Local briefly: Police looking for espresso stand robber
Published 11:00 pm Thursday, November 1, 2007
EVERETT — Police continue to search for a man responsible for four espresso stand robberies in recent weeks.
Investigators on Thursday released a sketch of a suspect in at least one of the robberies. The suspect, a white man in his 30s, robbed an espresso stand in the 1800 block of Everett Avenue on Oct. 7. He demanded money from the barista, a 17-year-old girl, and walked off. He appeared to be about 5 feet, 8 inches tall and 140 pounds. He had blond facial hair, possibly a goatee. He was wearing a dark gray jacket and a dark-colored baseball hat.
The suspect in that robbery matches descriptions of the suspects who robbed espresso stands on Sept. 17 and Oct. 10. Police say in all three incidents the robber approached the victims in a calm, unhurried way and demanded money.
A fourth espresso stand was robbed Oct. 11 in the 1800 block of Silver Lake Road. The suspect grabbed the barista and held a knife to her throat. The victim was able to escape with minor injuries. That suspect was wearing black gloves and a ski mask.
Anyone with information about the robberies is asked to call the Everett Police Department’s tip line at 425-257-8450.
Jail inmate prevented from suicide attempt
An alert custody officer prevented a Snohomish County Jail inmate from hanging himself about 12:30 p.m. Thursday, jail officials said.
Officer Pale Pale was on his regular rounds in the medical unit, checking on a prisoner who was taking a shower, jail spokesman Jim Harms said. When there was no response, the officer forced his way into the shower area and found the man hanging with a piece of cloth wrapped around his neck.
The man had labored breathing, but didn’t lose consciousness, Harms said.
No identity was released, and jail officials would not disclose the man’s age. He was taken to a hospital for treatment.
“This was truly a life-saving effort on his part,” Harms said.
The prisoner was jailed on Friday on charges of third-degree theft and driving with a suspended license.
Mill Creek: Swastika spray-painted on home
Mill Creek police believe a swastika found on the garage door of a home Thursday is a Halloween prank, but are continuing to investigate.
A Mill Creek resident discovered the swastika and other spray-painted symbols on the garage door in the 2800 block of 139th Place SE early Thursday morning.
The homeowner is not Jewish and has no idea who would have done it, said Steve Winters, the city’s administrative supervisor.
“As far as we know, it’s just the one house,” Winters said. “It seems to be an isolated incident.”
In September, Mill Creek police began investigating several swastikas painted onto cars parked in front of a Jewish family’s home. The two cases appear unrelated, Winters said.
Edmonds: House damaged badly in fire
A vacant house was heavily damaged by fire Thursday afternoon.
A neighbor called 911 about 1 p.m. to report a fire in the 9300 block of 234th Street SW. Firefighters found thick smoke coming from the two-story house, Edmonds Fire Battalion Chief Doug Dahl said.
The fire likely had been burning for quite some time and spread to the second story and into the attic. There was heavy damage. The house was reported as vacant and up for sale.
The fire’s cause remains under investigation.
From Herald staff reports
