CHS has learned more about the adult member of the duo police arrested after a string of armed street robberies last weekend — and a home invasion robbery in the area that could be related to the crime spree.
We have discovered details of a home invasion robbery on Capitol Hill in which a woman was robbed at gunpoint inside a Bellevue Ave E home. The March 29th incident occurred less than one block away from where the string of armed street robberies began on Saturday, April 10.
According to a SPD report on the incident, the woman was watching TV with other residents when she heard a knock on her door around 11 PM. As she unlocked the door, the woman told police that a man shoved the door, causing her to fall to the ground. The woman said a second man carrying a black gun followed the first man into the residence. The first man then put a pillow over her face and stepped on her neck. “Give me the money,” the woman said the man yelled as the man with the gun ordered the other occupants of the residence to remain on the couch.
The woman told police she agreed to give the men money and the first man allowed her to get back on her feet. The woman said she then retrieved $300 from the pocket of her coat hanging in her bedroom closet. As the first man waited for her to find her money, he also stole part of a Playstation system in her room, the woman said. The men fled the scene with the cash and the electronics, heading south on foot. According to the report, a K9 unit was not able to pick up the men’s track and a search of the area was unsuccessful. Detectives were also unable to locate any useful fingerprints from the scene. The report’s description of the suspects is limited — both are described as black males. Reviewing the archive of the police radio chatter from the incident, we have also learned that the suspect with the gun was described as 25 years old, 6-feet tall with a thin build while the other suspect was described as appearing older and standing between 5’8″ and 5’10” and wearing a black sweatshirt with skulls.
Meanwhile, CHS has learned more about the adult member of the duo arrested following last weekend’s string of three early Saturday morning street robberies. While we will not name the suspect until he is charged, we can tell you the 33-year-old has an extensive criminal record. According to court documents, the man has been booked more than 50 times since 1995 and has had more than 43 warrants issued for his arrest. He was sentenced to more than seven years in prison after getting nailed in 2006 for selling $40 of crack cocaine to an undercover cop and getting caught with another $700 worth in his pocket. His appeal of the conviction was denied in 2008. No word yet on how he ended up back on the street less than two years later.
We have also come into possession of this bulletin sent out by the Seattle Police Department to “East Precinct Block Captains/Contacts” and area hospitals last week warning of “an increasing number of street robberies the past several weeks.” CHS has requested that future bulletins be made available by SPD for us to publish on the site.
Robberies in the East Precinct
There have been an increasing number of street robberies the past several weeks. The East Precinct commander has asked the Crime Prevention staff to notify you of the crimes and to offer some street safety tips.
The majority of the crimes are occurring from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. In all but one of the robberies, the suspects have been male, race descriptions vary from white, black, hispanic or unknown. The robberies occurred precinct-wide with both male and female victims of varied races. The perpetrators either displayed weapons or implied they were armed.
How are the criminals approaching their targets? The victims are being approached by the suspect(s) who ask for the time, ask for money, ask directions, etc. and then grab the victim’s property eg. purses, cash, keys, wallets, cell phones and then they run away. Sometimes the suspects attack as they pass by the victims. Several victims have been knocked to the ground or struck during the commission of the crime.
What can you do to reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim? Strong-arm robberies or muggings are usually crimes of opportunity. Criminals scout for people who show signs of vulnerability. Before leaving home, decide what you actually need to take with you rather than taking your entire handbag or wallet. Minimize the possessions you carry. Carry valuables in an inside pocket or small bag worn under your coat or clothes.
Wear clothing and shoes that are comfortable, low profile and appropriate for the weather. The most fashionable choice may not be the safest choice.
Plan to travel on main streets that are well-lit with lots of traffic and people around. There really is safety in numbers so travel with others.
Learn to be aware of your surroundings and know who is around you. If someone makes you feel uncomfortable ask yourself, why? Are they too close? Are they watching you? Are they trying to engage you in conversation? LISTEN TO YOUR INNER FEELINGS AND ACT ON THEM. You may decide to cross the street, move to another location, go into a store or ask for help.
To minimize potential injury, tell yourself you will not risk your safety over money or other possessions. Shock and fear often cause us to react or resist when confronted. Robbers often then increase their aggression to get what they want. Most victims who are hurt in strong arm robbery incidents are hit or thrown down while playing “tug-of-war” or refusing to give up their purse or wallet.
Practice getting good descriptions of people, so that you will be able to provide details to 9-1-1. Pay attention to where you are, street names, geographic locations, etc.
Have your cell phone available to call 9-1-1 if necessary.
If a stranger asks you a question, step back and give yourself room to move away quickly if necessary.
Maintain good body language on the street, with head up and neutral face. Look at passersby. Avoid being on auto-pilot on the streets.
