CRIME BLOTTER

Police: Customer tried to pull ‘bikini barista’ through drive-thru window in Lakewood

Aug 27, 2025, 9:32 AM | Updated: 11:24 am

lakewood 2-month-old son prison...

Photo of a Lakewood Police Department vehicle in front of its police headquarters. (Photo courtesy of Lakewood Police Department)

(Photo courtesy of Lakewood Police Department)

A customer attempted to pull a “bikini barista” through a drive-thru window in Lakewood.

According to charging documents obtained by The Tacoma News Tribune, the incident took place at approximately 2:30 a.m. Aug. 18 on South Tacoma Way. The documents stated that once he received his beverage, a man threw it in his car and grabbed the victim’s arm after she reached for a clipboard. The bikini barista braced herself against the window frame until the suspect, who was alone in his vehicle, let go and drove off.

A “bikini barista” prepares and serves coffee beverages while dressed in scanty attire. Bikini barista stands became increasingly popular in the Pacific Northwest, with Lakewood having nine total bikini barista establishments.

The barista involved in the incident suffered injuries to her upper body and had her shirt torn.

Using the merchant’s copy of the suspect’s receipt, police were able to confirm the suspect’s identity. The suspect was 19 years old. He was arrested and charged with first-degree attempted kidnapping.

Suspect’s interview with police

In his interview with detectives, according to The Tacoma News Tribune, the suspect stated he was not in the right state of mind and had no intention of hurting the victim. He admitted he was drinking and smoking marijuana the night of the incident. The man told police he was suffering through some “relationship problems” and simply wanted to see “a pretty girl.”

A plea of not guilty was entered on his behalf during his arraignment Tuesday in the Pierce County Superior Court.

This is a developing story, check back for updates

Follow Frank Sumrall on X. Send news tips here.

Crime Blotter

Mason County SWAT barricade...

MyNorthwest Staff

Mason County deputies search for armed and dangerous suspect in Shelton shooting

The Mason County Sheriff's Office SWAT Team is actively responding to a barricaded suspect near Walnut Street in Shelton.

3 hours ago

Auburn shooting arrest...

James Lynch

2 women escape injury after suspects allegedly open fire in Auburn

Two suspects, including an adult male and a juvenile, were arrested after a shooting in Auburn shortly after midnight on Oct. 30, according to police.

4 hours ago

Spokane shooting deputy...

MyNorthwest Staff

2 Spokane County deputies remain critical after domestic violence shooting leaves 3 dead

A domestic violence shooting killed three people and critically injured two Spokane County Sheriff's Office deputies Tuesday afternoon, KHQ reported.

6 hours ago

Bremerton hit-and-run...

Jason Sutich

Bremerton police seek driver after hit-and-run leaves pedestrian in critical condition

Bremerton Police have asked for assistance in identifying the suspects involved in a hit-and-run incident that left a pedestrian with life-threatening injuries.

8 hours ago

Burien shooting puppy...

Frank Lenzi

Man charged with murder after alleged shooting over puppy dispute in Burien

A 33-year-old man is charged with murder and assault after allegedly shooting two men and killing one at a Burien home last month during a dispute over a puppy.

20 hours ago

King County deputy stabbing shoreline...

Frank Lenzi

Man accused of stabbing King County deputy in Shoreline faces assault, harassment charges

A man accused of stabbing a King County Sheriff's deputy in Shoreline last week has been formally charged after being released from jail.

21 hours ago

Police: Customer tried to pull ‘bikini barista’ through drive-thru window in Lakewood