A local pot shop in downtown Seattle is no stranger to being robbed. Ruckus Recreational on E. Republican Avenue and 15th Street in the Capitol Hill area has been open since 2015 and has seen its share of smash-and-grab break-ins. In October 2018, the store was robbed by an armed man wearing gardening gloves who cleared the store of a little over $5,000 in less than a minute.

But Seattle Police say they are not searching for the latest suspect of what appears to be a robbery just before Christmas. They are only saying that the investigation is open and they cannot release any additional information at this time, leaving this “robbery” in a cloud of confusion.

Pre-Christmas Gunfire

On December 21, 2019, a male suspect entered Ruckus just before midnight. He pointed a gun at employees and demanded money, and he also filled another bag with products from behind the counter. When he exited the store, he left the bag of money behind and the employees locked the front door behind him. The suspect then came back (presumably for the cash), but when the employees wouldn't let him back inside, he shot at the door several times, shattering the glass door. One employee's hand was grazed by a bullet but otherwise, there were no other injuries.

Plot Twist

On December 30th, Seattle Police said that their investigation into the incident has led them to believe that this was not a late-night armed robbery and that it will probably not be a criminal matter. Why? Because the suspect is somehow associated with the business. Police are not identifying him at this time.

Most marijuana retail businesses are still cash-focused, thanks to federal restrictions on banking and credit, which makes them an easy target for heists. This has made neighborhoods where pot shops have opened concerned about an increase in crime and violence.

Whether the suspect in this latest Ruckus incident was a former or current employee or somehow otherwise affiliated with the business remains to be seen. Police may be saying now that they are not treating this as a robbery, but there will probably be some sort of charges brought against him when he is apprehended. After all, he did fire a gun that injured an employee, not to mention he made off with a bag full of marijuana goodies.

Defense Attorney Steve Karimi

If you or someone you know has been charged with robbery, armed robbery, or even marijuana possession over the legal limit in Seattle, the Law Offices of Steve Karimi is here to help. As a former King County prosecutor, Steve Karimi has an in-depth understanding of criminal law, and he will work tirelessly to reduce the charges against you or get them dropped altogether. Call his office at 206-621-8777 or fill out an online contact form today to get started.