Thanks to detailed real-time reporting and quick response by King County Sheriff’s deputies, two men who allegedly attempted to break into a Shoreline storage unit were apprehended as they tried to flee.
“I believe there’s a theft in process on the first floor on the door that faces Aurora,” the manager of West Coast Storage relayed to 911. “You can see people in there, they are fully masked like ninjas.”
As two suspects attempted to drill their way into a unit, the manager of the storage facility on Aurora Avenue North told a 911 operator that he was witnessing a burglary in progress. The thieves were trying to break into a unit believed to contain electronics and firearms.
“It looks like to me they’re trying to drill the lock. They don’t know what they’re doing,” the manager said during the call.
The suspects were still inside when Shoreline police arrived, but when they spotted the patrol car, surveillance cameras showed them quickly fleeing outside.
“Hey, someone go around back, someone go around back. Go around back, go around back! Hey, they are taking off to the west. Two males, black hoodies, black jeans,” deputies communicated.
“Yeah, they went over the fence into the U-Haul,” the manager reported.
“He’s jumping over a fence,” said one deputy with a suspect in sight. “You’re gonna get tased, you’re gonna get tased!”
Deputies were able to chase down the first suspect in a nearby field.
“Get on the ground. Get your hands out! Get out!” deputies commanded.
“I didn’t do anything,” the suspect responded.
“Why are you running then?” a deputy replied.
The second suspect remained at large, prompting deputies to establish a perimeter and deploy a K-9 unit. The suspect surrendered after being found hiding under a deck.
Deputies recovered a backpack filled with burglary tools, including drills, bolt cutters, and a headlamp.
James Phillips, 43, has had 53 prior warrants for his arrest. His criminal history includes convictions for multiple thefts and assaults. He was released from jail on November 22, two days after his arrest.
Christopher Rust, 51, has had 21 warrants for his arrest. His convictions include unlawful possession of a firearm, residential burglary, car theft, identity theft, and possession of stolen property. He was released on December 2.
The manager’s play-by-play description to 911 operators provided critical intelligence that allowed responding officers to approach strategically rather than encountering suspects unexpectedly. Real-time updates help law enforcement position resources effectively.
The “fully masked like ninjas” description indicates suspects took precautions to conceal identities, suggesting premeditation rather than opportunistic crime. Professional burglars often use masks, gloves, and dark clothing to avoid identification.
The drilling attempt demonstrates the suspects targeted a specific unit rather than randomly testing doors. Thieves may receive tips about valuable contents or conduct surveillance before attempting break-ins.
The electronics and firearms believed to be inside represent high-value, easily transportable items favored by thieves. These goods can be quickly sold through underground markets or online platforms.
The surveillance camera footage showing suspects fleeing when police arrived indicates the facility’s security system functioned as intended. Visible cameras may deter some criminals but also provide evidence when crimes occur.
The deputies’ coordination in surrounding the area prevented suspects from escaping on foot. Establishing perimeters quickly is critical when suspects flee into residential or commercial areas with multiple escape routes.
The field chase of the first suspect demonstrates the physical demands of police work. Foot pursuits through unfamiliar terrain at night create risks for both officers and suspects.
The second suspect’s decision to surrender when located under a deck likely prevented injury to himself, the K-9, and deputies. Police dogs are trained to apprehend fleeing suspects, and resisting typically results in bites.
The backpack full of burglary tools provides strong evidence of intent to commit theft. Possession of such tools near a crime scene supports criminal charges even if the actual theft was not completed.
Phillips’s 53 prior warrants indicate a lengthy pattern of evading law enforcement and failing to appear for court proceedings. This extensive warrant history suggests chronic involvement in the criminal justice system.
His November 22 release, just two days after arrest, demonstrates rapid jail turnover despite his criminal history. Pretrial detention decisions consider factors including charge severity, flight risk, and public safety.
Rust’s 21 warrants and diverse conviction history spanning firearms, burglary, vehicle theft, and identity crimes show a career criminal with expertise across multiple offense types. His December 2 release similarly reflects current pretrial release policies.
