BURIEN, Wash. — Detectives are asking the public for tips to help identify a man they said smashed into a Burien Bartell Drugs store twice in 10 days – stealing nearly 60 bottles of alcohol worth more than $1,500.
Surveillance video obtained only by KIRO 7 showed the man using what deputies believed to be a shirt filled with rocks to smash into a window at the store that’s located near the Burien Transit Center around 1:30 a.m. on Sept. 20.
In this first smash-and-grab theft, deputies say the man stole about a dozen bottles of alcohol.
Then, 10 days later on Sept. 30, investigators say the same man returned to the same Bartell Drugs store around 5:30 a.m. and used a red bag full of rocks or bricks to smash the same window.
He then stole 44 bottles of alcohol, according to investigators, before slipping out less than two minutes after entering. Deputies believe he may do this again.
The store was closed during both smash-and-grab thefts.
KIRO 7 asked the King County Sheriff’s Office what’s being done to protect local businesses.
“The [Burien police] chief’s aware – he’s already moved resources, officers out to really focus on the downtown corridor of Burien,” said King County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Sgt. Ryan Abbott.
The suspect’s face was covered but deputies hope someone will recognize his distinct walk and give detectives a name.
One woman who goes to a gym across the parking lot told KIRO 7 she would like to see more patrols in the area, more often.
“I’m constantly having to lock my car, making sure I have a bar stick, I’m always having to look around,” said Rabbya Ezzaldiin. “And it’s just not safe.”
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The King County Sheriff’s Office and Burien police want to hear form anyone who recognizes the suspect. Call Crime Stoppers 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) with anonymous tips.
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- Do you have an investigative story tip? Send us an email at investigate@kiro7.com
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