Police are investigating after three middle school students were robbed in two separate incidents on Monday in South Seattle.
Around 4:10 p.m., after school hours, two students were sitting on the swings at Brighton Playfield when two men–both wearing ski masks and black clothing–brandished a gun and demanded their backpacks and cellphones.
The students handed over the items and the suspects fled. The students then reported the incident to school staff, who called 911.
A short time later, another middle schooler was walking near 35th Avenue South and South Alaska Street when he saw two men—again, both wearing black clothing and ski masks—walking quickly toward him. The boy took off running down an alleyway, but the suspects caught up to him and took his backpack before fleeing.
Seattle police are increasing patrols in the area and robbery detectives are investigating both incidents. SPD is also working with the school district to ensure the safety of students. If you have any information about these cases, please contact the SPD Robbery Unit at 206-684-5535.