photo #8945540

Brutal Screwdriver Ambush: 12-Year-Old Held in Secure DetentionA 12-year-old boy is currently being held in secure detention after allegedly carrying out a violent robbery and assault with a screwdriver outside a Seattle Amazon Fresh store. During the hearing on January 20, 2026, the judge found probable cause for first-degree robbery, citing the "severity of the allegations" which involve the child repeatedly striking a 43-year-old woman in the face to steal her purse. Most disturbingly, police reports indicate that after rifling through the victim's bag, the boy returned to assault her a second time, using a screwdriver to poke her in the face.The boy’s defense attorney argued for his release to his parents, emphasizing his young age and claiming he has "no criminal adjudication history". Supporters of the child described him as a "good kid" who "follows rules at home". However, the judge rejected these pleas for leniency, pointing to the premeditated and cruel nature of the attack, as well as Seattle Police Department reports showing the boy has had multiple prior interactions with law enforcement.The victim suffered multiple injuries to her face, including wounds to her left cheek from the screwdriver. The suspect was eventually apprehended after police executed a search warrant at his home, identifying him by his distinctive bright pink ski mask. As the community reacts with outrage to this spike in juvenile violence, prosecutors are waiting for final case files from the SPD before making a formal charging decision.