SEATTLE — An alarming attack was caught on camera in North Seattle and now police are looking for the attackers.
It happened early Saturday morning in front of Acme Auto Electric and Repair off Aurora Avenue North and 90th Street.
Surveillance cameras at the business captured the brutal assault.
You see the victim is walking along the street when he is quickly surrounded by a group of guys who knock him to the ground. He tries to get away but the group drags him up the street. Then a woman walks up and stabs him twice in the back and walks away. The group then rips off his backpack, goes through his pockets, and makes off with his cellphone and wallet.
“I was shocked when I heard about it, even more shocked when I saw the video,” said Curtis Gehrke.
Gehrke owns Acme Auto Electric and Repair.
The family-owned business has been on the corner since 1944.
It's no secret the area has long struggled with drug crime and prostitution but Gehrke said this video shows the problems and violence are getting worse.
“I've been here all my life and to see this, I'm to the point where I'm getting really frustrated and nothing is changing,” he added.
He's urging the city to act.
Just two blocks away, off 90th, are a couple of middle schools and an elementary school.
Five blocks away, off 85th, is Licton Springs Village which is a low barrier tent and tiny house camp.
“We've got to have a police presence out here and show them they can't get away with what they're doing,” said Gehrke.
As for the victim in the robbery and beating, he suffered non life-threatening injuries. Video even shows him getting up after the vicious attack and appearing to go after the attackers.
“I'm not going to move. My family has been here since 1944. I'm fourth generation,” explained Gehrke. “We're here, I'm staying here. I won't let them push me out."
Gehrke said he recognizes a couple of the attackers from the street so he hopes officers can identify them and make an arrest.
Cox Media Group
