Local
Seattle police seek suspect after 76 station manager is fatally shot near Seattle Center
Graeme Dobbeck, 36, was killed early Tuesday at the gas station he managed on Denny Way and Broad Street. Police say the shooter bought an item before firing at Dobbeck and leaving; no suspect is in custody.
SEATTLE — Graeme Dobbeck, the 36-year-old manager of a 76 gas station across from Seattle Center, was shot and killed early Tuesday. Seattle police say the shooter bought an item in the store, went behind the counter and fired at Dobbeck before walking away.
Seattle Fire Department medics were dispatched to the station at Denny Way and Broad Street at 5:52 a.m. Dobbeck was pronounced dead at the scene. Police said investigators have not determined whether the shooting was random or targeted, how many times Dobbeck was shot or what type of firearm was used. No one has been arrested.
Police Officer Brian Pritchard said video reviewed by investigators showed no apparent fight or robbery. The suspect was described as a heavy-set man dressed in black. Investigators are unsure whether he left the area on foot or got into a car nearby.
Dobbeck’s family said he had managed the station for more than two years and treated it as his own place. They described him as kind and funny, and said he worked seven days a week, sometimes bringing food to colleagues who could not leave their posts. He also looked out for customers who were being bothered near the gas pumps.
A co-worker said Dobbeck took over her shift at about 5 a.m., roughly 50 minutes before he was killed. She remembered him as an understanding, quick-witted manager and said she could not understand who would want to harm him.
The killing has added to concerns about safety in the neighborhood near Seattle Center. Belltown resident Varun Chadha said he wants families to feel safe coming and going. Breinn Bertrand, who lives a few blocks away, said he would welcome further action by city leaders and that his household was considering moving.
Mayor Katie Wilson said public safety is a priority for her administration. Her proposed budget calls for funding to hire 66 officers in 2027. Wilson said she wants to review the findings of an audit before deciding whether to expand Seattle’s surveillance-camera system.
The shooting took place about 11 weeks after a fatal shooting at the Bite of Seattle food festival. Police have not said whether the incidents are connected.
Seattle police are asking anyone with information or video from the area of Denny Way and Broad Street between 5 and 6 a.m. Tuesday to call the Violent Crimes Tip Line at 206-233-5000.