SEATTLE — Seattle police announced Friday the arrest of an adult and three teens in connection with nearly 80 violent robberies throughout the city and King County.
Seattle police said multiple King County law enforcement agencies began investigating a string of armed robberies, carjackings, burglaries and shootings in September.
The suspects, ages 15, 16, 16 and 18 have been tied to 78 known cases throughout King County, including at least 22 in Seattle.
Police said the suspects would target convenience stores and gas stations or late-night fast food restaurants. The suspects, usually two to three of them wearing black clothing and facemasks, would use stolen vehicles, prop open the businesses door, point guns at employees and take money from the cash registers.
Detectives said the suspects' aggression during the robberies escalated as time went on. Initially, the suspects would target empty businesses but eventually began hitting businesses with patrons inside and also robbing them.
The suspects in many cases would also destroy computers they believed were tied to surveillance equipment.
The Seattle Police Robbery Unit and Gun Violence Reduction Unit began a surveillance operation at a location they believed the suspects were known to frequent, an apartment complex in Federal Way, on Oct. 10. That same day a reported carjacking took place in Bellevue, which police said matched the actions of the suspects they were investigating.
Police said the detectives in Federal Way observed the stolen vehicle from Bellevue arrive at the apartment they were surveilling.
In coordination with Seattle Police SWAT, King County's Guardian One helicopter and K9 units, officers tailed the suspects as they left the apartment complex and reportedly drove "recklessly" and running multiple red lights.
Police said the suspects returned to the apartment complex and officers placed a "Terminator" (tire deflation device) underneath the suspect vehicle. As SWAT members were moving into position outside the apartment, the suspects fled the buildings and got into the vehicle, striking the "Terminator" device.
The suspects reportedly drive 5 miles before attempting to change the deflated tire on Highway 18. SWAT arrested two of the suspects at that time. The two other suspects attempted to flee on foot but were arrested after a short foot pursuit.
Police said two firearms were recovered, including one that matched the description of the firearm used in many of the robberies. The other firearm was reportedly stolen.
All suspects remain in custody.
Detectives said the investigation is ongoing. The King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office said formal charges for the suspects are expected by Tuesday next week.
