Armed mail thief arrested in West Seattle’s Gatewood neighborhood

A firearm was recovered during the arrest of a mail thief on Aug. 7 in West Seattle’s Gatewood neighborhood

SPD Photo

Information from Seattle Police Blotter

by Detective Eric Muñoz 

Seattle Police arrested an armed mail thief in the Gatewood neighborhood in West Seattle two weeks ago.

On August 7th at 12:51 a.m., patrol officers responded to reports of a male wearing a ski mask breaking into mailboxes in the 7900 block of 35th Avenue Southwest.

While investigating the crimes, seven community members were found to be victimized.

Police located the suspect nearby and arrested him. He was in possession of multiple pieces of evidence, including stolen mail, suspected stolen bank cards, a metal pry bar, and he was concealing a loaded firearm.

The man had an expired Concealed Pistol License and was prohibited from carrying the firearm in that manner. The Beretta APX 9mm semi-automatic handgun was seized as evidence.

The 28-year-old suspect was arrested for Theft of Mail, Criminal Trespass, Malicious Mischief, and Unlawful Carry of a Pistol. He was booked into King County Jail.

Charges were referred to the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for the above crimes including Possession of Stolen Mail.

Detectives in the General Investigations Unit were assigned to this case.