About that circling airplane over northeast West Seattle

11:08 PM: Thanks for all the tips/questions. That small plane is “Smokey,” the State Patrol’s air presence, and it’s looking for someone wanted for eluding, focused right now near Harbor/Spokane. (That’s according to an FYI on SPD radio.)

11:15 PM: The WSP plane has moved on. The car they were looking for was described only as a gray 4-door Mercedes; we don’t know the status of the search.

Scott Ulrich January 30, 2026 (11:11 pm)

Thank you, was wondering myself!!

Tom January 30, 2026 (11:13 pm)

It’s weird watching it circling circling circling. We were trying to figure out what was going on and naturally, WSB has the answer!

Sarah in Admiral January 30, 2026 (11:15 pm)

It’s so handy when you answer my questions right when I’m wondering about them. Appreciate this blog so much!

Andee January 30, 2026 (11:15 pm)

That plane is circling right over our house right now, and of course we turned to the blog to see what was going on and you guys had already reported on it! You guys are amazing and a huge part of why the West Seattle community is the best. Thank you!!