Police arrested a man wanted for assaulting and attempting to rob two victims in the Downtown area Tuesday morning.
Just before 9 a.m., officers working an emphasis shift responded to the area of 5th Avenue and University Street for an attempted robbery call. Police contacted a female victim who said she was thrown to the pavement by the suspect as he tried to take her purse. Bystanders ran to assist the victim and tried to detain the suspect, but he broke free and ran from the scene.
As officers were aiding the victim, they learned of another person who was assaulted by the same suspect in the area of 4th Avenue and Seneca Street. Police located the second victim who said she was also attacked from behind by the suspect who tried to steal her backpack.
Security officers at the United States Courthouse watched on surveillance cameras as the suspect ran into an alley and changed his clothing. They provided updated information to 911 which led police to the suspect. He was taken into custody and positively identified by witnesses and the victims.
Officers recovered the suspect’s backpack and a fixed blade knife which fell out when bystanders went to intervene.
Police transported the 31-year-old suspect to the King County Jail and booked him for two counts of attempted robbery.