Seattle police have designated the Oaktree Motel on Aurora Avenue North as a chronic nuisance property following more than 40 police responses this year involving violent crime, drug trafficking, and human exploitation.
The 39-room motel at 8900 Aurora Ave. N. has become a focal point for criminal activity along the troubled corridor. The city issued a formal notice to the property owner, Madilyn Investments LLC, requiring action within seven days to address ongoing public safety hazards.
“For nearly a year, this property has been the site of ongoing danger to residents, workers, and the surrounding community,” said Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes. “This order allows us to take necessary steps to improve safety along the Aurora corridor.”
The designation follows the recent arrest of a convicted human trafficker at the motel who allegedly maintained close ties to management. According to police, both the manager and property owner declined to assist in the investigation.
Police responses to the Oaktree Motel over the past 11 months include multiple shootings, drug arrests, assaults, and two overdose deaths. Recent incidents include shots fired in the parking lot on June 29, a rideshare driver assault on June 26, and the arrest of a suspect with oxycontin and cash on July 14.
Other notable incidents span from last September through this year: an overdose death in October 2024, multiple shooting incidents, sexual assaults, and drug dealer arrests involving suspects carrying thousands in cash and various narcotics.
The action represents part of a broader effort to disrupt criminal networks operating along Aurora Avenue North, a corridor that has long struggled with prostitution and drug activity affecting surrounding neighborhoods.
Seattle City Attorney Ann Davison supported the nuisance declaration, emphasizing the need to use all available legal tools to combat trafficking, drug crimes, and weapons offenses.
If the property owners fail to respond within the required timeframe, the City Attorney’s Office may pursue civil penalties and additional legal action. The motel becomes the fourth Seattle property to receive such a designation in the past five years.
