Seattle police say a 17-year-old is in custody after a multi-city robbery spree that rattled small businesses across King and Pierce counties, left workers shaken, and in some cases forced shops to shut their doors for days.
According to the Seattle Police Department, the investigation kicked off after a May 31 holdup at a gas station in the 7200 block of Aurora Avenue North. Detectives say a suspect wearing a yellow-and-pink face mask and a dark blue jacket demanded cash at gunpoint, punched a 68-year-old customer, then ran off with about $100. Surveillance video and other evidence later helped tie that north Seattle robbery to a pattern of similar stickups at convenience stores and beauty-supply shops in Lakewood, Issaquah, Bellevue and Seattle. A 17-year-old boy was arrested, and investigators say the case is still very much active as they track additional leads.
“ They were targeting businesses from Lakewood, to Issaquah, to Bellevue, to Seattle,” Sgt. Brian Whicker said, adding that the suspects “caused significant trauma” by storming in armed and pointing guns at people, according to the Seattle Police Department blotter. Seattle police say they are coordinating closely with investigators from the Bellevue, Renton, Kent, Lakewood and Issaquah police departments as the case unfolds. Anyone with information is asked to call the SPD tip line at 206-233-5000.
How investigators linked the cases
Investigators say a combined review of surveillance footage, witness accounts and tips shared across city lines helped them zero in on a small group of youths believed to be behind the string of robberies, per the Seattle Police Department. Officials are not releasing the arrested teen’s name, citing his age and the fact that the investigation is still ongoing.
What police are asking from the public
Detectives are asking anyone who noticed suspicious activity around convenience stores or beauty-supply shops in late May and June to save any video they have and call the SPD Crime Tip Line at 206-233-5000. They say even brief clips, including doorbell camera footage or dash-cam video, could help them map where the suspects were before and after each robbery.
Next steps for the probe
Seattle police say more arrests or additional charges are possible as detectives continue to chase down tips and coordinate evidence with partner agencies across King and Pierce counties. Business owners are being urged to comb through their surveillance recordings and contact investigators if they spot anything that matches descriptions in the department’s bulletin.
