28 Sep 2023 7:17 am
Seattle police arrest 5 in connection with string of home invasion robberies targeting Asian community (msn.com)
Seattle police announced on Wednesday that investigators have arrested five suspects in connection with a string of home invasion robberies targeting the Asian community since June.The five male suspects, four adults and one 17-year-old juvenile, were booked for first-degree robbery, Seattle Police Chief Adrian Diaz said. Officers also recovered 14 handguns that will be tested to determine whether they have been used in previous shootings."We’re not sure why the Asian community was targeted," Diaz said, adding that police will work with the prosecutor’s office to determine whether to charge the suspects with a hate crime.
Since June, police said there have been at least 14 home invasion robbery cases, nearly all involving elderly Asian community members. Police are assessing whether there are more cases.In August, one incident captured on video made headlines after two suspects approached a male victim from behind as he stood in front of the home and tased him.
"It’s a group of three to seven Black males in their teens, and they are targeting elderly Asians within our communities within the south precinct."Officer Gulpan said the suspects accost their victims outside their homes and sometimes force entry into the homes. The suspects steal high value items such as jewelry and large amounts of cash, police said.