SEATTLE — A man police say was disguised as a U.S. Postal Service worker attacked a Phinney Ridge couple and demanded cryptocurrency before officers arrested him last Friday afternoon.
Officers were dispatched to the 300 block of North 74th Street shortly after 2:16 p.m. on Feb. 20 for a report of an assault in progress. As they headed to the home, dispatchers updated them that a person described as a mail carrier was attacking the homeowner.
When officers arrived, witnesses flagged them down and led them into the house, where they found a 52-year-old resident struggling with the 31-year-old suspect. The victim’s 50-year-old wife was nearby, visibly upset. Officers separated the men and handcuffed the suspect.
The suspect wore a USPS-style uniform with Tyvek-style coveralls underneath. He carried a branded mail satchel, but refused to answer when officers asked if he worked for the postal service. He eventually said, “lawyer.”
Inside the satchel, police found a variety of items, including electronic equipment, tape, zip ties, a taser, tourniquet, cell phone, black beanie, face mask, lint roller, dark sunglasses, an electronic signal-blocking pouch, and gloves.
According to police, the victim answered the doorbell and saw the suspect holding a piece of mail. The suspect told the victim to open the letter in front of him, which the victim thought was unusual, but opened the mail. After the victim opened the letter, which demanded an amount of cryptocurrency, the suspect forced his way inside and attacked the victim and his wife.
Seattle Fire Department medics evaluated everyone who was involved at the scene, and one victim was taken to a hospital for chest pain.
The suspect was booked into the King County jail on suspicion of burglary, two counts of assault, and criminal impersonation. Homicide and assault unit detectives are leading the ongoing investigation.
Police ask anyone with additional information to contact the Seattle Police Department Violent Crimes Tip Line at 206-233-5000.
