WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Police searching after two 7-Eleven robberies minutes apart

12:58 AM: Police are converging on the 16th SW/SW Holden 7-Eleven in Highland Park after a reported armed robbery. The clerk told them the robber said he had a gun and demanded register access. The description they’ve broadcast on police radio so far: White man, 20s, 5’6″, blue face mask, striped hat that says “Timberland,” black puffy jacket, black pants, possibly left on foot westbound on SW Holden. They say the clerk was not hurt. (Added: SPD incident # 26-104478)

1:04 AM: Moments later, there’s word of a robbery at the 4312 SW Admiral Way 7-Eleven too. The dispatcher reports “a language barrier” has prevented them from getting any description yet beyond “Black male, black mask, all-black clothing … ran northbound on 44th …” SPD is getting help from two King County Sheriff’s Office K-9 teams. (Added: SPD incident # 26-104483)

1:29 AM: Now there’s also been a robbery in the South Precinct jurisdiction; police are working to warn other convenience stores. (One of those, the 35th/Avalon 7-Eleven, is reported to have closed as a precaution.)

Anonymous April 17, 2026 (9:37 am)

My elderly grandmother was walking in that area and someone tried to rob her as she was crossing the intersection

GET...them! April 17, 2026 (10:00 am)

This is just outrageous and ridiculous that we live in a city that has this much robberies and gun and stabbing activities! We need to get serious about crime here… and personally I vote to get those cameras operational to read license plates(it does help). This is SCARY and INSANE that this is allowed to take place. This has to stop.!!!!

Ditto April 17, 2026 (11:42 am)

Reply

Agreed. I am as concerned with privacy and a surveillance state as the next person, however, there are trade-offs that can be made (with appropriate input and review). For those petrified of being caught on street cameras or having their license plates occasionally picked up by a reader, I hope you are also ok with criminals robbing/vandalizing every business in this community, having gun fights in the streets, and robbing your grandmothers on the sidewalk. We can live in a liberal democracy and have safe streets. Those concepts are not mutually exclusive.
Don't trade privacy for fake security April 17, 2026 (12:33 pm)

Reply

Data does not support the case that cameras would prevent armed robberies. But the surveillance state definitely is used against regular innocent people. Cameras and giving up our privacy should only be used if we can constrain their use and prevent their misuse. So far, the United States has basically zero privacy protection. We should not be giving up our civil rights for fake security.
- Marcus April 17, 2026 (6:36 pm)
  
  Reply
  
  I do not believe that cameras DO NOT decrease crime and aid in apprehension. Law enforcement all over the country asks for home cameras and videos to identify criminal behavior. Not to mention so many homeowners have the most basic surveillance call door bell cameras. The studies you may believe are biased toward anti-surveillance measures. Give it up and stop promoting these false truths.
  - 1994 April 17, 2026 (10:25 pm)
    
    Reply
    
    Cameras can’t stop crime but they help solve crime! The man who was run down & killed by a car driver on 15th & Roxbury about 2 -3 years ago was solved by cameras. Yes, cameras help solve crime. That driver was caught & arrested for the hit & kill.

M April 17, 2026 (11:29 am)

After spending a lot more time in NYC lately, I feel ALOT safer in New York than I do back at home in Seattle.

Jake April 17, 2026 (12:54 pm)

Reply

Maybe if Katie was more like Zohran we’d have a safer and more thriving city.
- bill April 17, 2026 (10:18 pm)
  
  Reply
  
  Are you seriously contending Mamdani magically turned New York City around in four months?

Erik April 17, 2026 (11:56 am)

Thats unfortunate. I feel like the Admiral 711 is targeted less than the others. Their employees are so nice. Sad that they are targeted for robberies like that.

Emperor’s New Clothes April 17, 2026 (7:48 pm)

Reply

As the old quote goes, “Nothing good happens after 11pm.”

If I were Mayor, I would impose a curfew on all 24 hr convenience stores to close by 10pm. It would probably reduce crime in WS by 10%. I’m half joking of course but seriously, does WS really need seven 7-11 stores in its boundaries? It’s nuts.
- bolo April 19, 2026 (11:28 am)
  
  Reply
  
  Wasn’t 7-11 named for their original hours of operation?
  - WSB April 19, 2026 (12:42 pm)
    
    Reply
    
    Yes!

Insertname April 17, 2026 (8:07 pm)

In regards to the surveillance issue, I just assume that I’m always being filmed. I don’t worry about it because I’m not robbing, assaulting, stealing, or engaging in things that I shouldn’t be. If cameras help to solve or end these types of crimes, I’m all for them.

Just thinking April 18, 2026 (1:03 pm)

Sad things are the way they are.

Sillygoose April 19, 2026 (7:04 pm)

Our community is in a crime crisis, with the shortage of officers I am 100% all in for cameras everywhere. It is my understanding they aren’t monitored. If a crime occurs then footage is reviewed for information. As for 7-11 these are all privately owned and its really sad their employees aren’t safe. Build a bullet proof booth.