Bronco thief arrested after assaulting victim with vehicle

Seattle Police arrested a car thief who stole a vehicle outside a home on the 800 block of N.W. 90th Street on Jan. 4. Officers were dispatched after they received a call that stated someone stole a Bronco while it was running in front of the home. According to a witness, the suspect looked suspicious while standing near the running vehicle. The witness didn’t see the suspect get inside, but later saw the victim run after the vehicle yelling, “He’s stealing my car.” The victim and his roommate followed the Bronco eastbound in the roommate’s car. The Bronco came to a stop in the middle of the street, and the victim went to the driver’s side door. When he opened it the suspect pulled away in reverse and knocked the victim to the ground. The Bronco sideswiped other vehicles in the process. The victim had no injuries and did not require medical attention. Police later found and arrested the suspect. He had the Bronco keys in his pocket and told police where he had parked the vehicle. The vehicle was recovered with minor damage.

Man beaten with hatchet near Duckwalk, suspect arrested

An assault with a hatchet at the 100 block of N.W. Canal Street on Jan. 4 ended with a victim badly injured and a suspect arrested. Police were called to Fremart in Fremont after they received a call from the store clerk who stated that there was a man bleeding profusely from his hand and head. When they arrived the victim told him that he was at the Duckwalk— an area with a covered bench off the canal—when a known “druggie” approached him and offered drugs. The victim yelled profanity at the dealer and told him to leave. He did. However, an individual close to the scene (the suspect) thought that the yelling was directed toward him. He accosted the victim and the two got into a scuffle. The victim tried to explain that the yelling was not directed to the suspect. Then the suspect left the scene. The victim thought it was over, but then suddenly the suspect came from behind and struck him in the head with a hatchet. He struck again and again. A witness and the victim tried to explain it was a misunderstanding. Eventually the suspect stopped and then realized what had happened. He was apologetic. The victim took that moment to run to Fremart. He was later transported to Harborview Medical Center for treatment. The victim provided a description of the suspect and police quickly located him at the Duckwalk. They apprehended him. As the suspect was arrested he said that it was a “false arrest.” He was brought to the North Precinct for booking. He became agitated and uncooperative with police. He kicked the cell walls and screamed. The suspect was later booked at King County Jail for assault.