In recent months King County law enforcement has seen a marked increase in carjacking incidents in South King County, Seattle, Bellevue, and now Snoqualmie. On October 14 Snoqualmie Police Officers responded to a robbery report in the 38500 block of SE Newton Street in downtown Snoqualmie. The victim, a male living nearby, had exited his apartment to go back to his car around 4 am. He was approached by a male, wearing dark clothing and a mask, who had a black semi-automatic handgun. The suspect pointed the gun at the victim, demanding the car keys and any valuables. The suspect then left with the victim’s Toyota Camry and other items.
The morning of October 16, Tukwila Police located the Camry in the 100 block of Andover Park W. The vehicle fled from Tukwila Police Officers when they approached. Since the car was stolen at gunpoint, police used a precision immobilization technique (PIT) maneuver, a technique used by law enforcement to force a fleeing vehicle to abruptly turn, to disable the vehicle at the Klickitat on-ramp to I-5. Three adults in the vehicle were detained, identified, and released. Snoqualmie Police responded to Tukwila Police and took custody of the vehicle. A search warrant for evidence related to the carjacking was applied for and granted by the King County Superior Court. A loaded shotgun with the stock removed was recovered along with DNA samples and fingerprints.
This case remains under investigation by the Snoqualmie Police. Carjackings used to be an uncommon occurrence but are now happening on a near daily basis in King County. Stolen vehicles are often used in other crimes later. No motorist or their families should be terrorized by having guns pointed at them and their property stolen by force. Not only does this cause trauma for the victims, but these unlawful behaviors also place the innocent public at risk. If someone does try to take your car by force, let them have your vehicle and call police immediately. Be ready to give a description of the suspect and your vehicle to police. The Snoqualmie Police recommends residents and visitors remain aware of their surroundings and report anything suspicious to law enforcement.
For further information and updates, please follow the Snoqualmie Police Department Facebook page.
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