A car thief decked out in Seahawks gear? Cops want help finding suspect

SEATTLE -- Police say a man dressed head to toe in Seahawks gear stole two cars and broke into several others in a secure parking garage in the Green Lake neighborhood two weeks ago.

One of the victims had to laugh when she saw the surveillance video.

“It’s an ironic time to start looking for someone in Seahawks gear,” she said Wednesday. “Everyone in the city is wearing Seahawks gear.”

Kathryn didn’t want to show her face on camera, because she doesn’t know if the thief will return to her apartment complex. He’s already gotten into the garage twice, even though there are two gates. She used to think that was enough.

“When I moved to this area, that’s one of the things I liked about it, having that secured parking area.”



But gates and surveillance cameras aren’t stopping car thieves.  Tim found that out last week when his SUV was stolen from his Shoreline apartment.

“It’s like what the hell, what are the chances? There are 300 cars down there, they took mine.”

Detectives believe the suspect who stole Tim’s SUV also stole bags and personal items from other cars in the garage. That’s why they want to remind people to be cautious even when parking at home.

“Take the valuable merchandise out of sight,” said retired Seattle police detective Myrle Carner. “Take it up to your apartment, don’t leave things in plain view.”

He also says you should keep an eye out if someone tries to follow you through a locked door or gate.

“Be aware of your surroundings. If you pull into your garage and see someone you’re not familiar with, don’t get out of your vehicle and don’t approach them.”

Police did find Kathryn’s car, but there’s a lot of damage and fixing it may cost more than the car is worth. So now she’s just hoping someone will identify the suspected thief and get him off the streets.

“Just be careful, it can happen to anyone. Even in the safest neighborhoods.”

Police believe the suspect in the Seahawks gear also stole a vehicle from the Northgate Mall parking lot. If you think you recognize him, you’re asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.