Seattle police arrest teen linked to massage parlor robberies in CID and Rainier Valley - KOMO News

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SEATTLE — Detectives from the Seattle Police Department's Robbery Unit arrested a 19-year-old man who's connected to a string of robberies at massage parlors in the Chinatown-International District and Rainier Valley.

On Dec. 17 at around 4:30 a.m., detectives, in coordination with SPD's SWAT, served a search warrant at the man's home in the 7200 block of 38th Avenue South. The SPD said he was taken into custody without incident.

"Immediately after these cases were assigned to the robbery unit, detectives began to follow leads," the SPD wrote in a media release. "During the investigation, detectives determined that the suspect was connected to a string of armed robberies at massage parlors."

Officers recovered guns and other evidence from the suspect's home, according to Seattle police.

The suspect has been tied to the following robberies, according to the SPD:​

On Nov. 17, at around 11:56 p.m., Seattle police allege that the 19-year-old suspect entered a massage parlor in the 600 block of Jackson Street and, while inside, demanded money from a 33-year-old woman, according to police.

The victim cooperated and gave the suspect cash. After receiving the money, the suspect pistol-whipped the victim and demanded more money, police said. The woman, police say, told the suspect that there was no more cash, which is when he shot the woman and fired another round into the video surveillance unit. The SPD said he fled the scene shortly after.

Second incident:​

On Dec. 2 at around 10:03 p.m., Seattle police say the same suspect entered a massage parlor in the 3700 block of Rainier Avenue South, and once inside, he drew a firearm, demanded cash, and struck a 61-year-old woman in the head with the gun.

"The victim immediately emptied the cash register and gave the man money," wrote the SPD. "After receiving cash, the suspect fired several rounds into the ceiling before leaving on foot. Detectives are also investigating an unreported robbery that may have involved the suspect."

The SPD said the man was arrested and booked into the King County jail for investigation of robbery, assault, and unlawful possession of a firearm.

The Seattle Police Department Robbery Unit is handling the investigation and urges anyone with information about these incidents or other crimes to call the SPD Violent Crimes Tip Line at (206) 233-5000.