Seattle's Chinatown-International District was rocked by a wave of violence last week when police arrested 37-year-old Roland Lee, accused of stabbing at least nine people over two days. The alarming spree began on November 7 and was marked by random, seemingly unprovoked attacks targeting individuals within the densely populated area.
On Friday afternoon, just before 2 PM, four people reported being stabbed near the intersection of 12th Avenue South and South Jackson Street. Emergency responders rushed four of the victims to Harborview Medical Center, where three were classified as being in serious condition and one was deemed to be satisfactory after treatment. One victim arrived with the knife still lodged in his back—a chilling detail following the chaotic attacks. Another victim was found about a block away. Their injuries ranged from minor to severe stab wounds, underscoring the brutality of the assaults.
The previous day, Lee was believed to have also been involved in at least four other stabbings within the same vicinity. The first incident on November 7 left a 52-year-old woman seriously hurt, followed by another stabbing involving a 32-year-old man later the same day, and another on November 8, when the authorities responded to multiple calls for help.
Deputy Chief Eric Barden from the Seattle Police Department labeled the situation as “terrorizing,” pointing out the sheer randomness of the attacks. Witnesses at the scene provided descriptions of the suspect, which helped police apprehend Lee soon after the Friday stabbings. He was located nearby and arrested with blood on his hands, along with two bloody knives recovered from the area.
During his first court appearance, Lee was held on $2 million bail due to the severity of the charges. He faces five counts of first-degree assault, with the possibility of more charges as investigations continue. King County Prosecuting Attorney Leesa Manion remarked on the community's fear following the incidents - “People who live and travel to the Chinatown-International District deserve to feel safe and be safe.”
The wave of stabbings has heightened concerns for the safety of residents and businesses within the Chinatown-International District, which is known for its vibrant culture, rich history, and small local shops. City Council Member Tanya Woo expressed these sentiments, noting the anxiety felt by local shop owners and residents who had to worry about their safety. Henry Ku, the owner of Taiwanese Kitchen located inside the district, shared his worries, saying, “No customer feels safe in here, so I always need to lock the door.” The fear stemming from the attack has steeped the area with uncertainty and concern for future business operations.
Ku elaborated, “I still try to fight to change it ... help everybody,” reflecting the resilience faced by business owners amid rising crime rates. Among the stabbings, one incident involved the theft of someone’s cellphone, yet police declared many of the attacks were completely random. This escalation of violence is disturbing to both residents and local authorities, who strive to restore calm back to the area.
King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office anticipates more developments following the thorough investigation, emphasizing the need to hold Lee accountable as more evidence surfaces. A spokesperson confirmed the case had not yet been fully referred for charging decisions but noted they expect to receive the necessary paperwork shortly.
Local residents remain concerned, calling for improved safety protocols and greater responsiveness from law enforcement agencies as they recover from the traumatic experiences experienced over only 48 hours.
While the community grapples with the impacts of the recent stabbings, the Seattle Police Department assures the public they are dedicated to addressing these incidents and minimizing the chances of future occurrences. The department maintained communication with community leaders to strategize safety measures. Detectives are reviewing video evidence from the area, seeking additional witnesses who can provide details about what transpired during these horrific events.
The swift police response has been commended as they continue to work tirelessly to solve this case, reassuring the community their safety remains the top priority. For many, hope remains intact as they seek to rebuild and address the fears sparked by this random act of violence. Meanwhile, Lee is expected to remain jailed as the case progresses through the courts, with future hearings to determine his potential fate. Community members now hope for not just justice for the victims, but renewed safety within their cherished neighborhood.