WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Street robbery in The Junction

5:20 PM: Police are in The Junction to look for a suspect in a reported armed robbery. It reportedly happened in one of the parking lots west of the 4500 block of California. The robber is described as an Asian man, late teens/early 20s, 5’10”, thin, short hair, in a “tan or gold sedan.” Officers were having a tough time finding the victim but are reported to have finally connected.

5:34 PM: Circumstances of the robbery haven’t been discussed over the air except that the victim is female and the robber is reported to have gotten away with debit or credit cards that they’re trying to use. This is the second Junction street robbery reported in less than a week, after the holdup at the Wells Fargo ATM last Wednesday evening.

Lucy June 3, 2025 (6:15 pm)

Carry pepper spray. Always.

Stand up for the community June 3, 2025 (7:05 pm)

So, same description (Asian man) as last week’s ATM armed robbery in the same part of town. Targeting single women for cash or cards IN BROAD DAYLIGHT. There are surveillance cameras everywhere, and definitely witnesses. People who target women are sick, disgusting, and cowardly people. Maybe for once people can come together to figure this out? Or are you all going to wait until an important woman in your life gets robbed too?

Oerthehillz June 3, 2025 (7:56 pm)

And what do you suggest we do. Arm ourselves?
- Mike June 3, 2025 (10:01 pm)
  
  “And what do you suggest we do. Arm ourselves?” You’re not? Yikes… I don’t recommend the vigilante route, but you should definitely consider your own self protection (including training and lots of dry run practice) and protection of your family. Give yourself any possible upper hand you can.
- Rob June 4, 2025 (7:38 am)
  
  Yes.
- AC June 4, 2025 (9:38 am)
  
  Yes! That would be an excellent idea! Too bad our collective governments have been trying their hardest to make sure only criminals can have effective weapons. Good job, guys
  
  If only there was some piece of technology we could develop to give to our weaker members of society so they can defend themselves against bullies.. if only
Ferns June 3, 2025 (8:43 pm)

I understand crime stirs up strong feelings of injustice. However the assailant is described as ARMED. I’d rather trained professionals deal with dangerous criminals. You of course are welcome to “patrol” this public area if you wish. Be careful.
Proud CWP holder June 4, 2025 (7:33 am)

As a woman with two small children I do not leave the house without conceal carrying these days. I hate guns, I lost my uncle and nephew to suicide by gun, but I REFUSE to be a victim. So yes. I’ll arm myself and protect me, my children or anyone else around me that needs it.
- Pinto June 4, 2025 (1:13 pm)
  
  Guns are the leading cause of death for children ages one to 17. Accidental shootings in homes with guns are more common than gun owners using the gun to defend themselves. Personally, if I see somebody in public with a firearm I feel less safe. I don’t care if their intent would be to use it to save my life. I think people who carry are paranoid and reactionary

Stephanie June 3, 2025 (8:48 pm)

Did they catch him? It was right behind my work.

Victim 1 June 3, 2025 (8:57 pm)

I was the individual robbed last week. Previous report had it wrong. I’m a guy (at least, the last time I checked?). There were two individuals who got out of the vehicle (possibly a 3rd that stayed in the car). Wells Fargo 100% has the footage since they got out of the car in front of the camera that faces the parking lot. The person that took the lead had a pistol and cocked it as he asked me for the money I just withdrew. He was Asian, similar description to this, but he had shoulder length hair. The other individual had a gaiter fully covering his face, but I think he was black (but perhaps he was just wearing black gloves). They got away in a silver/grey kia. I reached out to Wells Fargo the next day to chat with the manager, but I never got a call back. Instead I drove to the Wells Fargo to ensure the footage wasn’t recorded over, but the manager wasn’t around, and was told that they’re sure that they take a while to be recorded over. Presumably, SPD has/will subpoena the footage and they’ll go from there. To reiterate, it’s very difficult for me to imagine that they won’t have an image of the Asian guy from the WF footage.

Concerned Neighbor June 3, 2025 (9:13 pm)

I’m glad that you’re safe, Victim 1. And I hope that Wells Fargo takes proactive measures to work with SPD to keep our community safe.
WSB June 3, 2025 (9:20 pm)

Thanks for telling your story, V1. Referring back to the SPD brief, it makes no mention of victim gender now so either it’s been corrected or I made an error. Updating above.
- Victim 1 June 3, 2025 (9:38 pm)
  
  In SPDs defence, there was SPD on scene within 2/3 minutes of me calling 911. By the end of my conversation with the officers who took my statement, there were about 5 police interceptors on site, and no less than 8 officers.Happy to answer other questions if needed!
  - Westsidegirl June 5, 2025 (9:20 am)
    
    Thanks for writing in and giving its information to our community. I’m sorry that this happened to you and I think you’re doing all the right things to get those people caught.. also thanks to SPD for getting there quickly… requiring a copy of the surveillance video… and doing a good job ❤️