Stolen SUV suspect reportedly pointed gun at officer before jumping into Lake Washington

A 38-year-old man was arrested Thursday morning after allegedly stealing an SUV in North Seattle, ramming a police patrol vehicle, pointing a gun at an officer, and spending nearly 25 minutes treading water in Lake Washington before surrendering to police.

The man could be charged with motor vehicle theft, two counts of second-degree assault, first-degree unlawful possession of a firearm, and making a false statement to a public servant, a King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office spokesperson told KIRO Newsradio.

Stolen SUV tracked by AirTag before suspect jumps into lake

The incident began around 7:45 a.m., when a man reported his SUV stolen from the 12300 block of 15th Avenue NE while he was unloading items at his business, according to the Seattle Police Department. Surveillance video reportedly showed the suspect climbing into the vehicle through the open tailgate and driving away.

The victim tracked the SUV in real time using an AirTag and accompanied officers as they followed it across North Seattle.

Police found the suspect sitting in the stolen vehicle near the 10000 block of Riviera Place NE. The man reversed into a marked patrol car with an officer inside before backing into a residential yard and becoming stuck near a home, authorities reported.

When an officer approached the vehicle, the suspect allegedly pointed a loaded handgun at him before fleeing on foot. The man dropped the firearm, ran through a nearby property, and jumped into Lake Washington.

Suspect surrenders after 25 minutes in Lake Washington

While in the water, the suspect reportedly told officers he had multiple warrants and was worried about going to jail. After about 25 minutes, he swam back to shore and police took him into custody.

Seattle Fire Department medics evaluated the man, who reportedly claimed he had swallowed drugs. He later spit out a substance believed to be fentanyl, investigators said. The suspect initially provided a false name but was later identified.

Investigators found multiple active warrants and confirmed he was under Department of Corrections supervision. The investigation remains ongoing.

This is a developing story; check back for updates.

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