Three Lakewood teenagers arrested, suspected in string of attacks

Lakewood police have arrested three teens thought to be stealing cars, robbing, and assaulting people in the South Sound this week.

The announcement was made via a news release around 11:15 a.m.

Lakewood Police used surveillance to catch the suspects

Police said they were able to catch several of the suspects returning to Walmart, presumably to commit robbery.

Lakewood Police Chief Mike Zaro told KIRO Newsradio three were arrested, two juveniles, and one adult. “There may be as many as a dozen teens involved in this group,” Zaro said. “We need the public’s help to find the other suspects.”

VIDEO: Lakewood police ask for help identifying suspects

The band of males and females has targeted two ride-share drivers, two senior citizens and an 18-year-old who was beaten up when he refused to give up his car keys.

Ride share victim says he’d never had that kind of fear

“When he got in the car, this fear just came over my body,” one of the victim’s told KIRO Newsradio. “I never felt like that before in my life. And I didn’t know why I had this fear. And I’ve been driving for almost seven years, and I’ve never had this fear come upon me ever,” Lyft driver Terry Lewis said.

He said it got much worse. “The guy behind me choked me and all three of them started punching me.  I’m thinking about as my family, my kids, my grandkids, all my friends. I’m thinking about my church, my password, everybody. I’m getting attacked. And I just can’t believe what’s going on right now.”

Lewis was able to escape.

Another ride share driver was run over with his car as the thieves made their get away.

First incident occurred in South Tacoma

The first incident happened on Oct. 17th in the 7200 block of South Tacoma Way. A 48 year old male was assaulted and had his car stolen.

The violent crimes have taken place in Tacoma, Lakewood and University Place, often in store parking lots. Police said they think the suspects are all from the area.

Police said a firearm was displayed in one of the incidents.

KIRO Newsradio’s Heather Bosch contributed to this story.