by Tim Clifford

On Jan. 21 at a 1 p.m. officers with the Major Crimes Unit arrested two suspects believed to be responsible for a string of motel robberies in SeaTac and numerous other jurisdictions.

Officers apprehended the duo as they were checking out of a hotel on the 19200 block of International Blvd. in SeaTac. The arrests were made without incident.

“We’re just glad they are in custody and won’t be able to rob motels anymore,” said Sergeant D.B. Gates with the King County Sheriff’s Office.

The suspects are described as being transients in their mid-20’s who were living off of the money stolen during their robberies. 7 of the 12 robberies were committed against businesses in the SeaTac area.

Both suspects were booked into the King County Jail for investigation on First Degree Robbery. The suspects should have their first appearance in court today some time.

The spree began Nov. 15 last year after the couple were identified as being involved in a string of motel robberies and a pizza shop hold up in the SeaTac area. Surveillance videos captured the female’s face as well as the getaway vehicle the two were using.

The robberies would begin with the female suspect first “casing” the targeted establishment to ensure that the on-duty employee was alone. Usually this would involve the female suspect going in and asking questions about room rates or ordering for shuttle pick-ups at the airport.

Once an employee was alone the male suspect would rush-in with a handgun wearing a mask and gloves and demand all of the money in the registers. Then the male suspect would run outside to the waiting getaway car being driven by the female suspect.

More information on this story and the suspects will be coming soon once prosecutors formally file charges on the suspects.