Brazen thief steals leaf blower from front yard

The following is a sample from the Federal Way police log:

In trouble for more than just an accident: On May 16, police responded to an accident in the 32000th block of Pacific Highway South. Two males who had been involved in the collision were arguing. After further investigation, the driver at fault was found to have been driving under the influence. He was subsequently arrested for DUI.

Hey, that’s my laundry!: On May 14, police were called to the William J. Wood Veterans House, 29404 Pacific Highway South. The victim reported that an unknown suspect took her laundry from the laundry room on the third floor of the facility. The loss to the victim was estimated by her at $100 and consisted of 12 T-shirts, two pairs of leggings and 10 towels. Police attempted to contact the office staff to review video coverage of the hallway in to generate suspect information, however it was not being staffed at the time.

A dog lover and a good Samaritan: A male came into the police station to hand in a driver’s license and credit card that had found at the French Lake Dog Park. He did not want to make a report; he just wanted police to take the items. The owner has no local Federal Way listing so the items were taken for safekeeping.

Sexual exploitation: On May 13, police were contacted regarding ongoing sexual assaults in a residence on Ninth Place South. According to the victim, she had been forced to have sex with a male by threats of violence and exposure of sexually explicit images of the victim. The victim advised police that the incidents have occurred two times a week for the past year. The male suspect has strangled the victim on one prior occasion and has made threats to injure or kill her if she sees anyone else. The male suspect also controls all the money for the victim and threatens to withhold money if the victim refuses. Ongoing investigation was referred to detectives.

Can I have some of your gas?: On May 17, police were called the 35000th block of Enchanted Parkway South regarding a theft of gasoline. An unknown black male driving a tan or silver Porsche vehicle pulled up next to the victim’s vehicle. The male exited his vehicle, went to the rear of the victim’s vehicle, removed a hose and began stealing fuel from the vehicle. A passerby, thinking the male was working on his own vehicle, stopped and asked if he needed help. The male suspect immediately stopped and got back into his vehicle. The suspect then fled from the scene westbound on South 356th Street. There was no documentation in the vehicle, and it is unknown where the owner is. Seattle police contacted the residents at the address and were informed that the registered owner had the vehicle and then refused to answer any other questions.

Urinating at the gas pump: On May 18, police were called to the ampm convenience store, 27202 Pacific Highway South, regarding a customer urinating at the fuel pump while refueling his vehicle. Employees confronted customer who did not have an excuse for actions. The customer departed after refueling in vehicle. Attempts to positively identify the customer were unsuccessful.

Can I just take your leaf blower? On May 18, police were called to the 31000th block of 13th Avenue South. The homeowner observed the suspect vehicle approach and park in front of her house. The driver, a 30- to 40-year-old, white male, approached on foot and took a Stihl leaf blower from the front yard that was owned by a landscaper who was working in the backyard. The homeowner confronted the suspect. He then put the leaf blower in the front seat of his car, then ran around the car, got in and fled. The suspect has not been identified or located. The homeowner was unsure whether she could identify the suspect by photograph as she said she didn’t get a great look at his face. The serial number of the leaf blower was not available.

Victim’s actions – not a good idea: On May 18, the owner of a car, which had been reported stolen, called 911 stating he was following his reported stolen vehicle northbound on Pacific Highway South near Dash Point Road. His vehicle, a blue 2007 Mercedes, was reported stolen with the Puyallup Police Department. Officers responded to the area. The owner reported he was in possession of a firearm and was going to confront the thieves. Officers and dispatch, discouraged the owner’s actions. The owner took custody of his vehicle and reported he did not want to pursue criminal charges against the juveniles involved. The owner drove off with his vehicle. The vehicle did not have any damage. Both license plates were on the vehicle.

Social media victim: On May 19m a victim walked into the Federal Way Police Department to report that he had been communicating through social media sites with an unknown female. A video chat line was opened up. The victim and the suspect had removed their clothing for the video. About a minute into the video the suspect stopped and said if the victim doesn’t send her $500 she would distribute the video through his social media sites. The victim said the suspect knows where he lives. The suspect continues to threaten the victim. To date he has paid her $1,500.

Tip jar theft: On May 19, police were called to Best Sushi, 32911 First Avenue, regarding a theft in progress. Two suspects entered the restaurant and ordered food. When employees were not looking, the suspects stole the tip jar from the counter and fled the store on foot. The tip jar contained approximately $100. Suspects fled in an older Audi station wage. Both suspects were white males with tan complexions.

Counterfeit bill for coffee: On May 18, police responded to Starbucks, 2032 S. 320th St. An employee discovered that a counterfeit $50 bill had been accepted at the store the previous day. It is unknown who passed the bill, when it was accepted and if the subject paying with it was aware it was counterfeit. Police took the bill as it did appear to be counterfeit. The bill was booked as evidence.

Reminder – gun safety is always important: On May 19, police responded to a residence on Seventh Place South. Two individuals were comparing firearms when one accidentally went off striking one of the people in the leg. Injuries were relatively minor. The person was treated and released. This appears to be purely accidental with no sinister undertones.

Young offenders: On May 19, police were called the Federal Way Community Center. The call was referring to a group of eight juveniles causing a disruption. Upon arrival, all of the juveniles were gone. Staff at the Community Center was able to provide names of the juveniles and were advised to call police if they return.

Burglary in progress with owner home: On May 20, police were called to the 300th block of 41st Southwest regarding a burglary. The victim was home when she heard her basement slider shatter. The victim went to inspect and discovered that someone had broke the slider and gone through her property in the basement. The suspect had fled prior to officers arrival. It was discovered that suspect had thrown a large rock through the glass and made entry, but nothing was missing.

Wandering child: On May 20, officers responded to a call regarding a young child walking in the roadway in the 34000th block of 21st Avenue Southwest. Upon arrival officers met with the two reporting parties who had found the boy walking northbound in the middle of traffic. They had custody of him for 15 minutes. While talking, the boy’s mother ran over frantically and regained custody of him. The boy’s mother stated she thought someone was watching him, and they didn’t realize he had gone missing.

Pajama walkers: On May 21, officers responded to the 32000th block of 17th Avenue Southwest to a report of two young children walking in the area in pajamas. An investigation revealed the children had left their home without their mother’s knowledge and were walking around the neighborhood. Both children went home when requested to by officers. Their mother was contacted as she was looking for them.

Keep close tabs on your Facebook page: On May 21, a victim in the 100th block of Southwest 300th Place reported that for the last several years an unknown person has used his photos and personal information to make a Facebook profile in his name. He said he is not the owner of the profile and that the person has also somehow been able to access his emails. In addition he said he is not a Facebook member and that the photos used are not online; they are only on his computer and phone. He was advised to contact Facebook to inquire about having the profile removed.

Shots in the air: On May 21, police were called by a motorist. While traveling in the 3000th block of 12th Avenue Southwest, the caller reported an unknown late 1980s Honda pulled in front of her and slowed. She stated she observed a teenage male open the front passenger door, point an unknown type of handgun into the air and fire one round. The caller stated the vehicle then left the area. There were no injuries or property damage reported and no evidence found on scene.