SEATTLE — Shivam Shivam was working his shift at a West Seattle 7-Eleven on the evening of Oct. 9 when he found himself toe-to-toe with an armed teenager, pointing a gun directly at his head.
Two days later, Shivam learned he was just one of many victims in what Seattle police said was a teenage crime spree throughout King county.
"It was scary, man, I was thinking about everything like I was about to lose my life," he told KING 5. "He pulled a gun on my head and took all the cash from the register."
According to the Seattle Police Department (SPD), the robbery was reported around 8:20 p.m. on Wednesday after the suspect entered the store and showed the weapon before taking off.
"He pulled a gun on my head again and just ran away," Shivam said.
On Friday, SPD held a news conference to announce the arrests of four teenagers believed to be connected to the 7-Eleven robbery and nearly 80 crimes.
"This is not like a kid playing cops and robbers. These kids are very, very dangerous," said Interim Seattle Police Chief Sue Rahr.
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.
"They should go in the jail for a long time, they're not good for us," said Shivam.
He told KING 5 he's the only member of his family in the United States and works long hours to help provide for his relatives in India.
Shivam said the alleged robber stole his wallet, with about $300 inside, and his cell phone for about $1,000 in total losses.
"Police did a good job, but I hope they find my phone and wallet," he added.
After surviving a terrifying ordeal, Shivam went back to work, thankful to be able to help provide for his family.
"I saved my life... I gave him everything," he said. "I feel lucky because he was about to shoot me, it was too close. It was at my head. It was scary."
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.