Seattle Man Allegedly Carjacks Vehicle with Two Children Inside

Recently, an outing in North Seattle almost turned deadly for a 16-year-old girl, her baby brother, and her father. Police reports indicate a mother left her BMW running on Northeast 88^th Street, walking to a nearby Shell gas station to see her husband, who was working inside a food truck, which was parked in the Shell parking lot. The woman left the engine running to keep her 16-year-old daughter and young son warm.

A man and woman jumped into the running car, attempting to speed away when they realized the children’s father was being dragged as he clung desperately to the car. Several blocks down the street, the father was forced to let go. The male carjacker dropped off his female passenger a distance from where the carjacking occurred, then pulled over and walked away himself. The children were unhurt and were left inside the vehicle.

Male Suspect Arrested and Charged with Kidnapping and Assault

A male suspect was arrested and charged with kidnapping and assault. The father, Hector Vazquez, said he thought the very worst when he was unable to stop the car, saying, “There are so many crazy people on the streets who are armed.” Vazquez related how frightened he was when he saw the car drive away with his children. Vazquez attempted to stop the car by hanging on to the open driver’s door, then trying to grab the steering wheel. The driver pushed Vazquez over and over as he was dragged along Lake City Way Northeast to 15^th Avenue Northeast. 

Father Dragged Half a Mile, Hospitalized for Twelve Days

Vazquez was dragged about half a mile before the man forced him to let go. Vazquez was taken to the hospital where he was admitted and treated for leg and foot injuries. Vazquez stated that he spent the next twelve days in bed. Vazquez was happy and relieved to have his children returned to him unhurt; however, he claims his daughter has suffered emotionally as a result of the kidnapping.

Suspect Identified from Video and Fingerprints

The suspect was identified from a fingerprint found on the BMW and charged with first-degree kidnapping and second-degree assault (for the injuries received by the father). The father, who was dragged at speeds up to 60 mph, says he could hear his daughter’s screams as he hung onto the vehicle.

The suspect remains jailed in lieu of $250,000 bail. It is believed that the female passenger told the driver she did not want to be involved, which is when he stopped and let her out.

Teen Films Kidnapper

The teenager was yelling out the window for help; the driver told her to get out, but she refused to leave her brother. The spunky teen then pulled out her cellphone and proceeded to record the driver. The suspect drove for approximately 15 minutes before pulling over, over two miles north of the Shell gas station.

The girl then phoned a friend to contact the children's mother. She claimed the carjacker walked westbound from where he stopped. The mother of the children, as well as the Seattle police, then arrived at the location of the BMW.

Homeless Suspect Has Long List of Priors

Video footage was obtained from the gas station, as well as from a camera mounted inside a witness’s vehicle and the teen’s phone video. It is unclear whether the female has been identified and whether she will face charges if and when she is.

The suspect, who is homeless, has a fairly lengthy criminal history, including vehicle theft, possessing a firearm unlawfully, felony drug charges, a hit-and-run, DUI, reckless driving, driving on a suspended license, and a number of domestic violence offenses.

Getting Help Following Kidnapping or Assault Charges

If you have been charged with such criminal offenses as kidnapping or assault, it is imperative that you seek assistance from a highly experienced Washington criminal defense attorney.

The penalties for first-degree kidnapping (A Class A felony) include up to life in prison and/or a fine as large as $50,000. The penalties for second-degree kidnapping (A Class B felony) include up to ten years in prison and/or a fine as large as $20,000. Second-degree assault is a Class B felony with the same punishments as above, and fourth-degree assault is a gross misdemeanor, punishable by up to 364 days in jail and a $5,000 fine.

Getting Help From Seattle Criminal Defense Attorneys at Lewis & Laws, PLLC

As you can see, the penalties are extremely severe, requiring the help of a knowledgeable Seattle criminal defense law firm.

If you are charged with a crime in Seattle, such as kidnapping or assault, contact an experienced Seattle criminal defense lawyer immediately. These charges could ruin your life and your future. The experienced lawyers at Lewis & Laws, PLLC have successfully defended clients in Seattle, Bellevue, and Kirkland. Call us today at 206.209.0608 or fill out our online contact form.