12-year-old arrested in failed West Seattle carjacking attempt

SEATTLE — Seattle police arrested a 12-year-old boy last month following his suspected involvement in an attempted carjacking that occurred in West Seattle.

On Aug. 30 at 11:06 a.m., officers responded to reports of an in-air progress carjacking by multiple juvenile suspects in the 4300 block of Holgate St., police said. When officers arrived, they found one of the suspects who was unintentionally left behind by his accomplices, police noted.

Officers also detained a male bystander who was armed with a gun. Police said they later determined the vehicle owner found four or five suspects inside her vehicle and were attempting to steal it. Bystanders and witnesses then confronted the suspects, who exited the vehicle, leaving a cell phone behind, according to Seattle police.

Police said the suspects later returned for the phone and charged at one of the involved individuals. A bystander then fired one or two shots at the suspects' getaway vehicle.

The group of juveniles then escaped the scene, leaving one person behind. Officers arrested the child for attempted theft of a motor vehicle, police said. Police also arrested the bystander for aiming and discharging a firearm, and he was released from custody at the scene after further investigation was conducted.

Police said the firearm used was recovered as evidence, and two shell casings were also recovered. Officers said they failed to find any other suspects.