Suspect arrested in 1M Seattle burglary ring, jaws of life used in ATM, safe thefts

In a significant law enforcement operation, Seattle police and federal agencies arrested Scott Rhodes, the leader of a burglary ring that allegedly stole around $1 million from local businesses using stolen vehicles and fire department "jaws of life" tools. This crew, consisting of four members, executed a series of thefts targeting ATMs and large safes, causing an estimated $500,000 in property damage. The investigation began in October 2024, when police noticed a pattern of burglaries involving sophisticated techniques and pre-planned operations. Rhodes was apprehended by the King County Sheriff's SWAT Team after attempting to escape from his vehicle, during which he disposed of a large bag of cocaine. He now faces a range of serious charges, including three counts of first-degree theft and three counts of malicious mischief, along with additional charges related to burglary and drug possession.

The collaborative effort among various law enforcement agencies highlights the severity of the crimes and their implications for community safety. Rhodes is scheduled to enter a plea on March 5 at the Maleng Regional Justice Center in Kent. This case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by organized crime in urban areas.