The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office this week charged a man suspected of possessing an explosive device in a stolen Porsche in Burien on Dec. 3, 2020.

As we previously reported, on Dec. 3, Burien Police deputies found what they considered a “suspicious device” inside a stolen Porsche Boxster near the 11800 block of 16th Ave South (map below).

That device turned out to be a pipe bomb.

The suspect – Richard Desmond Crapo, 35 – has been charged by Prosecutors with Possession of a Stolen Vehicle as well as an Explosive Device.

Crapo has several prior convictions, including attempting to elude a police vehicle, second degree theft of a motor vehicle (2 convictions) and unlawful possession of a firearm in the second degree.

Charging documents allege that on Dec. 3, 2020 at approximately 2:58 p.m., police were dispatched to the 11800 block of 16th Ave South after an anonymous neighbor called 911 and reported a suspicious gray Porsche Boxster parked at that location with a male inside.

Dispatch advised police that the Porsche was a stolen vehicle, and a deputy said that this specific one had eluded him the day prior. After deputies positioned themselves in the area anticipating the suspect fleeing, an officer drove up the long narrow driveway, where he found Crapo seated in the driver’s seat. The officer exited his marked patrol car and called for the driver to step out of the car. After a brief exchange, Crapo stepped out of the car, then suddenly sprinted and hopped over fences in an attempt to flee.

Crapo was eventually taken into custody by deputies in a nearby yard, then was brought back to the patrol cars where he was positively identified by prior booking photos.

A detective confirmed the VIN on the Porsche and verified with that it was still outstanding as stolen. A consent to search was granted, and police found an 8-inch long, camouflage-painted pipe bomb with a red fuse on the floor between the driver’s door and seat.

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A deputy took pictures of the pipe bomb and alerted dispatch. Another deputy asked Crapo about the bomb, and he responded “I don’t know what you’re talking about, but it’s not going to blow up.” Crapo was then transported to the King County Jail.

The Bomb Disposal Unit (BDU) was called in, which required a large response, including evacuating residents of nearby houses. Police started evacuating homes within approximately 300 feet of the bomb, and also blocked nearby roadways to keep a safe radius. Metro Transit resources were requested to help transport and shelter displaced families.

The pipe bomb was eventually safely removed and disposed of, and residents were eventually allowed to return to their homes.

The rightful owner of the Porsche responded to the scene, signed a Stolen Vehicle Follow-up form and drove his vehicle away.


 

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