VIDEO: SPD officer who rescued children kidnapped in West Seattle gets department’s Medal of Courage

That Seattle Police video published today tells the story of why Officer Albert Khandzhayan got the department’s “Medal of Courage” for an incident that began in West Seattle. We reported on it the morning it happened – May 3, 2025 – though it got little other attention as it happened on a Saturday morning and was over relatively quickly. It started north of The Junction with a scene that terrified onlookers, not to mention the mom and children involved – her ex-boyfriend breaking out the window of her car, pulling her out, and driving away with the children. Officer Khandzhayan rescued them – and arrested him – in Boulevard Park.

Odd son April 15, 2026 (7:09 pm)

Thank you Officer.

Workdowntown April 15, 2026 (7:48 pm)

Best story I’ve heard today!!

Higginshere April 15, 2026 (7:51 pm)

Thank you, officer, Khandzhayan! Your keen observation, tenacity, and professionalism are comforting and much appreciated.

alkiannie April 15, 2026 (8:30 pm)

I’m sobbing, this is so moving. I think what gets me the most is the officer’s cool head and compassion even for the wrongdoer. My Lord, there was a *baby* that SUV. A man broke a car window and grabbed a baby in a carrier.

Barb April 15, 2026 (9:39 pm)

Thank you for a very courageous rescue Officer Khandzhayan! And thank you SPD for recognizing his outstanding bravery. Always heartening to hear good news.

Mkl April 15, 2026 (9:56 pm)

That is a remarkable story! What a stellar combination of savvy policing, incredible instincts and a heroic chase. I hope Mom and the kids were able to find some peace, rather than worrying that the suspect was out somewhere waiting to for another chance.

Ronald April 15, 2026 (10:25 pm)

That’s our SPD. The SFD deserves a shout out as well for the job they do, everyday.Thank you both…

HS April 16, 2026 (10:48 am)

Wow. That was pretty incredible to watch. Just another thank you from someone living in the community.

anonyme April 16, 2026 (1:50 pm)

OMG. Great job Officer Khandzhayan, as well as the other officers involved. Those poor kids must have been so terrified. I hope the boyfriend is in jail for a loooong time, but unfortunately, even in this day and age, domestic violence is not treated nearly as seriously as it should be. IMO, DV is a form of terrorism.