Seattle police arrested a 31-year-old man on Friday for burglary, two counts of assault and criminal impersonation. The man posed as a U.S. Postal Service (USPS) carrier and attacked homeowners in Phinney Ridge neighborhood.
On Feb. 20th at 2:16 p.m., officers responded to a report of an assault in progress in the 300 block of North 74th Street. While officers were enroute, dispatch updated the mail carrier was attacking the homeowner.
Officers arrived and witnesses flagged them down. They entered the residence and found 52-year-old and the 31-year-old suspect struggling. The victim’s 50-year-old wife was standing over them in distress.
Officers separated both men and handcuffed the suspect. When officers asked the suspect if he worked for the U.S. Postal Service, he didn’t answer. He eventually said “lawyer”.
The suspect wore a USPS uniform and carried a branded satchel. Officers noticed Tyvek style coveralls under his uniform.
Police learned the victim answered the door after the doorbell rang. The suspect stood in the doorway with a piece of mail. He told the victim to open it in front of him. The victim thought that it was strange but opened the mail. The letter demanded an amount of cryptocurrency. The suspect then forced his way inside, assaulted the victim and his wife.
Seattle Fire Department arrived and evaluated all parties. Medics transported the victim via AMR to the hospital for complaints of chest pain.
Officers searched the suspect’s postal bag after the arrest. They found electronic equipment, tape, plastic bags, large zip ties, tasers, tourniquet, cellphone, lint roller, an electronic signal blocking pouch, black beanie, face mask, dark sunglasses, and a box of plastic gloves. The suspect did not have any identification showing he worked for the USPS.
Homicide and Assault Unit detectives will be leading the investigation.
Officers transported and booking the suspect into King County Jail for investigation of burglary, two counts of assault and criminal impersonation.
Anyone with additional information is urged to contact the SPD Violent Crimes Tip Line at (206) 233-5000.
Incident Number: 2026-49314/North Precinct/J3