Robbery Unit detectives arrested a 19-year-old man connected to a string of robberies at massage parlors in the Chinatown-International District and Rainier Valley.
On Dec. 17 at about 4:30 a.m., detectives in coordination with Seattle Police Department SWAT, served a search warrant at the suspect’s home in the 7200 block of 38th Avenue South. The man was taken into custody without incident.
Immediately after these cases were assigned to the Robbery Unit, detectives began to follow leads. During the investigation, detectives determined that the suspect was connected to a string of armed robberies at massage parlors.
Police recovered guns and other evidence from the suspect’s home.
The suspect has been tied to the following robberies:
2024-325948:
On Nov. 17 at 11:56 p.m., the suspect entered a massage parlor in the 600 block of Jackson Street. While inside the suspect demanded money from a 33-year-old woman. The victim complied and gave the suspect cash. After getting the money, the suspect pistol-whipped the victim and demanded more money. The woman advised the suspect that there was no more cash. The suspect shot the woman and fired another round into the video surveillance unit. The suspect fled the scene shortly after.
2024-339894:
On Dec. 2 at 10:03 p.m., the same suspect entered a massage parlor in the 3700 block of Rainier Avenue South. Once inside, the suspect pulled a firearm, demanded cash, and struck a 61-year-old woman in the head with the gun. The victim immediately emptied the cash register and gave the man money. After receiving cash, the suspect fired several rounds into the ceiling before leaving on foot.
Detectives are also investigating an unreported robbery that may have involved the suspect.
The suspect was arrested and booked into King County Jail for Investigation of Robbery, Assault, and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.
The Seattle Police Department Robbery Unit is handling the investigation. Anyone with information about these incidents or other crimes is asked to call the SPD Violent Crimes Tip Line at (206) 233-5000.
