The Seattle P.I. reports that a bar in the 6800 block of Greenwood Avenue North was robbed at gunpoint about 12:15 a.m. Wednesday. The police report does not name the bar (because all crime reports are supposedly confidential), but we received a tip from someone who heard on a police scanner that it was Oliver’s Twist (which is also the only bar in that block).
According to the P.I.:
He was described as a black man, slim build, 6-foot-2 and was wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, black pants and a mask over the lower half of his face.
“I’m going to say this one time, you’re going to get the money and put it in the bag,” he told the man working there, according to a police report.
Facing a black semi-automatic handgun, the man turned over $300 to $400. The suspect didn’t approach either witness, but told them not to look at him.
The man fled north on Greenwood Avenue North. The employee, who was not injured, locked the doors and called police. Officers tried to track the man with a police dog.
Thanks to HL for the P.I. link.
27 responses so far ↓
1 Neighbor // May 28, 2009 at 3:29 pm
Not just robbed, but *robbed at gunpoint* — apparently, during business hours.
2 Neighbor // May 28, 2009 at 3:31 pm
Sorry, just after business hours … it’s not open that late on Tuesday night, acc. to Yelp.
3 Trix // May 28, 2009 at 3:36 pm
What kind of bar is closed at 12:15 a.m?
I hope they catch this guy. What a creep.
4 Jeannette // May 28, 2009 at 3:39 pm
what’s going on with our neighborhood?!!!
5 Neighbor // May 28, 2009 at 4:09 pm
Looks like the hed and text were updated since my comments.
6 Sean // May 28, 2009 at 4:31 pm
Time to set up a citizens patrol! Who’s game?
7 anon // May 28, 2009 at 6:40 pm
Jeannette,
I’ll tell you exactly what’s going on. Phinney Ridge is primarily populated by solidly middle-class progressive liberals who have lived in an isolated bubble free from crime (real crime) for the past couple of decades. The same people who are pro-gun control, anti-police oppression (”why can’t they all be like Sheriff Andy?”), and think Mayor not-quite-a-nickles worth is just great! Guess what? You’re easy prey! Criminals go where their victims roll over for them - I can’t think of a better neighborhood than this. You might as well stick up signs at 50th and 85th that say “Welcome to PhinneyWood, would you like my iPod or my wallet, and by the way - the cash register is over here.”
8 - // May 28, 2009 at 7:07 pm
Anon - yes - if we were all armed and the police were all jack-booted thugs, this neighborhood would be much more livable. There’s no crime where were everyone is armed and the police run rampant over civil liberties - in those places, criminals are just too darned scared to do anything.
9 anon // May 28, 2009 at 8:29 pm
I’m not advocating jack-booted thugs running rampant over our civil liberties - quite the opposite. If individuals would take more responsibility for their own self-protection and that of their communities, you wouldn’t have to whine about a lack of police presence (those jack-booted thugs you so despise, right up until it’s your house that gets broken into).
And to specifically address your sarcasm, I’ve lived in both Chicago and Washington DC, two cities with the most restrictive gun laws in the country, and I was far, far more concerned for my personal safety than I’ve every been here.
By the way, the 2nd amendment IS a civil liberty. As soon as you start treating the Bill of Rights like a menu (i.e. the Bush administration) - you might as well kiss your concept of civil liberties goodbye.
10 Ramon // May 28, 2009 at 8:41 pm
Anybody have an idea of specific action to be taken for our neighborhood, or shall we go on debating gun rights vs gun control?
11 anon // May 28, 2009 at 9:35 pm
Sean’s idea is a good start. Here are some others:
- get to know your neighbors better, including your commercial neighbors. And why is the neighborhood “night out” potluck only once a year? Does anyone ever actually talk about block watch issues at those? Try to make “block watch” actually mean something.
- Don’t be afraid to challenge someone if they look suspicious. You don’t have to be a jerk about it - but if you ask a criminal “hey, you look lost - can I help you?” - what they’ll hear is “I’m paying attention, I recognize that you don’t belong in this neighborhood, and if a crime is committed I’ll be able to provide a pretty good description of a possible suspect to the cops.” If the person isn’t a criminal - they’ll think - “wow - someone who wants to help me - even if I don’t need it. How nice.”
- If you see a group of kids out past midnight - guess what - they’re up to no good. Challenge them too - same results. If you’re too intimidated to challenge them - call the cops (and wait, well, forever), or call a neighbor to back you up. If anyone tries to tell me a 15 year-old has an unfettered right to be out unquestioned at midnight - well you deserve to get your car broken into and your garage door tagged. I was that kid, and no one ever challenged me. Not once.
- Go ask John Walker of John Walker’s Workshop on Greenwood if his place has ever been broken into. Then ask him why.
- Call the North Precinct and tell them you want to meet the patrol cops, not that pathetic excuse for a civilian liaison they send out as a token gesture once a year to the PNA. I can’t honestly say I care for the majority of SPD I’ve met over the years, either personally or professionally. But I least I know a bunch of them by name - and that counts for something. If SPD blows you off - call the Times and the Stranger and tell them.
- Go introduce yourself to the Fire Department guys. They probably know just as much about the crime in the area (and strategies for preventing it) as the cops do - because they actually stay in the neighborhood (vs. passing through in between coffee breaks).
- Don’t tolerate “petty” crime. Get hassled by that guy standing outside 7-11? Call it in and demand a response. See someone pissing in the bushes next to the zoo? Call the zoo and ask them what they’re doing about the defacto homeless encampment parked on Phinney. Better yet, ask them what they intend to do about the biological hazmat situation they now have on their property. When you hear about a kid who actually gets caught tagging a property (a rarity I know), call the prosecutor’s office and demand the kid pays restitution and does at least a night in jail. They won’t, of course, but it sends a message that you actually care about your house/business getting spray-painted.
- Don’t make excuses for criminals. I know, I know - if you’re not from here, you moved here to count yourself among the “enlightened” Northwest liberal elite who believe if we all just think good thoughts, hold hands and show those misguided souls some compassion, they’ll see the error of their ways. Wrong. They won’t. But they will gladly stick a gun in your face and take the pittance that’s left of your Amazon stock options out your pocket (yeah - you should’ve cashed out back in 2006). If you really want to “be the change” - how about recognizing that crime does happen here, it’s happening now and with increasing frequency, and unless residents stop relying on SPD to do a job they can’t or won’t, and start relying on themselves - you will end up with exactly what you deserve.
And, no - I can’t let it go… who in their right mind would willingly disavow themselves of the one tool that allows a 90lb female to fend off a 240lb aggressor, day or night, out on the sidewalk, or in the bedroom? I would love to live in a place where people did not commit acts of violence towards others, and defending one’s self against such acts was not necessary. If you find that place, be sure to let me know.
12 Ramon // May 28, 2009 at 10:19 pm
Most of your points are good.
First, to be clear, I’m generally for all ten amendments in the Bill of Rights, including the individual right to bear arms.
However, I object to the assertion that a firearm is the only possible way to level an uneven playing field. 7 Star Kung Fu, for instance, has a very good, very effective self-defense course and an equally good kung fu program.
13 Tiktok // May 28, 2009 at 11:59 pm
Boy, if that bartender at Oliver’s Twist had just had a gun, they could have gotten the quick draw on the robber. I’m sure they get paid enough to get into a gun fight over $400 of their employer’s money.
14 anon // May 29, 2009 at 6:52 am
Titok,
What a great example of a completely ridiculous argument against the responsible ownership of guns. You are completely correct to assert that $400 is no reason to “get into a gun fight” as you put it. But if the robber decided he wasn’t going to just take the money and run? It isn’t about protecting the cash in the register - it’s about protecting your life. If you don’t want that option - that’s your decision to make for yourself, but you have no right to impose that decision on others.
15 simon // May 29, 2009 at 8:16 am
i’m not arguing against anon’s point re: the ability to level a situation if you’re armed, but the problem with this altercation is that you can’t expect bar employees to be packing and ready to draw at a moment’s notice.
and this is somewhat of an aside, but guns are illegal in bars, yes? does that also go for employees as well as patrons? (i honestly don’t know, just asking.)
the robber walked in (with gun drawn i’m assuming) and most likely caught the employee off guard. pulling a gun out at that time would have done nothing to protect anyone and probably would’ve aggravated the situation to a shoot out. as the robber already had the draw on the employee i don’t see how jumping for a gun would’ve helped at all here in leveling the playing field or giving advantage to the home team.
i’m all for responsible gun ownership, but this was a situation where the only difference it would’ve made would’ve been to put them further in harm’s way. having a gun doesn’t mean you should pull it out whenever something happens, assuming it’ll automagically save you — ’cause it won’t. gotta know when to hold ‘em, know when to fold… er, you get the idea.
in a highly volatile situation like this one if i had been the employee and had a gun, or had access to a gun, i would’ve (hopefully) had the foresight to realize that trying to pull a gun out when someone already had the drop on me was not a good idea and would’ve dutifully turned over whatever the jerk asked for while making sure i memorized every detail about the guy, because i would have to assume that if he saw me reaching for anything other than the cash register he would fire, and in that case trying to defend myself with a gun would be the worst possible thing i could do in regards to protecting my life.
besides that, i wholeheartedly agree and endorse what anon said about getting to know your neighbors, your surroundings, etc., and don’t be afraid to organize and speak up. squeeky wheel gets the grease, and with bars and bar patrons getting robbed and beat recently between midnight and closing, folks should put pressure on cops to step up patrols around those times, and continue with the “what have you done for me lately?” pressure. we pay them “to serve and protect” us — something that you should remind both them and those at the city level who represent you.
all that aside, it seems the question of block watches is something that comes up semi-regularly on phinneywood. i’m wondering if those that run the site might be able to figure a way to map out (map being a loose descriptive for putting together a resource list) what parts of phinney and greenwood have neighborhood block watches, who the block captains are, and what neighborhoods don’t. or maybe they can list resources (maybe they do already?). that way those of us who are in a block watch area can coordinate and get involved, and those of us who are not can work on putting one together where we live. getting to know your neighbors is one of the best things you can do on your street for a number of good reasons.
-simon (armed, and armed with intelligence)
16 just moved away // May 29, 2009 at 8:51 am
If we’re soft on “soft” crime (graffiti, drugs, etc.) it leads to hard crime… I’d bet $100 that guy was willing to wield a gun so he could get a fix. We need a mayor like Mark Sidran (not running, by the way) who wouldn’t be a Big-Purple-Dinosaur on law and justice.
Figure it out already.
17 jm // May 29, 2009 at 9:07 am
We have had a block watch for many years and it has helped. I do think it would be difficult to get neighbors to patrol the commercial business area on a regular basis at night.
18 Ivy // May 29, 2009 at 9:50 am
Actually, Nickels does have a plan for dealing with these sorts of guys. He’s going to have them walled in with flimsy condos.
19 Mike // May 29, 2009 at 10:13 am
SPD was out in full force this morning on Aurora. One bike cop just over the bridge heading north running a speed trap and then about a dozen other bike cops, a DARE van and a couple of cruisers were providing cover for a group of joggers who thought the south bound lane looked like a running path. Anyone have any idea what this great stunt and quality use of our limited police resources was about? Glad to see SPD is making the city safe for joggers on highways.
20 Patti // May 29, 2009 at 10:20 am
Thank you Simon and Anon for the thoughtful and courteous exchange. I appreciate the respect you have shown each other and the rest of us. Much more convincing than Limbaugh-like antics!
Jm - can you tell me more about the block watch? We moved here 2 years ago and I know nothing of it. Would like to be involved.
21 Doree // May 29, 2009 at 10:57 am
Mike - Those runners on Aurora this morning were part of the Special Olympics Torch Run. According to an SDOT press release, about 50 runners participated in the relay run along Aurora from 145th down to Denny Way, then through downtown.
22 jm // May 29, 2009 at 12:10 pm
Patti – the block watch is pretty simple. It usually covers the one block you happen to live on. In our case, just the street we live on and the homes on each side of the street. I think the SPD had some suggestions on how to form a watch on their web site.
You can create a simple map/diagram showing each property on your block. Include the addresses, name of resident, their phone number and email address.
Then distribute copies of the map and info to each home/apt on your street. This gives everyone something to keep by the phone. Having a meeting during the annual Seattle Night Out gives you a catch-up with any changes on your block map.
For instance, if you’re on vacation you can notify a few people on your block watch email list and they’ll keep an eye on things while you’re away.
Or if you see car prowlers at night and call 911, you can report the exact address of the break-in by referring to your block map.
It helps if you have some retired people around or neighbors who work from home because that can deter daytime crime.
23 jm // May 31, 2009 at 1:06 pm
SPD web site:
http://www.seattle.gov/police/programs/blockwatch/default.htm
24 Whopper // May 31, 2009 at 4:24 pm
“stick up signs at 50th and 85th that say “Welcome to PhinneyWood”
Hey, I’m the one advocating for a border fence along 85th to keep the thievin’ Greenwood tweakers out. It’s only on this blog they feel welcome. South of 50th is nothing but naked cyclists, so nothing to worry about there, they have no place to hide swag.
25 jm // Jun 1, 2009 at 5:05 am
Anyone arrested yet?
26 greenwoodguy // Jun 1, 2009 at 1:10 pm
Yet another mundane diatribe from Whopper.
27 skip // Aug 24, 2009 at 4:42 pm
I feel just as bad I was leaving a bar just before 12:00 midnight and I was robber at gun point that is no good feeling what is this world coming to.
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