Seattle police are investigating two armed robberies in West Seattle early Saturday morning that left victims visibly shaken.
Investigators say the incidents involved two men in a pickup truck who used it to block other vehicles, forcing drivers to stop before approaching with guns drawn and wearing ski masks.
The first robbery happened at about 2:10 a.m. near 35th Avenue SW and SW Thistle Street, where a man was stopped at an intersection when the suspects pulled in front of him and blocked his path. According to police, the pair got out of their truck, held the man at gunpoint, and demanded money before fleeing.
Roughly seven minutes later, officers received a call from an Uber driver who said he and his passenger had just been robbed on the 7000 block of Lincoln Park Way SW. The suspects allegedly cut off the Uber with their truck, confronted both the driver and passenger with handguns, and took their valuables.
Police later spotted the suspect vehicle near 59th Avenue SW and Alki Avenue SW. By then, officers noted there were three men, who quickly jumped out and ran to other parked cars before speeding away in different directions. The truck, a 2002 Chevrolet Silverado, was impounded for forensic processing.
Authorities believe the victims may have been followed before the suspects made their move. Police are urging residents to remain alert, particularly during late-night hours when fewer people are around.
