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

shooting...

MyNorthwest Staff

Woman in custody after domestic violence incident leads to officer-involved shooting in Seattle

A woman is in custody after a domestic violence incident turned into an officer-involved shooting in Seattle.

2 days ago

planend parenthood...

Julia Dallas

Man arrested for allegedly trying to light Bellevue Planned Parenthood on fire

A 36-year-old man was arrested for allegedly trying to set a Bellevue Planned Parenthood on fire based on his own personal beliefs.

2 days ago

longview swat assault firearm...

Jason Sutich

Woman, child escape Longview home before SWAT arrests man accused of threatening her with gun

A 47-year-old man was arrested after a SWAT response to his Longview home, where he was allegedly threatening his girlfriend with a firearm and assaulting her.

2 days ago

chelan hills fire suspect (1)...

Julia Dallas

3 more suspects arrested in connection with deadly Chelan Hills Fire, 2 outstanding

The U.S. Marshals Service located and arrested a 19-year-old man in connection with the deadly Chelan Hills Fire.

2 days ago

fall city abuse family...

BRANDON THOMPSON, KIRO 7

‘Like the life was squeezed out of them:’ Family describes alleged abuse at home where 5 were killed

Two family members testified that their suspicions of mistreatment of the children living inside the Fall City Home, where five people were killed, were confirmed by the two surviving children.

2 days ago

marysville animal cruelty...

KIRO 7 News Staff

Prosecutors receive 43 animal cruelty charges against Marysville suspected breeder

An animal control community service officer in Marysville has submitted 44 charges to prosecutors for an alleged “extreme breeding and hoarding” situation.

2 days ago

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