Armed mail thief arrested in Gatewood neighborhood in western Seattle

A firearm was seized during the arrest of a mail thief on August 7 in the Gatewood neighborhood of western Seattle.

SPD photo

Information from the Seattle Police Report

by Detective Eric Muñoz

Seattle police arrested an armed mail thief two weeks ago in the Gatewood neighborhood in western Seattle.

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

During the investigation into the crimes, it was found that seven community members had been victims of assault.

Police spotted the suspect nearby and arrested him. He was in possession of several pieces of evidence, including stolen mail, suspected stolen bank cards, a metal crowbar and concealed a loaded firearm.

The man had an expired license to carry a concealed pistol and was not allowed to carry the weapon in this manner. The 9mm Beretta APX semi-automatic pistol was seized as evidence.

The 28-year-old suspect was arrested for mail theft, trespassing, malicious damage to property and illegally carrying a pistol. He was booked into the King County Jail.

Charges have been filed with the King County District Attorney's Office for the above offenses, including possession of stolen mail.

Detectives from the General Investigations Division were assigned to this case.