Early Friday morning, a West Seattle smoke shop was the target of a smash-and-grab burglary involving a stolen vehicle used to ram into the storefront. According to the Seattle Police Department Blotter, at around 3:29 a.m., an alarm alerted authorities to the situation unfolding in the 4800 block of California Avenue Southwest. They arrived to discover a gold Kia, later confirmed to have been stolen from within the city, abandoned and embedded in the shattered remains of the business's entrance.
A witness reported seeing six masked men approach in two separate vehicles and then proceed to quickly make forcible entry using the Kia. "One suspect drove the Kia into the building. Five of the suspects entered the store and began grabbing merchandise while the sixth stood lookout," the witness detailed in the report released by SPD Blotter. The gang of burglars sped away northbound on California Avenue Southwest in a second, silver vehicle shortly before police arrived, managing to evade immediate capture.
The violent entry caused severe damage, leaving behind a wrecked security gate and broken windows. Despite the havoc wreaked during the height of this criminal act, the officers quickly secured the scene, and no injuries were reported at the time of the incident.
The Seattle Police Department's General Investigations Unit has since taken the lead on this case. They are actively seeking any additional witnesses or information that could potentially aid in the apprehension of the suspects involved. The department urges individuals who might have insights into the crime to step forward and contact the Seattle Police Violent Crimes Tip Line at (206) 233-5000, to possibly help piece together remaining details of the early morning theft.
