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.
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