by (originally published on the SPD Blotter)
SPD detectives are investigating a man who barricaded himself in a crawlspace Tuesday in the International District for a violent robbery at Rainier Beach’s King Donut.
The 21-year-old man led US Marshals and Seattle police on a brief chase around 12:30 PM after they tried to arrest him for several felony warrants. Detectives also believe the man is a suspect in a January 3rd beating and robbery, which left the King Donut’s owners severely injured.
The US Marshals Fugitive Task Force spotted the man Tuesday near 12th Avenue and Jackson Street and chased him to an accounting office at 12th and Main St. The man slithered into a crawlspace beneath the business and refused to come out.
SPD patrol officers joined marshals at the scene and called in negotiators, SWAT officers, and K9 units, who spent two and a half hours trying to coax the man out of his hiding place. SWAT officers entered the crawlspace and took the man into custody shortly after 3 PM.
Detectives plan to book the man on a Department of Corrections warrant and are still investigating his connection to the doughnut shop robbery.
“Our city is safer tonight now that this violent individual is in custody,” said Chief Kathleen O’Toole. “This arrest is a testament to the tireless work of our detectives, and the importance of our partnerships in law enforcement. I hope this news brings some comfort to the victims, their family and the Rainier Beach community.”