hits hotels in Tukwila

A brazen robber who has been targeting South Sound hotels is including Tukwila on his hit list.

The Tukwila robberies started March 20 with the most recent on March 24.

On March 20, around 2:30 a.m., the robber, armed with a handgun wrapped in a plastic bag or towel, entered the Comfort Suites Hotel at 7200 Funcenter Way.

Before the man entered the lobby, however, the clerk saw him and hid in the employee restroom, where he called 911.

The suspect did not take anything and left.

While police were at the hotel investigating,

they received another call of a robbery at the Doubletree Suites at 16500 Southcenter Parkway.

The suspect took an unknown amount of money.

On March 24, the man returned to the Comfort Suites Hotel, but this time did not try to conceal his weapon.

He assaulted a hotel clerk before taking money and leaving.

Twelve businesses have been targeted by the suspect in two weeks.

He is described as 25-35 years old, a light-skinned black or Samoan male, 5 feet 10 inches to 6 feet tall, heavy set.

He has worn a dark-colored jacket, light-colored blue jeans and a light-colored bandanna over his head, with his lower face covered with a dark colored cover.

He drives a dark colored, unknown make or model pickup truck with a hard top covering the bed.

Driver threatens cop

A Tukwila police officer in the parking lot at the ACME Bowling Center at 100 Andover Park West on March 18 spotted a suspected DUI driver around 1:30 a.m.

When the officer walked up to the car, the driver accelerated and started driving erratically in the parking lot, then headed toward the officer.

The officer fired shots and the car after jumping out of the way. The driver of the car got away, and the 41-year-old, 10-year veteran of the department was not injured.

The car is described as large, dark colored luxury SUV.

The driver is described as a white male in his late 20s, with brown hair that may have been bleached or highlighted.

Tukwila police are asking anyone with information to call the Tukwila Police Tip Line, 206-431-3689.

Candles cause home fire

On Sunday, March 19, units from the SeaTac and Tukwila Fire Departments and the Port of Seattle responded to a residential fire at 4410 South 176th Street.

The fire, started by unattended candles, was discovered at 5 p.m. by a 12-year-old in the home. She called 911, reported the emergency, and helped her younger siblings escape.

Upon arrival, Acting Captain Mike Nichols found the residence 50 percent covered with flames.

Firefighters attacked the blaze and brought it under control in a short time. During a search effort, they found a cat hiding behind a television and rescued him without any injuries to the animal.

The estimated property loss was $200,000.

Compiled by Sara Loken