Seattle police arrested two suspects and are searching for a third following an armed robbery in South Lake Union late Tuesday night.
Officers responded around 10:15 p.m. to reports of an armed robbery near Terry Avenue North and Harrison Street. They met with a 26-year-old man who said he was robbed by three suspects dressed in black and wearing masks who held him at gunpoint and stole his phone, wallet, keys, and backpack.
The suspects fled before police arrived, but additional officers located three matching suspects exiting a tent near Cascade Park. All three suspects ran, with officers successfully chasing down and arresting two. The third suspect escaped.
Officers reviewed surveillance video to confirm they detained the correct individuals, then searched them and recovered the victim’s wallet. They also found a light shaped like a realistic-looking gun, two knives, methamphetamine, and black ski masks.
The two were booked into King County Jail for investigation of robbery. It is unclear if police have identified the third suspect. SPD’s robbery unit is investigating the case.
The incident occurred in South Lake Union, an area experiencing growth with residential and commercial development but also dealing with homelessness and property crime concerns. The suspects’ encampment near Cascade Park highlights the intersection of unsheltered populations and criminal activity affecting the neighborhood.
The use of a realistic-looking gun rather than an actual firearm in the robbery demonstrates a tactic that achieves the same intimidation effect while potentially carrying lesser criminal penalties if convicted.
