A 16-year-old girl, suspected in several robberies that have occurred in the past couple of months, was arrested last night by officers downtown. Following her arrest, she was interviewed by Robbery detectives and later booked into the Youth Services Center for Investigation of Robbery.
On January 8th, just before 6:00 pm, a woman was walking near 20th Avenue South and South McClellan Street when she was confronted by the suspect. The victim was wearing headphones and the suspect asked to borrow her cell phone. The woman declined, and the suspect pushed her into some bushes and pepper sprayed her in the face. The suspect then attempted to rip the victim’s purse from her shoulder, but the victim held on. The suspect ran off, getting into a waiting car. Seattle Police and Fire both responded. Officers searched for the suspect(s), but they were not located.
The next day, just before 1:00 am, a similar robbery occurred at 12th and Spruce with similar suspect description. Both cases were sent to the Robbery Unit. During the course of their investigation, detectives identified the 16-year-old suspect. It is also believed that she may have been involved in a robbery downtown in December. A warrant for her arrest was obtained, and a bulletin was distributed to officers. Last night, just before 10:00 pm, officers located the suspect near Third and Pike and took her into custody. Detectives continue to investigate.