Seattle's Greenwood neighborhood witnessed a dramatic break-in early Monday, as thieves drove a stolen vehicle straight through the front of a local smoke shop, according to the Seattle Police Department's Blotter. Witnesses reported a group of four masked individuals who executed the smash-and-grab burglary; after slamming a black Hyundai into the store, they entered, scooped up merchandise, and made their escape, leaving behind a scene of destruction.
Responding to a collision alert at 2:26 a.m. in the 100 block of North 85th Street, police found an abandoned Hyundai at the scene, clearly tied to the crash, as per the SPD. The impact left a damaged bollard, a shattered entrance, and a compromised security system. Investigators determined the incident was not just a crash, but a planned burglary. A lone witness reported seeing masked suspects carry out the swift break-in.
The damaged storefront is now cordoned off, while the suspects remain at large after fleeing eastbound on North 85th Street in two vehicles, leaving the stolen Hyundai behind at the smoke shop, as reported by the SPD. The General Investigations Unit is leading the case, working to piece together the limited evidence left behind. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Seattle Police Violent Crimes Tip Line at (206) 233-5000.
