Crime 6554 results

FOLLOWUP: Here’s what’s happening one month after 15-year-old Mobarak Adam was shot to death

(WSB photos)

The memorial outside Southwest Teen Life Center/Pool lingers, one month after the January 23 shooting death of 15-year-old Mobarak Adam inside the center. Steps away from the memorial, a crew worked on the outside of the building today:

We believe, but have not yet confirmed, they were working on the new camera system promised for the center. Last night, Seattle Parks’ chief deputy superintendent Christopher Williams told the Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners that the new cameras would be in place within “a couple of weeks.” City records show an electrical permit was granted this week for installation of what the application described as “a CCTV system with 16 camera locations.” (The city website shows a similar permit was granted to a different contractor last June; we’ll be following up on why the cameras apparently weren’t installed then.)

Meantime, no new information from police; we had filed a public-records request four weeks ago for the initial report on the incident, and received a notice today that the request has been denied, with the explanation that “the records requested are associated with a case that is under active investigation and non-disclosure is essential to effective law enforcement.” (The reply invited us to try again in about six weeks.) But during Williams’ briefing at the Parks Board meeting last night, he said the city and Seattle Public Schools planned to participate in an upcoming meeting organized by the Chief Sealth International High School PTSA focusing on safety at the adjoining Chief Sealth and Denny International Middle School campuses as well as the center, pool, and stadium facilities across the street. He mentioned a tentative date in mid-March; we have checked with the Sealth PTSA and they say a date isn’t finalized yet.

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Mini-mart robbery

From our daily check of the police-call logs, one incident of note early today: An armed robbery at the Fauntleroy/Alaska gas-station mini-mart. Archived police-radio audio had limited details on this, so we asked SPD for the report narrative. At 4:51 am, “an officer was arriving at the 4500 block of Fauntleroy Way SW for an unrelated theft call. The victim met the officer outside the business and stated that an armed robbery had just occurred.” The officer was told three people – two male, one female – went into the store, with one “going behind the counter and pointing a silver/gray semi-automatic handgun at the victim and demanding the register be opened.” Between the three robbers, they took money from the register, vape products and cigarettes, and food/drink items, then got away in a vehicle parked behind nearby. According to the radio recording, it was a “blue minivan” and one robber was described in slightly more detail – a white man 45 to 50 years old, tall, medium build. When last seen, police say, the van was southbound on 35th SW from SW Alaska. If you have any information, the SPD incident # is 24-050006.

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Vandal breaks school windows

That’s one of seven windows at Hope Lutheran School‘s future north campus – the former Seattle Lutheran HS – broken by a vandal early this morning. The report and photos are from Hope’s Sally Heit, who says it happened at 1:50 am. “Repairs are underway, but needless to say it is very frustrating.”

She also sent this image of the vandal, who she says matches a photo of a person shown on social media “panhandling at the Jefferson Square Safeway with what is reported to be an aggressive dog (which you can see in the photo; he’s on the guy’s back).”

Police report # for the vandalism is 24-047421.

TUESDAY UPDATE: Here’s security video of the vandal as he threw the rock, twice.

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Another business burglary on 35th SW

After a reader tip, we went over to Super Deli Mart (35th/Barton) to check on a report they’d been broken into overnight. Indeed, the telltale broken window told the story. Part of it, anyway – staff told us that the vaping-related items stolen were worth far less than it will cost to replace the window. According to recorded dispatch audio, their security company got an alarm notification around 2:40 am. If you have any information, the SPD incident number is 24-046976.

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Crash-and-grab at a familiar location

Thanks for the tips and photo. That’s the aftermath of yet another crash-and-grab burglary (or attempt) at Global Smoke and Vape (35th/Roxbury), hit repeatedly in recent months. According to police audio, it happened just before 3:30 am; the 911 caller reported seeing two people get out of the vehicle that was used, and into a second one to get away. The vehicle left behind was radioed in as a 2015 Kia Optima that officers believed to have been an “unreported stolen” registered to someone in Auburn. We don’t know if burglars made it into the store to take anything or not. P.S. The Twitter/X call log shows police were also called to the strip mall around the same time Thursday for a suspected burglary, but we don’t have information on how that turned out.

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Inoperable white van stolen (update: found)

10:23 PM FRIDAY: Reported by Kellie via email:

Stolen 1988 Chevrolet white 1/2-ton van – not running, so it was pulled away by someone. It is covered in vinyl stickers – one says National Green Log Society with a picture of a green log and on the back doors in 10-inch purple lettering it says “hang up and drive.” Stolen from Arbor Heights area this morning.

We’re still awaiting the license plate and police report numbers, plus we’ve asked if a photo is available, but the description sounded vivid enough that you’d probably recognize this if you see it, so we’re publishing this for starters. ADDED: Plate is S019694. … SECOND ADDITION: Police report # is 24-044805.

2:13 PM SATURDAY: As noted in comments, found in Fauntleroy. Owners are aware and handling.

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Art thief steals banner from HPIC fence

Someone has stolen one of the art banners that’s been beautifying the fence around the fire-shuttered Highland Park Improvement Club. HPIC trustee Kay Kirkpatrick sent the report and images:

(HPIC fence pre-theft – the banner on the right is the one taken)

HPIC trustees are sad to alert folks that someone has stolen one of the current Art Banner pieces from our fence along SW Holden St. This happened on February 13th at some unknown time (a Valentine’s Day gift?). The artwork was part of a series that we have been displaying in collaboration with Nepantla Cultural Arts Gallery featuring themes of community and resilience, titled ART FOR BRIGHTER DAYS.

HPIC and Nepantla installed the three vibrant 5′ x 8′ banners displaying the art of three local artists: Raquel Garcia, Jake Prendez, and Rolando Avila. The art was curated by Nepantla and was installed on the construction fences facing Holden, and scheduled to remain in place indefinitely, or until the building demolition occurs.

If you happen to have seen anything, or have seen the missing panel ~ which is the piece on the right (images at bottom of poster) by Rolando Avila, please contact HPIC1919@gmail.com

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Package thief leaves item behind

The video and report are from Peter, who says this happened on 23rd SW at midday Tuesday:

He stole the package within a few minutes of delivery around 12:15. (His car looked) like a red Subaru outback with gray plastic trim.

We asked what the item left behind turned out to be; Peter said it “looked like a cover from a car headrest” and seemed new.

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Supermarket shoplift-turned-robbery

Police are searching the area around Admiral Safeway and Hiawatha after a shoplift-turned-robbery at the store. According to the dispatch, a man brandished a 2 1/2-inch folding knife at store staff while making off with an 18 pack of Modelo beer. He was last seen headed south toward Hiawatha. He’s described as Black, 19 to 20 years old, 5’6″, medium build, blue sweatshirt, tan pants. A K-9 team is joining the search.

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Two business burglaries; found safe; car prowler interrupted

Four reports in West Seattle Crime Watch, starting with two business burglaries:

CRASH-AND-GRAB BURGLARY: Just after 3 am, police responding to what was called in as a crash found out it was actually a crash-and-grab burglary, at the Morgan Junction Domino’s. No major damage, though. The safe was taken, according to staff. (Added: According to dispatch audio, the burglar[s] were in a white SUV.)

ANOTHER PIZZA BURGLARY: We don’t know what time this happened, but police were called to A Pizza Mart at 35th and Roxbury in the 8 am hour today because of the damaged door. This too turned out to be a burglary. (Thanks for the tip on this one.)

FOUND SAFE: Whether this is the Domino’s safe, we don’t know, but a reader emailed this photo and report about a dumped safe seen this afternoon south of The Junction:

They saw it “in the alley between California and 42nd, south of Edmunds.”

CAR PROWLER INTERRUPTED: Peter reported this just before 5 am – he “scared off a car prowler in a white truck in North Admiral/Schmitz Park area (55th and Charlestown). I could see them going down the street with their lights off stopping at cars and checking handles. Then they stopped at a neighbor’s truck and were checking it out before I came out and scared them off.”

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Broken car windows

Sent by a reader who signed “distressed resident of West Seattle”:

My partner’s car window was parked on Fauntleroy Way in front of the Maris Apartments last night. We woke up this morning to find the back right window smashed and a few dog walkers mentioned they had seen 3-4 other car windows smashed along the way as they were passing us.

Nothing is believed to have been stolen, which angers us even more because it feels whoever is responsible for this did this just because. We also found an interesting looking tool that may have been used to cause the break as it was sitting in the middle of the glass on the ground. It happened sometime between 10 pm and 10 am. We have filed a police report and inquired in our apartment building for potential footage.

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen pink Astro van (update: found)

ORIGINAL SATURDAY REPORT: The photo and report are from TT via email:

My 2000 Chevy Astro van was stolen between 2/8 after 7 pm and 2/9 9 am. It was parked at the Lighthouse townhomes on Delridge. She is bright pink, fuzzy pink dice hanging (if still there), pink cowboy hat on dash (again, if still there). Her name is Pinky. PLEASE HELP ME FIND HER. SPD incident #24-037546.

Call 911 if you see TT’s van.

MONDAY UPDATE: The owner has commented below that her van has been found.

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Vehicle hit by gunfire

9:38 PM: Police checking out multiple reports of suspected gunfire have just told dispatchers they’ve confirmed it – finding an SUV that was hit. It’s reported to be on 31st SW near SW Morgan. No report of any injuries.

9:51 PM: Officers also have reported finding “casings east of the intersection.”

FOLLOWUP: Southwest Teen Life Center camera-replacement timeline

(WSB photo, January 27)

After the January 23 shooting death of 15-year-old Mobarak Adam at Southwest Teen Life Center/Pool, it came to light that the security-camera system at the center had long been inoperable. Seattle Parks told us on January 29 – six days after the shooting – that the camera would be replaced. No timeline, though. Today in his latest weekly newsletter, District 1 City Councilmember Rob Saka says Parks Superintendent AP Diaz has told him the replacement will be up no later than mid-March. Meantime, no update from SPD on the investigation. Also – today was also the day that Mobarak’s sister Leyla Adam had said another protest would be held, this time, at City Hall, but we got no word of a final plan and didn’t receive a reply to our inquiries. She did speak emotionally to the Seattle Public Schools Board this past Wednesday (this link should take you to that part of the meeting video, 51 minutes in), asking for specific school-security improvements.

FOLLOWUP: Missing mailbox, month three

That’s the spot outside the West Seattle Junction Post Office where thieves stole the drive-up/ride-up/walk-up mailbox in late November. Still no replacement. USPS regional spokesperson Kim Frum told us in November that it would be replaced, but there was no timeline. We just checked in with her again – same thing: “The good news is the box is supposed to be replaced. Unfortunately, there is still no timeframe for when this will happen. We appreciate our customers’ understanding and patience. And hope to have the box replaced soon.” The mailbox that was stolen had been installed seven months earlier … described as a more-secure box than its larger predecessor. As for past replacement times … our archives note two occasions where the Westwood Village box was gone for almost four months (as well as another incident in which it was replaced within a week).

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Truck-stop holdup

12:33 AM: Police are at Shree’s Truck Stop in southeast West Seattle (7801 Detroit SW) investigating an armed robbery. The holdup happened less than half an hour ago. According to exchanges between officers and dispatch, five people held up the store; the initial description of all five was: Black, male, 17-18 years old, masks, and dark clothing, at least one with a gun. Their getaway vehicle was described as a white Nissan Sentra that left heading north. SFD was called to provide medical attention for the clerk.

12:53 AM: Officers just updated dispatch, reporting that security video shows the getaway vehicle was actually a “white Kia, no plates.”

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Intersection attack, and two stolen cars – Volvo wagon, Miata convertible

Three reader reports in West Seattle Crime Watch tonight:

INTERSECTION ATTACK: Emailed by a reader:

I was driving to an appointment in the Junction today. I stopped at the stop sign on Genesee at California. I made eye contact with a pedestrian. He approached my driver’s side window, made eye contact, and punched it quite hard. Then he moved in front of my car and lingered there. He turned to the sidewalk and finished crossing, but then came back to my car and punched the passenger’s side window hard enough to crack it. The man was white, about 60, tall, and dressed in a leather jacket with a lot of jewelry. He had sagging black jeans, and had partially covered his face. He had grey hair pulled back into a ponytail and wore a red checkered hat.

After the incident, I drove to safety, called 911, and snapped some photos of him. He walked north up California, past Dakota Place and onward. When I arrived at my appointment, I relayed the story to the women at the front desk. They said that he is known to them, and they have previously had reason to lock the door when he is in the area. Stay safe, everyone!

VOLVO WAGON STOLEN: Texted by a reader – the second theft report we’ve received this week involving an older Volvo:

Our family’s beloved ‘92 black Volvo wagon was stolen from the parking lot at Lincoln Park within the last couple of hours and we’re already heartbroken. It’s not worth a lot, but it has a lot that’s been put into it and it is our dogs’ favorite place to be – 4 dogs and a human have now grown up in it. We’d be so grateful if you would keep an eye out for this car that is only precious to us and please report it stolen if you see it anywhere … License plate is 256 RXR. I’m so angry and sad.

P.S. we have a yellow moose emblem on the front panel that is very distinctive.

Added: SPD report # is 24-036851.

MIATA CONVERTIBLE STOLEN: This photo and report are from Michael:

My beloved 1999 Mazda Miata was stolen from the intersection of 35th Ave SW and Willow St on Monday 2/5 at approx 5:45 am. On Tues 2/6 a very kind neighbor saw the car at approx 1:45 pm at the 7/11 on 35th Ave SW and Avalon by the bridge. He texted me pictures of the driver that match the grainy footage of it being stolen at dark.

My license plate is AHH7537 but it’s been removed. My police case number is 24-33954. Noteworthy features of the car are: a clear coat failure in the paint on the hood, a spare donut on the right rear wheel, and a small black antenna.

The antenna is shown in the photo; another photo the neighbor sent Michael shows the paint problem on the hood, and other recognizable dents/dings. Call 911 if you see it.

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Gunfire investigation

Police are investigating gunfire just north of Westcrest Park. After a 911 call from a home near 5th SW and SW Cloverdale, officers went to the area and have told dispatch they’ve found 25 shell casings at an intersection in the area. No injuries or property damage reported so far. The original caller was reported to have said a “silver vehicle” might have been involved.

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen red vintage Volvo

Sent by Mike, with the victim’s permission:

My buddy Kevin, who is a longtime employee at Easy Street Records and is responsible for creating every wonderful window display we’ve had in The Junction over the last few decades, had his vehicle stolen yesterday between 1 pm and 9:30 pm in the parking lot attached to Wells Fargo on Alaska and 44th Ave. Kevin is the best and I’m hoping our watchful community will keep an eye out for my friend’s car. If spotted, please call the store at 206-938-EASY (3279).

The car has a collector plate, 5813E.

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Delridge Playfield lights’ power supply hit again

Multiple readers have reported that athletic activities scheduled for Monday evening at Delridge Playfield were canceled because of theft/vandalism affecting the lights – again. We also heard from John, who sent this photo:

John, a retired electrician, explained what he saw while walking around the fields: “Damaged power pipe and cut cables. I called Seattle City Light. Tested cables. which were dead. But still connected to transformer.” That was midday Monday; John subsequently talked to an SCL crew member who, he reported,”said a high voltage crew would be called out to disconnect the cables from the transformer. The parks department will need to call out an electrical contractor to repair the cables from the service drop into the electrical main switch gear.” We’ve been waiting to hear back from Seattle Parks and City Light on a repair timetable. We’ve also asked about what’s being done to prevent recurrences (not only has this happened recently – we even found this story from more than a decade ago.)

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen black Elantra

February 5, 2024 9:49 pm
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 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Via email, another report of a stolen vehicle to watch for:

My sister’s car was stolen this weekend, off the street just outside our alleyway – Genesee between 44th Ave SW and 45th Ave SW. It was taken sometime between Friday 02/02 at 6:00 pm and Sunday 02/04 at 7:00 pm. It’s a black 2013 Hyundai Elantra with WA plates CFU2256. In terms of unique identifiers, the car has a pink rear license plate frame and an expired Texas registration sticker in the driver’s-side front windshield. The SPD incident # is 24-33676; please contact them with any information.

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen brown/orange Sierra pickup; two weekend incidents

February 5, 2024 12:04 pm
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 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Three notes in West Seattle Crime Watch:

STOLEN PICKUP: Jessica emailed this morning, hoping you can be on the lookout for her pickup:

My truck was stolen from outside my house in the Admiral District. 1989 GMC Sierra 2500, light brown with orange accents. Collector’s plate 6367F. Police report number: 24-33805

Meantime, weekend summaries made available by SPD today include these two West Seattle incidents we hadn’t previously heard about:

ALKI GUNFIRE: SPD says officers were flagged down near 62nd/Alki just after 1 am Saturday by someone reporting this incident, described as: “Four victims were involved in a verbal altercation with a male in a black SUV. Suspect in the SUV fired a single shot and then fled southbound. Evidence of the shooting was recovered.”

ASSAULTED BY INTRUDER: According to the SPD summary, this happened just before 1:30 am Sunday. The original call to the 7500 block of 21st SW was for a burglary; officers say they found someone “that the reporting party wanted removed.” That person was not arrested – until, SPD says, they assaulted an officer, resulting in a call to SFD for medical assistance, after which, the summary continues, “the suspect then assaulted a Medic, an AMR crewmember, and another officer.” We’re following up. ADDED: SFD tells us, “Medics were called in to assist AMR with a patient. One SFD medic and an SPD officer were treated for assault.” The suspect, however, was the only one who had to be taken to the hospital, a man in his late 20s.

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen white work van

February 4, 2024 10:29 pm
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 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Reported tonight by Jenny via email – this van was taken overnight from an apartment parking lot off Fauntleroy Way north of Fairmount Park:

It’s a white Chevrolet van, with ladders on top when taken; plates BFB7562, SPD report number 24-32912. Call 911 if you see it.