SEATTLE — Seattle police are investigating a man, who was arrested Tuesday after barricading himself in a crawlspace in the International District, for an attack and robbery at a Rainier Beach doughnut shop January 3.
Seattle police and U.S. Marshals tried to arrest a 21-year-old man for several felony warrants Tuesday. Detectives believed the man was involved in the beating and robbery at Rainier Beach’s King Donuts, which left the shop’s owners badly injured.
“It’s been a few months since the incident, and we’d lost hope,” said Davie Hay, the owners’ daughter. “As of today and right now, I’m just completely shocked.”
A U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force saw the man near 12thAvenue and Jackson Street and chased him to an accounting office at 12th Avenue and Main Street. The man then got into a crawlspace beneath the business and refused to come out.
The tax office, which was full of customers, was evacuated.
After two and a half hours, SWAT officers entered the crawlspace and took the man into custody after 3 p.m.
"Our city is safer tonight now that this violent individual is in custody," said Seattle Police Chief Kathleen O'Toole. "This arrest is a testament to the tireless work of our detectives, and the importance of our partnerships in law enforcement. I hope this news brings some comfort to the victims, their family and the Rainier Beach community."
Detectives will book the man on a Department of Corrections warrant.
Police will continue to investigate, while Hay’s family just wants to move on.
“Let the police handle it, and take care of what they need to, but we're just glad this guy is off the street and caught,” Hay said.