A pickup truck rammed through the front entrance of a Lynnwood jewelry store Tuesday afternoon as multiple suspects attempted a robbery, and an employee inside fired a weapon at them. No injuries to store employees were reported, and the suspects fled the scene in two separate vehicles.
The target was Medina Jewelers, located in Suite A of Lynngate Plaza at 6501 196th Street SW, a shop specializing in custom fine jewelry imported from Dubai and Turkish designers, including 14k, 18k, 21k, and 24k gold sets, according to the Lynnwood Times. Lynnwood police responded to a report of an armed robbery with shots fired at approximately 12:26 p.m. Tuesday, per the same outlet. FOX 13 Seattle reports that the store owner fired a weapon at the suspects during the confrontation.
Suspects Scattered in Two Vehicles
Per Lynnwood police, the suspects fled in two separate vehicles — a black SUV and a silver sedan. Investigators have not determined whether any suspects were struck by gunfire during the exchange, according to police. Lynnwood police are asking anyone with information or surveillance footage of the incident to contact them at [email protected], and the department said it will release additional information as it becomes available.
The store is in Lynngate Plaza along 196th Street SW in Lynnwood.
Part of a Regional Pattern of Jewelry Heists
A Prior West Seattle Jewelry Heist In August 2025, four masked suspects used hammers and bear spray in a 90-second robbery in West Seattle, stealing an estimated $2 million in goods, according to the Seattle Police Department Blotter. On Oct. 16, 2025, Renton police arrested a 29-year-old suspect, and Seattle detectives were involved in the investigation. The blotter post says the suspect was arrested for multiple smash-and-grab robberies.
What Washington Law Says About Self-Defense
The shooting raises questions about whether the employee's use of deadly force met Washington's legal standards for self-defense. Under RCW 9A.16.020, physical force is lawful when used by someone about to be injured or in defense of property, provided the force is not greater than necessary under the circumstances, according to the Law Office of David A. Nelson.
Separately, RCW 9A.16.050 addresses justifiable homicide under Washington law, as described by the Law Office of David A. Nelson.
