UPDATE--Seattle PD Releases Statement on $2 Million Seattle Heist

Seattle has had issues, to say the least, with crime. Beat cops, detectives and the workforce are doing the best they can, but upper level officials have not always behaved or pushed procedures that enable the street-level Officers to fully and effectively do their jobs.

$2 million jewelry heist takes place yards away from Chief

Last Thursday, August 14th. a group of burglars smashed into Menashe and Sons Jewelry in West Seattle, and proceeded to make off with a shocking amount of goods.

MyNorthwest.com and AM 770 KTTH's Jason Rantz report they took:

$750,000 in Rolex watches, another with a $125,000 emerald necklace, and several more filled with high-end gold pieces."

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The suspects were armed with hammers and bear spray, they didn't hurt anyone, holding the workers at bay for the 90-second robbery.

According to reports, and two sources, Seattle Chief Shon Barnes and his security detail were in another business very close by. These reports claimed it was a restaurant, but Seattle PD has refuted that.

Seattle PD released a statement Wednesday August 20th that read in part:

"The Seattle Police Department is aware of false reports being circulated by some media outlets regarding Chief Shon Barnes' presence during a violent armed robbery that occurred in West Seattle on August 14. These claims suggest that the Chief was sitting across the street at a restaurant in plain view of the crime and failed to act. These allegations are baseless, inaccurate, and disrespectful to the work of the men and women of the Seattle Police Department.

The facts are clear: Chief Barnes was indeed in the area on personal business and visited several neighborhood establishments, including a restaurant that was located on the same side of the street as the jewelry store - not across from it - and not within direct view of the crime. The robbery itself lasted less than 90 seconds and there was no audible alarm. As soon as the Chief was made aware of the incident, he immediately went to the scene, spoke directly with eyewitnesses and the business owners, and worked alongside responding officers on scene. These officers arrived within minutes of the 911 calls.

To suggest otherwise is not only wrong—it distracts from the real story: that a group of armed criminals carried out a brazen attack on a beloved neighborhood business, traumatizing employees and community members. This department takes that crime, and every crime in this city, with the utmost seriousness. "

Several media outlets initially expressed in their view, the optics of this incident did not look good for Seattle, prior to the City releasing the statement.

However, there's been controversy and discussion of some of his comments and stances on efforts to locate and deport illegals in the City.

Not long ago, Barnes all but admitted Seattle PD would not question citizens about their immigration status. Barnes also said he would risk jail time to protect illegals in Seattle.

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