The City Smoke Shop on Rainier Avenue South has been the target of smash-and-grab robberies three times in just one week, culminating in a dramatic incident that unfolded early Thursday morning last week.
At approximately 2:30 a.m., Seattle police responded to reports of a robbery in progress at the smoke shop, located in the 6300 block of Rainier Avenue South. Witnesses reported hearing gunshots in the vicinity, raising concerns about the escalating violence associated with these thefts.
According to investigators, a group of 8 to 9 suspects arrived at the scene in three vehicles. They forcefully entered the store, smashing through the front entrance and stealing items before fleeing the scene. The situation escalated further when the business owner, who was armed, arrived at the shop and confronted the suspects. During the encounter, shots were exchanged, but fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Following the robbery, one of the suspect vehicles was seen speeding away on South Graham Street before crashing near South Albro Place under the northbound I-5 overpass. The suspects abandoned the wrecked car and fled on foot, prompting a search by law enforcement. Despite their efforts, police were unable to locate any of the suspects, and no arrests have been made.
Retail stores often implement a variety of strategies to prevent smash-and-grab robberies including installing high-resolution surveillance cameras can deter potential criminals and provide valuable evidence if a crime does occur. Experts say that employing security guards, especially during peak hours, can act as a deterrent to criminal activity.