BREAKING: A 32-year-old Mexican national, Edgar Oswaldo Gonzalez Barragan, has been charged in connection with a series of armed robberies that terrorized western Washington in early August. Authorities confirmed today that Gonzalez Barragan faces multiple counts including robbery and attempted robbery linked to three tribal casinos and a bank branch.
The alarming spree began on August 1, when Gonzalez Barragan allegedly brandished a silver handgun at the Tulalip Quil Creek Casino. Witnesses reported he demanded cash from a cashier, threatening to shoot guests when the clerk pressed the panic button instead of complying. He fled the scene moments later, raising immediate concerns among local law enforcement.
Just two days later, on August 3, he was identified as the suspect of another robbery at the Silver Reef Casino on the Lummi Nation Indian Reservation in Ferndale. Again armed with a silver handgun, he demanded cash before escaping on foot.
The situation escalated on August 9, when he attempted to rob the Little Creek Casino located on Squaxin Island Tribal land. After pulling out a gun and demanding cash, he fled after being told there was none available.
In a bizarre twist, later that same day, the Riverside Fire Authority reported the theft of its $12,000 “Jaws of Life” tool from a fire truck. Surveillance footage linked the vehicle used in that theft to Gonzalez Barragan, leading authorities to connect the dots.
On August 11, Gonzalez Barragan entered the U.S. Bank branch in Shoreline, where he again demanded cash, creating panic among the tellers. The situation escalated when he made a threatening gesture, prompting the teller to hand over an undisclosed amount of money before he fled.
Gonzalez Barragan was apprehended later that day, wearing the same clothing as during the bank robbery. Investigators used cell phone location data and surveillance footage to link him to all the crimes, confirming he was in the vicinity during each incident.
The investigation is ongoing, led by the FBI with support from multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Kent Police Department, Ferndale Police Department, and others. Authorities are urging anyone with additional information to come forward as the situation unfolds.
This series of robberies has left the community shaken, raising concerns about safety in local businesses. As law enforcement continues to piece together the full extent of Gonzalez Barragan’s actions, residents are advised to remain vigilant.
Stay tuned for updates as this developing story progresses.
