Stay informed about crime news and updates in Seattle, WA.
Natasha Marie Odell, a 38-year-old woman from Texas, has been indicted on three felony charges related to the arson of the Seattle Laestadian Lutheran Church in Snohomish County, which was destroyed in August 2023. Evidence linking her to the crime includes cell phone records and surveillance footage. If convicted, she faces significant prison time.
Bellevue police are intensifying efforts to combat holiday shoplifting with a zero-tolerance policy. Over 1,100 retail theft cases have been reported this year, prompting special patrols to deter theft and ensure offenders face serious consequences.
Federal Way's crime data report reveals a staggering 402% increase in drug arrests for 2024, linked to recent legal changes that have enhanced proactive policing. While robbery rates have significantly decreased, there are rising concerns about intimidation and kidnapping offenses.
A former assistant principal at a Seattle K-8 school, Alex Díaz Rios, was arrested during an undercover child sex trafficking operation in Renton, Washington. The Renton Police Department announced the arrest of seven men, including Díaz Rios, who communicated with an undercover officer posing as a minor. Seattle Public Schools placed him on leave and initiated a separation agreement following the charges.
On December 11, 2024, a 31-year-old man was arrested in Seattle after ramming multiple vehicles while attempting to evade police. The incident began when residents reported him slumped over in an Audi sedan, leading to a chaotic scene with collisions and a standoff. Officers subdued the suspect, who was found with methamphetamine.
Porch pirates have targeted a Tacoma family, stealing Christmas gifts and raising concerns about community safety. The Tacoma Police Union warns that low staffing levels are hindering their ability to effectively respond to such crimes, especially during the holiday season when package thefts increase.
Bellevue Police investigated a suspicious vehicle at Crossroads Mall for over three hours. No explosives were found, but several items were taken for examination, including recording devices and concerning notes.
A lawsuit has been filed against Securitas, the security contractor for Expedia, alleging that hidden cameras were placed in restrooms at the company's Seattle headquarters, recording victims without their consent. The suit seeks damages for negligence, and former employee Marcelo F. Vargas-Fernandez has been charged with voyeurism.
A scruffy 17-pound mutt named Scrim has become a local celebrity in New Orleans, evading capture by a group of volunteers using night-vision gear and tranquilizer rifles. Rescued from a trailer park and adopted from a shelter, Scrim's adventures have sparked community support, raising questions about pet safety in urban areas.
A private boater rescued an individual from chilly Elliott Bay after their boat caught fire, prompting a rapid response from the Coast Guard and Seattle Fire Department. Witnesses played a crucial role by immediately reporting the incident, allowing for a swift firefighting effort. Fortunately, the person in the water declined medical treatment after being warmed by another vessel.