Suspect identified in White Center murder
King County Sheriff’s Detectives are asking for the public’s help locating the suspect in a crime that occurred in White Center earlier this month. Merle Charles Buchanan, known as Chucky, 26, is wanted for shooting and killing Jose Angel Garcia, 51, and Paul Victor Tapia, 45, outside of the Club Taradise, 9808 16th Ave SW.
The crime occurred around 1 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 6. Deputies responded after receiving multiple reports of a shooting outside of the club. After arriving, they found two victims in the parking lot. Garcia died at the scene. Tapia was transported to Harborview Medical Center, where he later died. Buchanan was identified as a suspect in the shootings during detectives’ investigation. He is known to frequent Burien, Renton and Seattle and detectives believe he is still in the area. Buchanan is 5’9” and 195 lbs. In addition to the murder warrants, he has a warrant for felony domestic violence. Officers say that he should be considered armed and dangerous. To report any information about Buchanan, call 911 or remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000 by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
Van vandalized over night
A man residing in the 1000 block of S 116 left his work van parked outside of his home on Tuesday night, Jan. 9. The next morning he called police around 10 a.m. to report that the side and back windows had been shattered.
Controlled substance violation at Fred Meyer
Two suspects were stopped for prowling at Fred Meyer, 14300 1 Ave S, around 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 10. One of the men was booked for a separate incident. After searching the suspects’ vehicle, heroin was found onboard, as well as multiple keys and possibly stolen identifications.
New Start High kitchen burglarized
At 9 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 11, officers received a report that New Start High School’s kitchen had been burglarized. Suspects entered the school, located in the 600 block of SW 120 St, by prying open the door.
Apartment complex’s maintenance area burglarized
Around 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 11, the maintenance manager at an apartment complex, located in the 100 block of S 174, called police to report that the on site shop had been burglarized. Power tools were stolen. Suspects entered the area by prying open the main door.
Robbery by unknown suspects
A young man was assaulted by two male suspects in the 800 block of SW 120 St. The suspects stole his cell phone and ran away. The crime was reported around 1:45 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 15.
