Washington State Man, 31, Dressed Up Like a U.S. Postal Service Mailman To Deliver Letter Demanding Cryptocurrency Before Attacking Homeowners: Police

In a twisted incident in Seattle's Phinney Ridge neighbourhood, a 31-year-old Auburn man allegedly impersonated a U.S. Postal Service (USPS) carrier to force his way into a victim's home and demand cryptocurrency.

Seattle police arrested Ian Alexander Blair, 31, on February 27 on suspicion of burglary, two counts of assault, and criminal impersonation.

Blair's bail was set at $1 million.

According to the Seattle Police Department, officers responded to a report of an assault in progress at approximately 2:16 p.m. on February 20 in the 300 block of North 74th Street.

While officers were en route, dispatch updated them that a man dressed as a mail carrier was attacking a homeowner.

Upon arrival, witnesses flagged down the officers and directed them to the residence. Inside, officers found a 52-year-old homeowner struggling with Blair. The victim’s 50-year-old wife was standing nearby and appeared visibly distressed.

Officers separated the two men and placed Blair in handcuffs. When asked if he worked for the USPS, the suspect did not respond and later stated only the word “lawyer.”

Police said Blair was wearing a USPS uniform and carrying a branded postal satchel. Officers also observed Tyvek-style coveralls underneath the uniform.

Investigators said the victim answered the door after the doorbell rang. The suspect allegedly stood in the doorway holding a piece of mail and instructed the homeowner to open it in front of him. Although the request struck the victim as unusual, he complied.

The letter allegedly demanded a sum of cryptocurrency. According to King 5 News Seattle, part of the letter said, “My price for this is ten bitcoins: five paid up front, and five more paid once I deliver the information. It also turns out I have some information that would be of interest to the other side, regarding you and your activities. If you do not take this offer within one week, I will make an offer to the other side -I'md I'm sure he'll jump at the chance to put you in trouble with the law."

Police say the suspect then forced his way inside the home and assaulted both the homeowner and his wife.

Following the arrest, officers searched Blaair's postal bag and recovered a large amount of equipment, including electronic devices, tape, plastic bags, large zip ties, tasers, a tourniquet, a cellphone, a lint roller, an electronic signal-blocking pouch, a black beanie, a face mask, dark sunglasses, and a box of plastic gloves.

Police said Blair did not possess any identification indicating he was employed by the USPS.

The Seattle Fire Department evaluated all parties at the scene. Medics transported the homeowner to the hospital via American Medical Response (AMR) after he complained of chest pain.

Detectives from the department’s Homicide and Assault Unit are leading the ongoing investigation.

Officers booked Blair into King County Jail for investigation.