UPDATE: A Mexican national has been charged in connection with a series of armed robberies across western Washington, revealing a disturbing pattern of criminal activity. Edgar Oswaldo Gonzalez Barragan, 32, was arrested just hours after allegedly robbing a U.S. Bank branch in Shoreline on August 11, 2023.
Authorities report that Gonzalez Barragan has been linked to at least three tribal casino robberies and one bank heist over a span of just ten days. The urgency of this case is amplified by the brazen tactics used in each incident, where he allegedly brandished a silver handgun and threatened to shoot patrons.
The first robbery occurred on August 1 at the Tulalip Quil Creek Casino, where Gonzalez Barragan demanded cash from a cashier while threatening guests. When the cashier pressed the panic button, he fled the scene without any money. Just two days later, he struck again at the Silver Reef Casino on the Lummi Nation Indian Reservation, using similar threats to secure cash before escaping on foot.
On August 9, he attempted another robbery at the Little Creek Casino on Squaxin Island Tribal land. After demanding cash, the teller informed him there were no funds available, prompting him to flee once more.
The situation escalated when a valuable $12,000 “Jaws of Life” tool was stolen from a Riverside Fire Authority truck later that same day, a theft that would eventually lead law enforcement to identify Gonzalez Barragan through surveillance footage.
The final incident on August 11 saw Gonzalez Barragan entering the U.S. Bank branch in Shoreline, where he demanded money, resulting in the teller handing over cash due to fear of a weapon. Shortly after, he was apprehended by Kent police, reportedly still wearing the same clothing from the robbery.
“Cell phone location data and other evidence place Gonzalez Barragan in the vicinity of all the robberies and attempted robberies,” stated the attorney’s office, highlighting the meticulous investigation carried out by the FBI and several local law enforcement agencies, including the Kent Police Department, Ferndale Police Department, and more.
Gonzalez Barragan now faces serious charges of robbery and attempted robbery, with law enforcement emphasizing the importance of community safety as the investigation continues. This alarming series of events underscores the need for vigilance in the face of rising crime in the area.
As this case develops, officials urge anyone with information to come forward. The public is advised to stay alert, particularly in the neighborhoods surrounding these locations, as law enforcement continues to enhance security measures in response to this wave of crime.
