Seattle, WA — Seattle police have arrested a repeat offender under the “High Utilizer Initiative” following a robbery and assault incident at a local pharmacy.
On December 10, at approximately 2:15 p.m., officers responded to reports of a shoplifter trespassing at a pharmacy in the 500 block of 15th Avenue East. The store manager identified the suspect as a man previously involved in multiple thefts, including a November 25 incident where he assaulted an employee while stealing merchandise.
According to police, surveillance footage showed the 39-year-old suspect jumping over the counter and striking an employee. Officers detained the man and confirmed he had prior convictions and two outstanding arrest warrants for Theft and Obstructing a Law Enforcement Officer.
During the arrest, the suspect resisted officers, injuring a Seattle Police Department officer in the process. Due to his lack of cooperation, an ambulance was called to transport him to the jail. He was subsequently booked into King County Jail on charges of Robbery and Resisting Arrest.
Seattle police continue to monitor the situation, emphasizing their commitment to addressing repeat offenders under the High Utilizer Initiative.
Incident Numbers: 2025-361543; 2025-346994
High Utilizer Initiative offender arrested for robbery, resisting:https://t.co/xjcXx1a5rD pic.twitter.com/Bp7AHIG7wZ
— Seattle Police Department (@SeattlePD) December 12, 2025
The High Utilizer Initiative was created by the Seattle City Attorney’s Office in 2022 to give special attention and accountability to the most problematic individuals committing misdemeanor crimes in Seattle. The initiative partners the City Attorney’s Office with the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, Seattle Police, and the King County Jail.