UPDATE 8/25: The stolen BMW was located just after midnight in Portland, Oregon by Portland Police and a 31-year-old male suspect was taken into custody. Detectives are working with authorities in Oregon to have the suspect returned to Seattle. This remains an active investigation.
A 33-year-old developmentally delayed man named William has been found safe and unharmed after the car he was in was carjacked in the International District Friday night.
At approximately 6:45 pm, a carjacking occurred at Maynard Avenue South and South King Street. William’s mother had parked the car and got out to pay for parking while William remained in the passenger seat. While she was out of the car, the unknown male suspect got into the driver’s seat and drove off eastbound. 911 was called and officers responded quickly to the scene. Officers conducted an area search for the vehicle, described as a silver, 2012 BMW 328i hardtop convertible, Washington license plate AXL6052. Information about the stolen vehicle and William’s description and photograph were sent out to the public via the SPD Twitter feed.
At approximately 7:45 pm, a Seattle Police officer believed he observed the stolen vehicle travelling southbound on Interstate 5 near Interurban Avenue South. The officer was involved in a roll0ver collision with another vehicle on the freeway. Fortunately, there were no serious injuries sustained, but the officer was transported the hospital for minor injuries and as a precaution. The Washington State Patrol is handling that collision investigation on I-5.
Shortly after 9:00 pm, William was observed in Pioneer Square by an alert individual who recognized him from the SPD tweet. 911 was contacted and officers confirmed that William was unharmed. He was reunited with his family. Detectives are attempting to determine when and how William got out of the vehicle. The BMW is still listed as a stolen vehicle at this time.
This remains an active and on-going investigation.