is almost comical…why try to steal one of the most recognizable vehicles out there? 😂

Catch and Release Kills July 24, 2024 (5:05 pm)

Thank God he couldn’t get the parking brake released as he could’ve mowed-down people with that giant truck.

Enable July 24, 2024 (5:41 pm)

Could this have been prevented by the SFD not leaving the keys in the ignition when absent from their SFD fire-engine?

drahcir61 July 24, 2024 (6:10 pm)

He “drove away with lights and sirens activated” … and he still has NO IDEA why he keeps getting caught. lol

Mike July 24, 2024 (6:21 pm)

Write or call your local representative in government at all levels to voice your concern. Vote accordingly.

Derp July 24, 2024 (11:25 pm)

Would you care to elaborate on your “voting” comment. If it is for the judges, good luck. Most run unopposed and are going by what the legislation is set forth.

1994 July 24, 2024 (9:01 pm)

Guy needs some day to day supervision. He does not seem able to live independently without messing up & going to jail.

MK July 24, 2024 (10:24 pm)

Random, but how was he able to steal it so easily? Is it the protocol to keep it unlocked with keys inside?

Hammer in Hand July 25, 2024 (6:38 am)

Simply answer is yes that is protocol

Jim P. July 24, 2024 (10:57 pm)

Tampering/stealing public safety equipment endangers lives and needs to be treated very seriously. Even if he is mentally challenged, this cannot be allowed to continue or someone may die or lose their home or business. Even a short delay can cost lives or let a fire grow out of hand.