West Seattle, Washington
26 Sunday
MONDAY NIGHT: The weapon-waving incident reported here wasn’t the only police response in The Junction early this afternoon. Tonight SPD released this initial summary of what officers were told started as a scuffle over a sign:
At 1337 hours, a 71-year-old victim, who is of Jewish descent, was walking along the street when he saw a sign in support of Gaza on a light pole. The victim ripped the sign off the light pole. The suspect, a male in his 30’s, was walking dogs nearby and yelled at the victim and the victim yelled back at the suspect. The suspect then approached the victim and headbutted him in the face, causing significant facial injuries and knocking him to the ground. The suspect was calling the victim a “f—ing Zionist pig” during the attack. After the suspect headbutted the victim, he began to walk away. The victim got up and yelled at the suspect, asking him what his problem was. The suspect then turned toward the victim and walked at him aggressively. The victim, fearing he was going to be assaulted again, pepper sprayed the suspect. Regardless of being pepper sprayed, the suspect was able to knock the victim to the ground, get on top of him and repeatedly punch him in his face. The suspect only stopped when on-lookers intervened. The victim believed the assault was because of his religion.
We didn’t hear any of this in realtime so we just checked the audio archives. Over the publicly monitorable air, it was dispatched simply as a fight between two men near 42nd/Alaska. If you have information, the SPD incident # is 25-299777.
TUESDAY MORNING: We requested and obtained the report narrative from SPD. It reveals that a 38-year-old suspect was arrested:
On 10/13/2025, at 1332 hours I officer xxxx was dispatched to 4203 Alaska AVE SW, for an assault call.
When I arrived, I contacted ARRESTEE who stated he was assaulted by V/VICTIM. ARRESTEE stated V/VICTIM was tearing down GAZA posters on the north end corner of California Ave SW and SW Alaska ST near the closed Starbucks.
Arrestee stated while walking his dogs, he approached V/VICTIM tearing down a Gaza poster, resulting in ARRESTEE and V/VICTIM getting into a verbal disagreement arguing with each other. ARRESTEE STATED HE and V/VICTIM walked into each other during the argument causing them both to headbutt each other, leaving ARRESTEE with a laceration above his forehead. ARRESTEE declined any medical attention, but I still dispatched fire to make an assessment. SFD E #32 responded and evaluated him on-scene.
ARRESTEE stated after the headbutt, he turned the corner and walked east on SW ALASKA ST. ARRESTEE stated as he walked down SW ALASKA ST, V/VICTIM followed him so he turned around to confront him, that’s when V/VICTIM pepper sprayed him in the face. ARRESTEE stated due to being peppered sprayed, he was unable to keep grip of the dog leashes. ARRESTEE stated he then defended himself due to being pepper sprayed and was blindly swinging his fists, which resulted in a tussle between the two. ARRESTEE stated estimated number of times he struck V/VICTIM is around two strikes.
I contacted V/VICTIM, a 71-year-old Jewish male whose mouth was covered in blood, and his lips were swollen. V/VICTIM declined multiple requests for medical attention.
V/VICTIM stated as he tore down the GAZA poster on a public light pole, he did not agree with on the corner of California Ave SW and SW Alaska ST, he was confronted by ARRESTEE who called him a ‘ZIONIST PIG’. V/VICTIM stated the two began to have an argument resulting in a back and forth between words. V/VICTIM stated ARRESTEE then walked up towards him and headbutted him in the face, causing his mouth to bleed and lips to swell knocking V/VICTIM to the ground. V/VICTIM stated after the headbutt, he walked towards A/VICTIM following him east on SW ALASKA ST’S sidewalk asking ‘why did you hit me’
V/VICTIM stated as he was attempting to get ARRESTEE’S attention, ARRESTEE turned around and walked back aggressively towards him, closing the distance. VICTIM/VICTIM stated because he was already assaulted from the initial headbutt, he feared he would be assaulted again so he pulled out his pepper spray and sprayed ARRESTEE in the face to defend himself.
V/VICTIM stated after he used his pepper spray on ARRESTEE, ARRESTEE immediately knocked him down and began punching him in the head around six times.
V/VICTIM stated he believed ARRESTEE disengaged due to the pepper spray taking effect and bystanders yelling at them.
V/VICTIM stated he believed he was attacked because he is Jewish and during the assault ARRESTEE called him a ‘Zionist PIG’.
WITNESS/1 remained on scene and was contacted. WITNESS/1 stated he only witnessed the moment V/VICTIM was on the sidewalk and ARRESTEE was standing over him, punching him in the face. WITNESS/1 stated he attempted to break up the confrontation by screaming ‘stop’ multiple times.
WITNESS/1 stated he called 911 while grabbing the dog leash due to ARRESTEE losing control of the dogs.
WITNESS/1 stated he then walked ARRESTEE towards the entrance of XXXX XXXX located at XXXX SW Alaska ST as ARRESTEE asked for water to wash his face.
WITNESS/1 believes the only reason why ARRESTEE probably stopped assaulting V/VICTIM was due to the pepper spray taking effect.
I searched the area for any possible footage but was unable to locate any. I also asked two stores for any possible witness or footage, and both said the cameras are not facing the incident’s location
After I concluded my investigation, I determined ARRESTEE assaulted V/VICTIM due his perception of V/VICTIM being Jewish. V/VICTIM believed he was targeted because he is Jewish.
I placed ARRESTEE under arrest and read his Miranda rights. Officer XXXX #8599 searched him incident to arrest and transported ARRESTEE to KCJ where he was booked for investigation of Hate Crime.
(Both parties declined medical attention)
WITNESS/1and V/VICTIM provided an audio statement that was uploaded to Axon evidence. Photos of the injuries were also uploaded to Axon evidence.
The King County Jail roster shows the suspect is still there, held for investigation of hate crime.
7:22 PM TUESDAY: He has since been released; a King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office spokesperson says that “based on available information from police so far, there is insufficient evidence to show that the defendant was targeting the victim’s religion.”
It’s not strictly a Halloween decoration … but the newest mural by West Seattle artist Desmond Hansen (whose nickname is “Graves“) certainly fits the season. Property owner John Bennett commissioned this for the east-facing side of his building on the northeast corner of California SW and SW Genesee (home to Itto’s Tapas and Salon 08, among other things), and sent us the photo. This is actually the second giant skeleton to decorate Bennett’s building; the other one also is up year-round.
Got a Halloween-season scene to share? We’re continuing to show them nightly – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Love strong coffee? These new dark-roast beans might be instrumental in your brewing routine! Frank Gross from Thunder Road Guitars (6400 California SW; WSB sponsor) shared the news (announcing it in this video too):
We launched a cool and unique collab with our friends at QED Coffee in West Seattle today.
In collaboration with our friends at QED Coffee (35th SW and SW Graham) here in West Seattle, we are pleased to bring you Thunder Roast. Big body and creamy, with hints of sweet citrus, chocolate and panela. Find this coffee in store at Thunder Road Guitars and QED Coffee in West Seattle or online at thunderroadguitars.com.
If you want to shop in person, TRG’s hours in Morgan Junction are here; QED’s hours in High Point are here.
Thanks to Keri for the photos! Today’s north wind brought a classic scene on the Alki promenade – dramatic waves hitting the seawall.
A similar north wind is in the forecast for tomorrow too. Meantime, the wind is a challenge on the open Sound just past Alki – the Vashon Island Water Taxi has canceled trips for the rest of today because of the wind. (The West Seattle Water Taxi is still running – it sails in more-protected waters.)
(Saturday photo sent by Tony Tschanz)
As reported here last Thursday, today is “soft open” day for Do Si KBBQ at 2516 Alki Avenue SW, where Duke’s closed in April. We went in to find out the plan for the coming days – sometimes “soft opens” don’t immediately precede “official” opens. But the staff told us this one does – they’re also expecting to be open tomorrow and beyond. This is an expansion; the original Do Si is in Kent. If you haven’t had KBBQ (Korean barbecue) before, it centers on a tabletop grill where diners cook their own sliced meat – you can order various combinations, including AYCE (all you can eat).
(Posted menu photo sent by Chris Kardish)
For starters, Do Si plans to open 11 am to 9 pm Mondays through Thursdays, until 10 pm Fridays-Saturdays-Sundays, and they told us they prefer reservations but will consider walk-ins.
Thanks to James Bratsanos for the view of the snow-dusted Olympic Mountains peaks seen from Alki after the weekend storm clouds lifted and departed. It’s not snowing low enough for skiing (the Stevens Pass cameras verify that) yet, but it gives us a reason to remind you that this year’s West Seattle Ski Swap is less than two weeks away. Mountain to Sound Outfitters (3602 SW Alaska; WSB sponsor) presents the Ski Swap across the street at the West Seattle VFW Hall (3601 SW Alaska), and this year’s swap starts with seller dropoffs on Friday, October 24, 2-5:30 pm (snowboards and other snowsports gear, not just skis), then two days of shopping, 10 am-5 pm Saturday and 10 am-4 pm Sunday, October 25-26. If you’re interested in selling, go here to register before pre-swap Thursday (October 23).
12:42 PM: For those asking about “all the sirens” – police were responding to reports of a man “waving around a gun” near 42nd/Alaska. He was then tracked to the 7-11 at California SW and SW Erskine, where officers report they have one person in custody. No gunfire or injuries reported.
(Added: WSB photos)
12;53 PM: According to police radio, a witness has confirmed the man in custody is the man seen at 42nd/Alaska; they have probable cause to arrest him for investigation of felony harassment (which is a catch-all for various types of threats).
1:18 PM: The suspect is being taken to the King County Jail.
ADDED TUESDAY AFTERNOON: We’ve requested and obtained the police-report narrative on this, which reveals the “gun” was a lighter:
Multiple people called 911 to report the incident and that the suspect left going Southbound.
I spoke with the victim identified as XXXX. XXXX reported that he has a business nearby and saw the suspect later identified as ARRESTEE standing outside the QFC located at 4550 42 Ave SW. ARRESTEE was yelling at people inside the store. ARRESTEE then raised what look like a firearm and pointed it toward the QFC entrance and said ” come out, I’ll shoot you.” XXXX who was standing nearby was afraid that if the gun was real ARRESTEE would start shooting and could injury people inside the store and that XXXX himself could be injured if the suspect started to shoot.
XXXX reported he was unsure if the gun was real but believed it was possible that it was, and was in fear by the comments and action of ARRESTEE while holding the realistic looking firearm.
I spoke with QFC staff who reported the suspect ARRESTEE was attempting to steal merchandise from the store. The suspect left the merchandise in the store when confronted. ARRESTEE then exited the store and started yelling at staff. Staff reported they were not in fear by ARRESTEE yelling at them.
Officers located ARRESTEE nearby at the 711 store located at 4812 Erskine Way SW. Officers who located him had witnesses in the area point out ARRESTEE as the one threatening people with a firearm. ARRESTEE was placed under arrest and officers located a lighter that resembled a handgun.
XXXX was transported to the area where ARRESTEE was being contacted by officers. XXXX positively identified him as the same suspect who was threating to shoot people outside the QFC.
ARRESTEE was identified and booked for investigation of harassment.
Multiple officers were involved in the initial contact with ARRESTEE. Please see their statements for further details.
Officer XXXX #8599 took a voluntary recorded statement from XXXX. The statement was uploaded to evidence.com
ARRESTEE was transported and booked into KCJ for investigation of harassment without further incident.
Sergeant XXXX #8366 screened the arrest on scene.
I photographed the lighter that looked like a firearm arm and uploaded the photos to evidence.com. The lighter was packaged and submitted to evidence at the Southwest Precinct.
TUESDAY NIGHT: The suspect is still in jail, bail set at $7,500, although the docket seems to show those are bail amounts from earlier unrelated cases.
(Alki this morning, photo by James Bratsanos)
Sorry to miss the usually daily event list because of this morning’s breaking news. Things to know this Indigenous Peoples’ Day/Columbus Day, besides general government closures:
SEATTLE PARKS: Here’s the list of what’s open and what’s closed.
SEATTLE PUBLIC LIBRARY: Closed.
PARKING: For Seattle city streets with paid public parking, no charge today
U.S. POSTAL SERVICE: Holiday.
WSB WEST SEATTLE EVENT CALENDAR: See today’s listings (and beyond) here. One highlight:
WEST SEATTLE HIGH SCHOOL FOOD DRIVE DROPOFFS: Today is the first of three Mondays when community members can drop off food and clothing for the drive 4-6 pm at the school’s “historic entrance” (3000 California, north side).
8:37 AM: Seattle Fire has a full response in the 8100 block of 16th SW [map]. Avoid the area.
8:40 AM: SFD describes this as a vacant building but says it’s evacuating neighbors as a precaution. Meantime, police are blocking traffic “in all directions” at the scene.
(WSB photos)
8:49 AM: Our crew has just arrived and reports plenty of smoke in the area. Photo added.
9:01 AM: Above, our crew reports heat from the fire appears to have damaged siding on a neighboring house. No injuries reported so far. Neighbors tell us they heard an “explosion” just before the fire broke out, and they say this house had a fire callout earlier this year (we’re looking that up).
9:11 AM: SFD says the fire is under control. Here’s our report on a fire at the same house in January. The archived SFD log reminds us that fire was also in the morning, with a callout just after 9 am. That fire sent two people to the hospital but so far, SFD confirms to us, no injuries related to this one.
9:38 AM: Just talked to the incident commander. They suspect a propane tank (which would explain the “explosion” neighbors report hearing). Some units are being dismissed.
6:00 AM: Good morning! It’s Monday, October 13, 2025. It’s Indigenous Peoples’ Day and Columbus Day.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
The forecast for today is sunny, breezy, upper 50s. Sunrise will be at 7:26 am; sunset, at 6:24 pm.
TRANSIT TODAY
Washington State Ferries – WSF is back to three-boat service on the Triangle Route, with M/V Kittitas, M/V Cathlamet, and M/V Issaquah. Vessel Watch will show you which boat is where; ferry alerts will update with any changes.
Water Taxi – Now on regular West Seattle service, fall/winter schedule, no more later-night service.
Metro buses – On regular schedule and routes today.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Low Bridge – Here’s the view looking west. Also note, maritime-opening info is again available via X (ex-Twitter):
1st Avenue South Bridge:
Delridge cameras: In addition to the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also at Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, Delridge/Oregon, and video-only (so you have to go to the map), Delridge/Holden and Delridge/Thistle.
MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here (including links to live video for most); for a quick scan of West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras, see this WSB page.
See a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/water? Please text or call our hotline (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!
| 135 COMMENTS