Update:
South Precinct Anti-Crime Team officers, with the assistance of the Department of Corrections, identified and arrested a 37-year-old man in connection with the auto theft reported Friday morning. Officers found the suspect at a South Seattle residence and took him into custody without incident.
Original:
Robbery detectives are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the suspect that stole a vehicle from Capitol Hill with a 16-year-old girl inside, before leaving her and the vehicle abandoned in the International District Friday morning.
The incident began shortly before 10:00 am Friday at 10th Avenue East and East Howe Street. The owner of the vehicle was nearby exercising while her 16-year-old daughter was asleep in the running, unlocked BMW. The suspect got into the vehicle and drove away toward the International District. The girl was able to communicate with her mother via text and the mother called 911.
A short time later, the suspect dropped the girl off near Kobe Park, and she was able to call her mother and tell her where she was. Officers responded to the park where the located the girl. She was not harmed. While officers were there, 911 received calls about an abandoned BMW left running in a parking lot in the 300 block of South Maynard Street.
Officers conducted an area search and a K-9 team conducted a track, but the suspect was not located. However, surveillance cameras from nearby businesses captured the suspect’s image. Detectives believe the suspect is a white male, between 25-35 years old, 5’8″ tall, medium build. He was wearing a dark colored sweatshirt, blue Seattle Marnier’s cap, and grey sweatpants and black tennis shoes. The suspect later removed his sweatshirt revealing a navy blue t-shirt.
Detectives responded to conduct interviews and process the scene.
If you recognized this individual, please contact Detective Magan in the Seattle Police Robbery Unit at (206) 684-5540.
