Series of I-5 carjackings linked to white SUV

On Sept. 17, Washington State Patrol reported it will increase its visible presence on Interstate 5 in response to a series of recent carjackings that began in Federal Way.

Three armed carjackings occurred over two days in Federal Way and Fife, involving six to seven males and a white SUV. The carjackings reportedly took place after a white SUV bumped into vehicles on I-5, prompting the victim and suspects to pull over to the shoulder. The suspects would then carjack the victims at gunpoint.

The first carjacking reportedly occurred early morning Sept. 15 on I-5 near the South 320th Street exit in Federal Way when the victim’s car was bumped from behind by a white SUV. After both vehicles pulled over, three young Black males, possibly teenagers, all wearing ski masks, exited the SUV and pointed guns at the victim. They took the victim’s phone and wallet, which they threw into nearby bushes, and then stole the victim’s car before fleeing the scene, according to the state patrol.

The second carjacking reportedly occurred just after midnight Sept. 17 in Fife when a white SUV bumped a vehicle, according to the State Patrol. After pulling over, the victim was approached by six or seven Black males in ski masks. The suspects punched the victim and stole the vehicle. The victim was able to track the stolen vehicle and found that it was in Federal Way after the suspects threw his phone out of the window of his car. Officers located the victim’s stolen vehicle and then pursued the vehicle to Martin Luther King Blvd. One male suspect was arrested, and two females were released to family members, according to the State Patrol. As of Sept. 18, one male has been arrested in connection to the carjackings.

The third carjacking reportedly occurred just after 1 a.m. Sept. 17 when a white SUV bumped another car, and the victims were robbed at gunpoint, similar to the previous carjackings. Later, an attempt was made to use one of the victim’s credit cards at a McDonald’s on South 320th Street in Federal Way. The restaurant manager provided a description of a vehicle matching one of the previously stolen cars, according to the State Patrol.

Carjackings are not common in the area, but the public is advised to be aware of this dangerous criminal behavior, said Chris Loftis, State Patrol spokesperson.

“We recommend that anyone involved in a minor collision involving a white SUV, immediately report it to 911. Move out of traffic flow to a safe location, but do not pin yourself in,” Loftis said in a news release. “Given recent events, be vigilant on who and how many persons get out from the causing vehicle. If the situation seems at all suspicious, be prepared to quickly leave the area and not engage with individuals from the causing vehicle. Drive to a well-lit and safe public place like a local police station. If you find yourself in this scenario, call 911 with updates as you are safely able to do so.”

Loftis said that the white SUV believed to be linked to three carjackings was found by the Seattle Police Department on Sept. 18. He said they linked the white SUV to the carjackings by physical evidence found inside.

Despite the suspected vehicle being recovered, Loftis said carjackings could be perpetrated by any vehicle, and any similarly suspicious behavior with any vehicle or suspicious parties should be treated with great caution. Loftis said the public is advised to stay vigilant until WSP is able to bring all those responsible to justice.

“The Washington State Patrol and our partners in local law enforcement are committed to finding the perpetrators of this serious and dangerous criminal behavior and bringing them to justice,” Loftis said. “The public’s awareness, reasoned caution, and fast information sharing will help us in this important work.”

WSP asks anyone who may have witnessed or have information about these incidents to contact Sgt. Stacy Moate at 425-401-7745 or email her at stacy.moate@wsp.wa.gov.