Ballardite says SWAT got the wrong guy

Geeky Swedes Ballard

On Tuesday, a police SWAT team swarmed Matthew Tucker’s house on NW 63rd Street thinking he was the armed suspect in several pharmacy and coffee stand robberies. They questioned both Tucker and his wife, but then released them. Tucker says police got the wrong guy, and he called TV stations to clear his name. KING 5 has the story here:

Tucker says officers threw him to the ground when they cuffed him, and investigators sifted through his house. “It was very humiliating, and I think it was excessive,” he told KING 5. He says officers targeted him because someone called in a tip that he looked like the security photo of the pattern robber.

Police will only say that Tucker is no longer a suspect, and they are continuing their investigation.

Geeky Swedes

The founders of My Ballard

75 thoughts to “Ballardite says SWAT got the wrong guy”

  3. They likely staked out the area and crosslisted his photo from the DMV (the one all news media release) and it was a close-enough match. They might have pulled financial records as well, but few would rob a store then deposit a large sum into their bank account.

  4. It's a relief to know he is no longer a suspect. I am glad they got their chance to be heard. What a mess!

    Looking forward to less drama on NW 63rd Street :)

  5. Local news last night broadcast that the warrant was filed AFTER they had searched his house.

    Taxpayers will pony up on this one. I'll guesstimate he and his wife will get somewhere in the neighborhood of $250,000 each after their suit is filed.

    Well done SPD! You guys really did your homework on this one!

    What a bunch of retards. Just blowing my money like it's theirs.

  6. That would be horribly embarrasing for those poor people. And having to put your house back together after being basically ransacked would really be the icing on the cake. People should get paid something for that kind of a mistake. Probably not 6 figures though. At least a letter of apology would be nice but I suppose lawyers would use that against the city for more damages so good luck getting that. I thought Sunset Hill an unlikely place for hard core drug users. They would be too obvious to last long there. I used to live a block away from “the bust” and the neighbors there are pretty tight with each other. Riff raff cannot be inconspicuous in that neighborhood.

  8. No sympathy. Got id'd as a possible robber. They went there and conducted their investigation. NO money for this guy. It will only come out of my taxes which are way too high when the chunky one was in office.

  10. the story does mention that the police found a camoflauge jacket in the house, similar to the one the actual perpetrator was seen wearing.

    i'm guessing somebody saw Tucker wearing his camo jacket and thought he looked similar to the suspect – who was wearing a hood and sunglasses, thus making positively identifying him harder – white male, medium build, short hair.

    it's unfortunate that mistaken identities occur in cases like this, but this one doesn't seem like it came from out of nowhere.

  11. This could have ended far worse. There have been numerous case where no-knock warrants or otherwise poorly executed/conceived raids have resulted in shootings of innocent residents under the belief of a home invasion.

  12. Oops. SO sorry.

    Brought the troops in.

    Flashed our guns.

    Showed off our swanky armored car.

    Shut the neighborhood down for 6 hours.

    Flew helicopters.

    Brought out newscrews.

    The neighborhood housewives got to ogle the “swatties” and post about it here as their husbands were at work.

    All because of a “tip”.

    White male, short hair. Must be him.

    Throw him to the ground. Rough him up. Trash the house.

    Oops. SO sorry. Wrong guy. Bye.

    But it was ALL worth it! Yessiiirrrreeee.

    Got the needed photo op to justify our expensive toys. Thanks taxpayer. The world is a dangerous place don't forget!

  13. Bizarre social dynamic at play. The news tells people to “go get this guy,” then local misguided neighborhood crimefighters call in the tip, “That's the guy!!” It's not the guy. A group of “tight neighbors” aren't all necessarily law-abiding themselves. They can gang up on innocent people, people they don't like, or just run people out of town on hearsay, gossip, false information. etc. Why would anyone want to be “tight” with neighbors who are so mean-spirited, predatory, and unconstitutional in their busybody activities? This is from a safe, law-abiding Riff Raff.

  14. bd95, Tim, and Name…You guys think you have the full picture of what went on from a newspaper article? What is wrong with you people? Maybe, just maybe, there was more to this story than you are able to gleen from a short blurb on a local blog site. Try to think that someone out there might actually know more about police work than you, in your infinite monday morning quaterbacking wisdom would normally allow you to think. I know it's gonna be tough…but try.

  15. Actually Paul, I know more than you think. I live in this neighborhood, I was THERE. I saw what happened. And you? In your infinite wisdom were where again?

    Right.

    Anyway, this whole operation was ridiculous from the start. We thought there was a guy in the house threatening to shoot someone.

    Turns out there was a white guy that looked like a white guy with a hood and sunglasses on, and oh yeah, it wasn't him. Oops.

    We'll see how you feel Paul when the police do this to you because you “look like a criminal.” Check back in then. K?

  16. When I first saw the photo on My Ballard, I thought it was a shot of our own Geeky Swede blog author wearing sunglasses and a hoodie. I've seen him about the neighborhood several times over the years filming at events. Then I read the article that went with the still video picture and realized it was about a crime suspect's photo and not Mr. GS at all. It also looks like Justin Timberlake incognito. The point is, it looks like a lot of people. Seriously. Whatever citizen called in a tip surely didn't call it in simply because of the resemblance, they probably combined the visual similarity with other concerns or suspicions. Can you imagine, if it were you accused, how frightening it would be to be arrested in the manner this guy was. Several times I've had people who came up to me, called me by another name, sure that I'm someone they knew. This coulda been me, or even Mr. Geeky Swede, or you. I hope the suspect is caught, and I hope none of us is the victim of mistaken identity. I imagine the mistaken Ballard guy and the police department will each experience negative repercussions from this event for a long time to come.

  17. Name-I've been a cop for over 10 years. Your qualification to comment on all matters police related appear to be limited to being in close proximity to one incident. Check back in when you're willing to do more than monday morning quarterback, k?

  19. taxpayer…Clever! Name calling. Wow, you shut down my argument handily. I know more about police procedure than all your reading of blogs will ever teach you. Now, climb back down your hole and continue to pretend you have a valid opinion on something.

  20. Wow, are you a nattering nabob of negativity! What on earth makes you think the neigbors had anything to do with it? They were submitting messages here, none of which suggested they knew the slightest about what was going on. They later expressed sympathy for the people. Yikes you are hateful, I feel sorry for you. By the way, none of them I knew think like you do. They were great people who all looked out for each other. They didn't spy on each other for the police or anyone else. Sheesh!

  21. First: Warrants are issued on Probable Cause. Not anonymous tips. A judge reviewed the affidavit and agreed that there was probable cause to arrest this guy and to search his home.

    Second: The SWAT team did not ransack this man's house. The detectives probably moved items when searching for evidence.

    Third: (For Tim) Hey smart guy, Warrants are always filed with the court AFTER they are served. The warrant will then show when it was served and what items were seized. There is no conspiracy here. They are approved by a judge prior to service. Watching Law and Order does not make you an expert.

    To Mystech–this was not a no knock warrant or a raid. The SWAT team was ensuring the home was safe so that detectives could safely search it.

    Like Paul says, there is always more to the story. But why let the facts get in the way of your hatred of SPD.

  22. And another thing about the cost of this. The armoured wagon and the cops are already paid for. It isn't like we ran out and bought them just for this single event. OK, so it didn't go well. But with lunatics shooting at cops lately like it is the latest fashion I would want some protection around me if someone expects me to go into a building where someone might be armed to the teeth. Maybe one of you who has never been shot at can go up and ring the doorbell in your sneakers and tie-dyed t-shirt and see what happens when the drug addict who answers shoves some heat in your face!

  23. Paul, thank you for your service. I actually have quite a bit of experience around police work having both family members and friends serving as officers.

    This incident seems to indicate that not enough homework was done BEFORE this operation was initiated. The fact is, this massive operation turned up nothing and an innocent man was thrown to the ground, a house was trashed, a community was militarized for 6 hours, helicopters were flown ($$$$$), and what we got in return was ziltch. All because a white guy looked like another white guy (under hood and glasses?)?

    This house may have had prior unrelated activity associated with it but it doesn't mean THIS guy has anything to do with that or that because of this activity he's a targeted suspect. And let's hope a hope of all hopes the SPD didn't pull the trigger on this op based on a “tip” or eye witness call. My god, those are notoriously wrong.

    Really, it boils down to this: If they did enough work PRIOR to this huge op then they would have nabbed the right guy. Seems like common sense at this point.

  24. Paul, thank you for your service. I actually have quite a bit of experience around police work having both family members and friends serving as officers.

    This incident seems to indicate that not enough homework was done BEFORE this operation was initiated. The fact is, this massive operation turned up nothing and an innocent man was thrown to the ground, a house was trashed, a community was militarized for 6 hours, helicopters were flown ($$$$$), and what we got in return was ziltch. All because a white guy looked like another white guy (under hood and glasses?)?

    This house may have had prior unrelated activity associated with it but it doesn't mean THIS guy has anything to do with that or that because of this activity he's a targeted suspect. And let's hope a hope of all hopes the SPD didn't pull the trigger on this op based on a “tip” or eye witness call. My god, those are notoriously wrong.

    Really, it boils down to this: If they did enough work PRIOR to this huge op then they would have nabbed the right guy. Seems like common sense at this point.

  25. ” A judge reviewed the affidavit and agreed that there was probable cause to arrest this guy and to search his home.”

    Oops. They didn't arrest him. Sorry, wrong there chief. In fact, they released him and he's no longer a suspect. Hmmm. Good call on that one!

  27. The Seattle Poice Department and their SWAT Team are a bunch of idiot thugs.

    Completely unproffesional morons who can't even do their jobs right.

    You'd think whith all the resources they've got that would have done a little INVESTIGATION before they called out the storm troopers.

    If I made mistakes of this magnatude this at my job I'd be fired in a minute.

    This organization must have much tighter controls and restrictions placed upon it. We, as private citizens face extremely tight controls and restrictions on our daily lives. These people must be held to a much higher standard.

    I'll bet the real robber is rolling on the floor, laughing at these bozos.

  28. Paul- I'm well aware of Police work. My father, brother, grandfather, and two cousins were cops- in REAL cities (NYC, Chicago and DC) not podunk puddles like Seattle. Oh, and I was an MP while in the Army in the late 80's. Step off your high horse, my experience trumps yours.

    As for “there's always more to the story ” line, puhhlease. Are you implying that the guy arrested ACTUALLY was the perp? Because if so, you should hire an attorney ASAP. If I were the guy I'd be suing your ass for libel faster than you can type “Book 'em Dano!” If that's not what you're implying than clarify your point.

  30. The extreme obsessive mania and fascination that some of the Ballard Blog regulars have with crime in Ballard has become a fetish. I’d bet a hundred dollars that the tipster is one of you. Who ever called in the tip should have the courage to step forward and apologize. You people are out of control.

  31. I live in the neighborhood. I'm sorry if this was a case of mistaken identity, but the fact remains that there ARE suspicious people who live in (or make daily visits to) this section of Sunset Hill. I've seen people using drugs during daylight hours, and they look nothing like the couple that were detained on Monday (the drug doers are much heavier than the couple on 63rd).

    If the cops messed up, they owe these folks a huge apology. On the other hand, I hope everyone will attempt to make eye contact with people that you pass on the street, especially your neighbors. People who are on the up-and-up shouldn't have a problem with your acknowledgement of them.

    And as someone pointed out earlier, this is a good neighborhood, and we can all make it better.

  32. Actually your post is not entirely true. Check the history. The neighbors WERE posting here that police activity was associated with the house in the past and it was clear that several have had “issues” with these residents. Just watch the Komo 4 piece (I think it was komo) where they interviewed the next door neighbor. This neighbor expressed that she had a problem with these residents' “lifestyle”. Not sure what that means, but there it is. There is definitely some friction on this street and it's not entirely out of the realm of possibility that this is a result of over-zealous neighborhood “watchers”.

  33. So, let me get this straight Tim. You (supposedely) were an MP 20 years ago, (BTW, Military Policing vs. Civilian Policing is like apples vs. oranges. ) And you might be related to some guys who were once cops back East. For these reasons (along with your own hubris, no doubt) you think that you are more qualified to comment on the topic at hand, relating to a Seattle Police incident, than me, a current Seattle Police officer of 10 years?….right.

    Your idiocy trumps my desire to continue this conversation. Goodbye.

  34. What kinds of drugs are you seeing being used during the day here? Where specifically? These generalizations do not help “make the neighborhood better” as you wish. So far I'm sensing paranoia around here rather than some “daily visits” by suspicious people. I live here. I walk this neighborhood every day. I've NEVER seen anything like what you describe. This neighborhood IS a good neighborhood, which is why the troops and their armored car were a surprise to EVERYONE.

    Sometimes neighborhoods like this scare me not because of any crime but rather the often bizarre human behavior of “neighborhood paranoia” and over zealous “block watch” snoopers.

  36. Paul- did you know that impersonating a police officer is a crime, even online?

    I'm forwarding this thread to the SPD. Suck it, cop wannabee.

  37. Paul- are you commenting in an official capacity as a representative of the SPD?

    You don't work the second shift, you call yourself Paul, you claim 10 years on the job, and you live in Ballard.

    Shouldn't be too hard to figure out who you are.

    Expect to be named in Tucker's suit, buddy

  38. sometimes i wonder if all this minute by minute reporting of every little thing that happens (sorry silver) adds to this “crime paranoia”.

    i also assume it was some “neighbor” trying to bring justice to the 'hood, reporting “suspicious people” and “suspicious activity”. get a life, frightened ninnies.

    i hope SOMEONE, cops, neighbors, whomever, gives this dude an appollogy.

  39. Bus stop. They have seen them smoking meth there, but the bus usually takes them away before the police arrive. They're both between 25-45 years old. Female, 5'6″, 180-200lbs, dyed red hair in a ponytail. Male, 5'11″, 220-240;bs, balding, some facial hair. Loose sweats for the male, green puffy jacket and jeans for the female.

    They are not nice people.

  42. Since we don't have emoticons on this forum— : 0… This is a smiley face eating pop corn.

    You go girls. You all are more entertaining than the TV!

    I checked these comments hoping for an onslaught of support and apologies from the neighbors, like the lady who disapproved of “thelifestyle they are living.”

    Mr Tucker, my heart goes out to you. Better luck to you. And BTW, not everybody in Ballard is a meddling ninnie, but there sure are a lot.

  43. Almost all search warrants are filed after a search. The question is was it granted before the search. A warrant only has to be granted and not filed for it to be valid. Case in point a drug dog gets a hit on a vehicle in a traffic stop. The police apply for a telephonic search warrant to access the vehicle to search for drugs. Do you think it would be efficient for them to hold the car, wake up a court clerk, meet the clerk in the courthouse, file the warrant, and then return to the vehicle for a search?

    As far as the raid goes unless the Police were factually misleading or intentionally deceptive the warrant was approved by a judicial officer who believed there was probable cause for the warrant to be issued.

  47. Were you there? I was. The word going around was that there was a guy in the house with a gun. Hence, the sharphooters in the bushes, the armored car, the entire block closed off, helicopters flying around, newscrews and talking heads blabbering on. You mean to tell me all of this was to serve a search warrant? I'm guessing the boys in blue could have handled that task. Good lord.

    But as it turns out, they were just going to go search the wrong guy's house. Ooops (puts fingers over lips) silly “tip”. Probably should have done some more work beforehand I guess. Oh well. At least the housewives in the neighborhood got to get their cheap thrills off of drooling over the “swatties” while their husbands were at work.

  48. In this brave new world of ours under the “Patriot Act” apparently they don't need no stinkin' search warrant! You just have to “look like a criminal” these days and viola! Next thing you know you're on the ground being kicked and harassed, your home is being torn apart, and your name and face are plastered over every teevee set claiming you've been robbing pharmacies.

    Yippee. Welcome to our New American Project.

  49. Hey Paul its a question of ethics and people in practice don't own the ethics of their fields — doctors aren't the only ones with a say on medical ethics, lawyers aren't the only ones with a say in legal ethics and police aren't the only ones with a say in law enforcement ethics.

    Sounds arguments can be made that your understanding of the ethics of law enforcement can be as clouded from your insider position as an outsider's position can be by unfamiliarity.

    There is value to what you know, but just telling people that only you are fit to judge is not an argument.

    Of course mistakes happen, but in these types of cases they can and sometimes do have grave consequences (like people getting shot, their dogs getting shot, people who've done nothing being detained and treated roughly, etc.) We are American citizens and have the right to weigh in on the risks we might accidentally be subjected to and consider them against other possible modes of action.

    To say we simply need to shut up because we don't know sounds very, and excuse me for saying so, stereotypically jack-booted cop who is used to people doing what he says when he yells.

  50. I think SPD should be the ones on the news explaining WHF happened. I live near by and I would like an OFFICIAL explaination. Should I be worried too? Afterall I am white, have sunglasses and a hoodie.

  51. Getting handcuffed and transported for questioning is an arrest. Look it up in criminal procedure. He was “interviewed and released.” Happens all the time in all types of investigations all over the country.

    I thought the posts on Seattle PI and Times were bad. For crying out loud, you all need to educate yourself and get your facts straight before you make such repeatedly ignorant posts about topics you know nothing about. So I stand by my post and accept your compliment of a “good call.”

  52. PJ,

    Yes, you should be worried. You clearly lack the ability to think independently and apply any form of reason to the situation at hand. That said, I recommend you stay indoors for at least a month until things calm down.

    Unbelievable!

  53. Anyone , ESPECIALLY A POLICE OFFICER, WHO TELLS SOMEONE TO CRAWL BACK INTO THEIR HOLE!!!!!!!!!

    SHOULD NOT BE A POLICE OFFICER, IT IS THAT VERY MENTALITY THAT BREEDS HATRED FOR THE AVERAGE EVERY MAN…IT MAKES ME SICK TO KNOW THAT POLICE OFFICERS THINK THE WAY THAT PAUL DOES

  54. Dear PaulTheCop,

    Here's what I know about the Seattle Police Department's sense of enforcement priorities: Anytime I'm waiting for a bus downtown, I'm subjected to a near-constant harassment from aggressive drug dealers and other assorted sketchy characters. Meanwhile, half a block away, FOUR of you are accosting people and doling out tickets for WALKING ACROSS THE STREET.

    Really, is there anything else I need to know to pass judgment on your professional acumen?

  57. You're clueless. And embarrassing yourself. An arrest is made AFTER charges are filed genius. What you looked up on wikipedia is the literal definition and its origin from Old French. Nice work Sherlock. Sadly, for you and your ego, the way the term is used now in the U.S. is a little more complex than what your wikipedia brain can handle apparently.

    You can be taken into custody and questioned but never be arrested (charges filed). Imagine that. Wow. It's a “Learn something new everyday” kind of life for you huh?

    But this is just pure honey: “For crying out loud, you all need to educate yourself and get your facts straight before you make such repeatedly ignorant posts about topics you know nothing about. So I stand by my post and accept your compliment of a “good call.”

    Ever take your own advice? I'm guessing not.

  60. Name,

    Like I said, look up some criminal procedure. Focus on “custodial arrest.” If you so much as get handcuffed and put in the back of a police car, congratulations, you've been “arrested.” Please, old wise one, tell mewhere it says you've been arrested only after charges have been filed. When charges have been filed, there's a crazy term for that: Charged. You know not what the hell you speak.

    If you can direct me to where you've gotten your info, I will gladly apologize for my alleged ignorance.

  61. Ladies and gentlemen, meet JP, our new Ad Hominem Of The Week winner!

    Congratulations JP. You'll be receiving your new trophy and $5 coupon to Wingdome in the mail along with your new bumper sticker: “Stop Beeping A ME!” shortly.

  62. Actually, in the “real world,” and despite the down economy, New York's crime rate is at a 40-year low.

    And in the “real world” jaywalking tickets are NOT priority #1.

    I know we're on the same side in this Paul's-pride-vs-SWAT-Team-excess debate, but I can't pass up the opportunity to remind the locals that Seattle's “urban life is sketchy 24/7, deal with it” attitude is bullcrap. The pride Seattleites take in “putting up with it” is NOT progressive, it's just complacent.

  63. Again, “technically” you're correct. However, practically speaking you're not. The way the term is used, among police, among the press, etc. is that a suspect has been charged. If someone has been taken into custody for questioning we do not refer to that as an arrest. We simply say, a suspect has been taken into custody. We pick people up for questioning all the time but usually reserve the term “arrest” for when charges are actually filed, especially when the press is involved.

    The problem with the term “arrest” is that it carries a record and weight. So if everyone were “arrested” every time we picked someone up for questioning, then we would have a LOT of innocent people “arrested”.

    I hope that is clearer.

  65. Wow I am surprised that you all think this was a joke and the SWAT team has cute members. This was a terrible, humiliating thing that happened to us and we feel totally violated. I think I know who ballardmomma is since she knows my house so well. I am sure you have been watching the news like a hawk and discovered that this was a terrible mistake in identity and no guns or drugs of any kind were found in my house. I don't even have booze in my house. The supposed “suspect” is now not considered a suspect anymore and the SWAT team and whoever was involved is going to pay for this. So for all the neighbors that think I am a thief, drug user or whatever they think can recheck themselves and honestly I don't care what you all think because none of you know anything about me and should mind your own business. I live a simple life, I am a nice person and just want to be left alone.

    Oh and the comment made by a neighbor about my roommate overdosing is true but really nobody's business. This is a sober house and I was merely trying to help a friend. He relapsed a couple of times and the day he overdosed I was actually going to have him move out and we were going to take him to his parents in Yakima, but unfortunately we did not have the chance to. Also the comment made about a prior arrest was a total mistake and no charges were made and the case was dropped as the Judge found the facts totally unfounded.

    I wish the people who don't know the exact facts about something would keep their mouth shut as it is total gossip causing drama and chaos, which I really don't need in my life. Thank you

  66. You sound soooooo brave behind that anonymous “Name”. My relatives that were cops sure wouldn't share your views, which makes me wonder about your relatives that are cops. Maybe you are impersonating someone who actually has any friends or relatives?

  67. I think this is terrible that it happened to you. I would feel the same way you do. It is a nightmare no one wants to happen to them. You are probably getting more sympathy than you know.
    Be careful about ballardmomma that you are not wrong about who it is. These are all anonymous voices here, it could be anyone.

  68. you definately have my sympathy…

    people do love to talk. some people have very very dreary dull lives which compels them to stick their noses where they need not be or otherwise cause or at the least, enjoy, drama and gossip.

    best of luck and i hope you can relax and enjoy YOUR neighborhood.

  73. I am sorry for what you went through, I know it was very tramatic. I also apologize for mentioning those other incidents.

    You will not have to worry about me saying anything else! I promise to mind my own business and keep my comments to myself!

    I wish you the best.

    Peace,
    Ballard Mamma

  74. Must have been really scary – so sorry this happened. As you can see from this blog, someone sure needs gossip, drama, and chaos in their lives! I hope 10 years down the road this turns into a great campfire story for you :-) Cheers!

  75. I live across the street form Adams Elementary and the Ballard Community Center and I have seen first hand young punks smoking crack, week and drinking booze.
    I have seen many questionable caracters standing around in dark areas on 60th, 61st , 62 and 63rd at night looking like that are checking out a house. What I do is to carry a camera and I just take a picture of them with the flash on. This gets them moving very quickly and I will not hesitate to call 911 and submit the photos.
    I think we all should be policing our own streets.

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