We just received word that Chocolati Cafe on 45th (1716 N. 45th St.) was burglarized last night. The shop's morning staff found that someone had broken in through the women's bathroom window, located in the back of the store. Mark from the cafe told me that the safe had been smashed open with a hammer and chisel and the burglar made off with $1,000 in cash. Thanks for the tip, Domenic.
We just heard word from reader Andrew that the Uptown Espresso on 45th was burglarized last night: The manager said it seemed pretty sophisticated - the phone line had been cut so the security system didn't work. The front door was smashed and cash was taken. They are open for business as usual today.
Reader Vanessa tells us that the "Gas Man" scammer is back on the ramp of I-5 south at 45th, asking motorists for some money to refill his empty gas tank. Here's our story from last year. Block Watch Captain, architect, and coolest home owner Joe Hurley forwarded a bulletin to us from SPD's Terrie Johnston about more door-to-door scammers, and he added this helpful tip: "if you get the shave-and-a-haircut knock, don’t answer the door." Dear Block Watch Captains and Contacts:…
Two weeks ago, we told you to "Beware of 'Eric' who is known legally as Jeffrey McCaslin. He had been involved in some burglaries in the neighborhood and throughout north Seattle, plus, he was one of Western Washington's Most Wanted. Well, neighbors can breathe a little easier tonight, as we just received word that McCaslin has been apprehended and booked yesterday (June 1). A commenter on our original post, named "Jane" clued us in, and we verified that comment by looking…
We just got a note from a reader who reports a large police SWAT team presence at 4200 and Corliss. That's all we know for now, if you find out more, please share. UPDATE 6:56 pm: Reader Andrea told us: I live nearby and came home to find a SWAT van and about 5 police cars plus three black (undercover?) cars blocking my street. Concerned I asked them what was going on and they said there was a domestic disturbance that…
Here's a recap of recent crimes here in Wallingford: SeattleCrime's Jonah Spangenthal-Lee reports "two 'methheads' driving an egg-like car shot up another man's vehicle" here in Wallingford on the evening of May 23. From SeattleCrime: ...The victim exited I-5 at 45th NE and was driving westbound around 10:15 p.m. on May 23rd when another car pulled up next to him, and the passenger in the other vehicle threw something at his car. The victim initially thought the passenger had thrown a…
Thanks to Eric Fisk and Janet Stillman of the Wallingford Neighborhood Office, our new North Precinct Crime Prevention Coordinator, Terrie Johnston, has provided us with her first monthly report which we're happy to share with you here: Dear Block Watch Captains and Contacts: I just completed my first month as your North Precinct Crime Prevention Coordinator. I have introduced myself to the University, Broadview, Wedgwood, Pinehurst, Wallingford neighborhoods and have meetings scheduled in Blue Ridge; Ballard; Crown Hill; Sunset Hills and…