Police have surveillance video of a man suspected of sabotaging floating share bikes in SODO and are asking for the public’s help in identifying him as they investigate similar dangerous incidents across the city:

Seattle police are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying a man suspected of sabotaging brake lines on several bike-share bicycles in SODO. Surveillance video shows the man walking up to several bikes parked at 4th Avenue and South Main Street around 11:45 PM on June 14th. He can be seen manipulating what appears to be a cutting tool around the bikes’ brakes before he walks out of frame.



Police also found surveillance photos from a month earlier, which appear to show the same man damaging a single bike’s brakes near 4th Avenue and Holgate. This incident also occurred in the late evening, around 11:15 PM. Detectives are also investigating other similar cases in other parts of the city, but have not yet confirmed any linkage between the incidents. If you recognize the man in the video or have any other information about this case, please contact South Precinct detectives at (206) 386-1855

The incidents of brake line cutting and more have been reported on bikes across the city, including several on Capitol Hill. While there have been no reported injuries linked to the damage, a few riders have reported close calls riding damaged bikes.

Floating bike shares have proven extremely popular in Seattle though have also been a lightning rod topic in the debate on infrastructure spending and the “war on cars.” The city’s study found a surprisingly high percentage of bikes parked correctly and, less surprisingly, a shockingly low percentage of riders choosing to wear a helmet. New regulations have been created to address many of the concerns but may price some providers out.