CRIME BLOTTER

Iconic Seattle restaurant offers reward for stolen cougar

Dec 2, 2022, 8:54 AM | Updated: 9:19 am

Update (Dec. 2 at 9:16 a.m.):

Vito’s Restaurant and Lounge is offering a $1,000 reward for the safe return of a taxidermy cougar mascot that was stolen when the restaurant was broken into over the Thanksgiving weekend.

“This weekend thieves broke into Vito’s and among other things, smashed the glass and STOLE our beloved cougar in the COUGAR ROOM,” the restaurant said in a Facebook post.

They are offering an additional $2,000 for any information leading to the arrest of the thief.

Original:

The owners of a First Hill business in Seattle said thieves stole an iconic piece of history from their restaurant.

Jeff Scott, a co-owner of Vito’s Restaurant and Lounge, said over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, the suspects broke in and took Barbara, a stuffed cougar, from the Cougar Room.

Barbara has been on display for the last 12 years. Scott said the cougar is worth approximately $15,000. The suspects also stole a disco ball, copper pipes, and wiring.

Vito’s has been closed since a fire damaged it in June, with no word yet on when it will reopen.

Scott said the restaurant is offering up to a $2,000 reward for the safe return of Barbara.

Anyone with information about the theft should reach out to Vito’s on its Facebook Page.

Tacoma Police searching for organized retail theft suspect

Foster parent allegedly kidnapped 5-year-old

Mt. Vernon Police are investigating a potential kidnapping involving a foster parent taking a 5-year-old boy in their care.

Mount Vernon detectives learned the suspect had disconnected her phones and left her last known address. Investigators said the 35-year-old Mount Vernon resident had left the area.

Police have issued an arrest warrant for Amanda Dinges for second-degree kidnapping. Mount Vernon Police are working with federal authorities to find the boy.

Investigators said there was no indication the child was in danger of imminent death or harm. Police are not releasing the name of the child at this time.

Anyone with information should call 24-hour dispatch at 360-428-3211 or Mount Vernon Police during business hours at 360-336-6271.

Three suspects attempted to steal ATM in Lacey

Lacey Police said on Nov. 28 at 5:10 am, three men attempted to steal an ATM at the US Bank located at 5520 Martin Way East.

Investigators said two suspects put a yellow tow rope around the ATM, and the third suspect drove the white box truck.

After failing three times, the suspects drove away in the box truck.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Lacey Police Department at 360-459-4333 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.

Pedestrian hit by vehicle, dragged for a block

Seattle Police said at 5:33 a.m. Wednesday, a pedestrian was crossing westbound in a crosswalk at 4th Avenue and Seneca Street and was hit by a vehicle. The pedestrian was trapped under the car and dragged a block before the driver realized she had run over her. Seattle Fire provided aid to the victim.

She was stable and transported to Harborview Medical Center.

Investigators said there was no evidence of DUI.

Have a tip on a crime story? Message Darren Dedo on Twitter or email him here.

Crime Blotter

courthouse escapee snohomish county...

KIRO 7 News Staff

Deputies looking for Snohomish County courthouse escapee

The Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office is looking for a 39-year-old who escaped the courthouse Friday afternoon when a judge told him he would be taken into custody.

1 day ago

whatcom county...

KIRO 7 News Staff

Whatcom County man found to have died from a blow to the head

Cole Hilton was found unconscious with a blow to the head on the side of the road in Whatcom County.

2 days ago

Kitsap boat hit-and-run...

Jason Sutich

Fishing trip cut short by hit-and-run boat crash in Kitsap County

A boat departing a Kitsap County marina, embarking on a fishing trip, suffered a hit-and-run crash Thursday after another vessel drove into the boat and fled.

2 days ago

north seattle body found woods...

KIRO 7 News Staff

Police investigating body found in North Seattle woods

The Seattle Police Department (SPD) is investigating a body found in the woods Thursday afternoon. SPD responded to the Matthews Beach neighborhood near 35th N.E. just after 3 p.m. Follow this link to read additional stories from KIRO 7 Police told KIRO 7 that the King County Medical Examiner (KCME) has been called to the […]

2 days ago

hidden camera Pokémon executive...

James Lynch

Former Pokémon executive accused of secretly recording hundreds of victims, including children, faces new charges

A former Pokémon executive, already facing voyeurism charges, has been accused of secretly recording hundreds of videos of women and children.

3 days ago

human remains...

James Lynch

25-year-old Seattle mother faces manslaughter charge after her 2-year-old drowned

A 25‑year‑old Seattle mother, Nakeeya Arbogast, is facing a manslaughter charge after prosecutors said her 2‑year‑old son drowned.

3 days ago

Iconic Seattle restaurant offers reward for stolen cougar