Police investigating two violent robberies on Capitol Hill

SEATTLE -- Police are investigating two violent robberies in Capitol Hill this weekend. It does not appear these two robberies were connected, but they are concerning to people who live and work in the neighborhood.

The first robbery happened early Saturday morning near Summit and Howell. Thieves took a man’s cell phone. When he tried to chase them, one of the thieves shot him in the leg.

The second robbery happened early Sunday morning. The victims told police they were near Broadway and Pike, and a group of thieves attacked them when they refused to give up their wallets.

The manager of Capitol Cider on Pike Street isn't surprised about the late night violence.

“Think about when a concert lets out,” says Talia Lliteras. “There are tons of bars up here on the Hill and they all close at 2 o'clock. Everyone gets pushed out between 1:30 and 2 am, and then there's a ton of people on the streets.”

She says they have private security keeping an eye outside her bar, and there is a noticeable police presence.

“We see police quite often, they'll duck into establishments making sure everything is going ok.”

But they can’t be everywhere at once. That’s why some Capitol Hill business owners think crime is on the rise.

“If you have a huge level of people that are increasing in frequency in certain areas, you’re going to see an increase in crime,” says Martha Manning, the owner of Wild Rose.

Businesses like hers are now working with police to keep customers and the community safe. They launched the Safe Place program last week. They put special signs in their windows to let crime victims, especially those in the LGBTQ community, know the business is a safe place to get away from criminals.

“I think it’s important for the whole community to get involved,” says Seattle Police Officer Jim Ritter. “We can’t do this by ourselves, and they can’t do it without us.”

Police are hoping as the program expands, crime on Capitol Hill will decrease. But some people who live and work here say they already feel safe.

“I’m not typically too worried, when I walk home or anything like that,” says Lliteras. “You just have to be aware of what's going on around you and be vigilant. I think Seattle and Capitol Hill are very safe, compared to metropolis of this size elsewhere.”

Police arrested one 18 year old in connection with Sunday’s robbery. But they are still investigating both cases, and searching for additional suspects.