Seattle police arrested three suspects Thursday following an alleged kidnapping and armed robbery that began with a ride offer from Spokane and ended with a victim being assaulted at gunpoint in the Chinatown-International District.
The victim contacted police Thursday afternoon reporting that two men and a woman who offered him transportation had assaulted and robbed him. He told officers he paid the suspects $65 for gas before leaving Spokane, expecting to be dropped off in Redmond. Instead, the suspects drove directly to Seattle.
Upon arrival in the Chinatown-International District, the suspects allegedly struck the victim in the face with a handgun and repeatedly punched him inside the vehicle. The woman, who held the handgun, demanded money and threatened to shoot him, according to police.
The suspects stole $180 in cash and a bag containing the victim’s medication and clothing before he escaped from the car near 7th Avenue South and South Main Street, where he called police. The suspects fled in a black Dodge.
Officers located the vehicle after searching the area and arrested three suspects: a 32-year-old man, a 45-year-old man, and a 38-year-old woman. All three were booked into King County Jail for investigation of robbery and kidnapping.
The case demonstrates risks associated with informal ride-sharing arrangements, particularly those involving strangers over long distances. The victim’s expectation of being dropped in Redmond versus the actual Seattle destination suggests possible premeditation by the suspects.
Seattle Police Department’s Violent Crimes Tip Line at (206) 233-5000 is accepting information about the incident.
