Duo Arrested After Rainier Valley Carjacking Spree Using Fake Guns

The pair robbed a woman at gunpoint, stole her car, then used it in a second armed robbery before being apprehended by police.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 10:34pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a realistic-looking replica pistol, its metallic surface and details sharply illuminated against a stark black background, conveying the dangerous nature of these types of crimes.The use of fake guns that appear real can escalate encounters and pose a serious risk to public safety, as seen in a recent Rainier Valley crime spree.Seattle Today

Two men were arrested in Seattle after a daylight carjacking in the Rainier Valley neighborhood turned into a two-stop crime spree. The suspects used realistic-looking replica pistols to rob a 65-year-old woman of her white Nissan, then used the stolen vehicle minutes later to pistol-whip a 33-year-old man and steal his power tools. Officers quickly tracked down and apprehended the duo.

Why it matters

Carjackings and armed robberies have been an ongoing issue in the Rainier Valley area, with similar mid-day incidents reported in recent months. The use of replica firearms that are difficult to distinguish from real guns can also escalate the danger and risk of these types of crimes.

The details

At around 3:05 pm on April 1, police responded to a report of a carjacking in the 3400 block of Rainier Avenue South. A 65-year-old woman told investigators she had arranged to meet an acquaintance to exchange property when she was pulled from her white Nissan, pushed to the ground, and watched as the pair drove off in her vehicle. Minutes later, 911 dispatchers received a report of a second armed robbery in the 3200 block of Claremont Avenue South, where a 33-year-old man was pistol-whipped and had power tools stolen. Police believe the stolen Nissan was used in this second incident.

  • At about 3:05 p.m. on April 1, officers responded to a report of a carjacking in the 3400 block of Rainier Avenue South.
  • Minutes later, 911 dispatchers received a report of a second armed robbery in the 3200 block of Claremont Avenue South.

The players

65-year-old woman

The victim of the initial carjacking incident.

33-year-old man

The victim of the second armed robbery, where he was pistol-whipped and had power tools stolen.

29-year-old man

One of the two suspects arrested, apprehended in a grocery store parking lot.

43-year-old man

The second suspect, arrested while walking in the area.

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What’s next

Detectives continue to investigate the incidents and have not released charging documents. Police have asked anyone with information to call the Seattle Police Department Violent Crimes Tip Line at 206-233-5000.

The takeaway

The use of realistic replica firearms in these types of crimes highlights the ongoing public safety concerns in the Rainier Valley area, where carjackings and armed robberies have been a recurring issue. Authorities are urging the community to come forward with any information that could aid the investigation.