Gas Masks, Fireworks, Nails, Mace Among Items Found In Van Abandoned Near Seattle Riots
During riots on Saturday near Capitol Hill in Seattle, rioters directed several explosions towards officers — one leaving a hole in the Seattle Police Department East Precinct. Police observed a van moving with the crowd and obtained a search warrant, later finding loads of weapons and dangerous objects.
According to a report by the Seattle police, a witness said they saw “what appeared to be improvised shields, gas masks, baseball bats and a large assortment of pyrotechnic explosives inside the van.” This call and the explosions led to the search which resulted in the findings.
Due to a strange parking position and the nearby explosions, the bomb squad had to clear the vehicle before it was impounded and searched.
Other items discovered included improvised spike strips, homemade shields, shin guards, helmets and other body armor, and other items.
The Saturday riots resulted in several trailers at a construction site being set ablaze. Numerous cars in the parking lot at 12th Avenue and Alder Street and several businesses were damaged. A local youth center was firebombed by the crowd, as well.
Anyone with information on the van or riot damage is asked to contact the Seattle Police Violent Crimes tip line at (206) 233-5000.
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