Burien

Public's help asked to find gun-wielding shop robber

March 7 - The King County Sheriff's Office is asking for help from the public to catch a man who robbed a Burien tobacco shop while armed with a handgun.

The incident occurred just before 8 p.m. at the Burien Tobacco Mart, 14400 Ambaum Blvd. S.W.

According to sheriff's office spokesman Sgt. John Urquhart, the suspect entered the business and went to the beer and wine cooler before going up to the counter.

He then pulled out a handgun and demanded money from the cash register. He told the sole clerk he needed the money "for diapers." The robber got the cash and took two wine coolers before leaving the area on foot.

The suspect has not been identified but is pictured in a surveillance photo taken at the time of the heist.

He is a black male, about 22 years old, and about 5 feet 8 inches tall and 140 pounds. He was wearing dark jeans, a black stocking cap, and a black jacket with gray sleeves and a "Rhino" logo on the front.

The store clerk said the man spoke with a slight lisp, but he couldn't tell if it was due to a speech impediment or if the robber was simply nervous.

Anyone who recognizes the suspect is asked to call the King County Sheriff's Office at 206-296-3311 (24 hrs.) or 9-1-1.

Tukwila

Man dies in Green River after botched robbery try

March 24 - A 19-year-old man who shot the victim of an attempted robbery in a Renton residential neighborhood died after driving into the Green River while fleeing from the crime scene.

Police said Phillip Kozlov drove his car into the Green River following the early evening incident. The King County Medical Examiner's Office said Kozlov drowned.

His 39-year-old victim, who was shot in the back, was treated for serious injuries at Harborview Medical Center.

A second man, 20, was arrested later for investigation of robbery in connection with the incident.