Mexican national arrested for string of casino, bank robberies in western Washington
Riverside Fire Authority also reported the theft of a $12,000 Jaws of Life extraction tool from one of its fire trucks.
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Riverside Fire Authority also reported the theft of a $12,000 Jaws of Life extraction tool from one of its fire trucks.
A 32-year-old Mexican national living in Federal Way was taken into federal custody Tuesday at the Federal Detention Center in SeaTac, accused of carrying out a series of armed robberies and attempted robberies across Western Washington, including three tribal casinos and a Shoreline bank.
Edgar Oswaldo Gonzalez Barragan was arrested by Kent Police just hours after the August 11 robbery of a US Bank branch in Shoreline, the final incident in a string of crimes that began earlier this month, according to a criminal complaint filed in federal court. Prosecutors say cellphone data and additional evidence placed him near each robbery or attempted robbery.
Investigators allege Gonzalez Barragan’s series of crimes began on August 1 at the Tulalip Quil Ceda Creek Casino. According to court documents, he approached a cashier window, displayed what appeared to be a silver handgun, and demanded cash. The cashier refused, activated a panic button, and Gonzalez Barragan fled without money.
Two days later, on August 3, authorities say he robbed the Silver Reef Casino on Lummi Nation land in Ferndale. Surveillance footage and witness statements identified him as the man who again brandished a silver handgun and demanded cash before escaping on foot.
Another attempted robbery followed on August 9 at the Little Creek Casino on Squaxin Island Tribal land in Shelton. Prosecutors say Gonzalez Barragan displayed a gun and demanded money, but fled after being told there was none in the till.
Later that same day, the Riverside Fire Authority reported the theft of a $12,000 Jaws of Life extraction tool from one of its fire trucks. Surveillance video allowed investigators to identify a vehicle linked to the theft, connecting it to Gonzalez Barragan, according to law enforcement.
The alleged crime spree culminated on August 11, when Gonzalez Barragan entered the US Bank branch in Shoreline and demanded money. A teller reported hearing a loud thud on the counter, fearing it was a weapon, and handed over cash. When officers arrested Gonzalez Barragan later that day, he was reportedly wearing the same clothing seen in the bank’s surveillance footage.
Investigators from multiple jurisdictions, including tribal police departments, local sheriff’s offices, city police departments, the FBI, and the Department of Homeland Security, collaborated in tracing the suspect’s movements and linking the incidents.
Assistant US Attorney Celia Lee, who serves as a Tribal Liaison for the Western District of Washington, is prosecuting the case.
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