3 teen boys arrested for using shotgun to steal condoms from Seattle store

Three 16-year-old boys were arrested late Monday night after allegedly using a shotgun to steal boxes of condoms from a convenience store in North Seattle. According to the police report, the arrested boys displayed combative behavior, reportedly kicking vehicle doors, yelling obscenities at officers, and bragging that they would be released the next day.

According to the Seattle Police Department (SPD), the incident occurred around 10:00 pm on May 12 in the 12200 block of Aurora Avenue North. Police responded to reports of a robbery involving multiple suspects and a firearm.

Investigators say the crime began when one of the teens stole several boxes of condoms from a mini-mart. As the suspect fled the store, a second accomplice inside a waiting getaway vehicle allegedly brandished a shotgun and pointed it at the store manager, who attempted to intervene. Fearing for his life, the manager called 911.

Responding officers quickly broadcast descriptions of the suspects and their vehicle. SPD’s Community Response Group (CRG) located the vehicle and attempted a felony traffic stop. The suspects attempted to evade arrest by reversing into a police vehicle before speeding off. Officers conducted a PIT (Pursuit Intervention Technique) maneuver, bringing the vehicle to a stop and taking all three suspects into custody.

Inside the car, officers also found three girls between the ages of 15 and 16. They were detained at the scene and later released to guardians from the North Precinct.

A loaded shotgun was recovered from the vehicle, which was confirmed to have been stolen from Snohomish County. The car was impounded and transported to SPD’s Vehicle Processing Room.

The police report stated, “All three [suspects] repeatedly kicked their doors, called law officers names, and screamed for sustained periods of time. They were also heard at the scene bragging about ‘being out tomorrow.'” The report noted that the teenage boys appeared to be unhappy about how their night had ended.

Activist judges in King County are notorious for releasing juvenile offenders from custody no matter how serious the crime is.

All three teens were booked into juvenile detention at the Judge Patricia H. Clark Children & Family Justice Center on robbery charges. Two of the boys are also facing charges of possessing a stolen firearm. The case has been assigned to SPD’s Robbery Unit, and King County prosecutors requested that the court hold the suspects in secure detention. After a first appearance hearing, the court agreed to keep all three in custody while the case proceeds.

King County Prosecutors told The Ari Hoffman Show on Talk Radio 570 KVI that they have not yet received a formal case referral from police for charging decisions, which is standard procedure in juvenile court. Unlike adult court, juvenile first appearances do not include detailed police narratives or bail hearings. Prosecutors expect to receive the case referral by Thursday afternoon.