In a chilling moment caught on surveillance video, a late-night barista working alone in a Washington coffee stand faced a terrifying encounter when a teenage customer allegedly tried to pull her through the drive-thru window using a zip tie.
The shocking incident unfolded around 5 a.m. at a small espresso stand where baristas serve customers in bikinis — a popular but sometimes controversial local business model.
According to police, the suspect, a 17-year-old male, pulled up to the window in a dark-colored SUV, ordered a drink, and then lunged toward the worker as she handed over his change. Surveillance footage shows the teen grabbing the woman’s arm and attempting to loop a zip tie around her wrist before she managed to pull away and slam the window shut.
“It happened so fast,” the barista later told investigators. “He grabbed my arm and I just yanked back with everything I had.”
The suspect drove off immediately after the failed attempt, but not before cameras captured his distinct tattoo and vehicle license plate. Within hours, police released still images from the video to the public — and tips poured in.
“This was an incredibly dangerous situation,” said Chief Eric Hansen of the Auburn Police Department. “Thankfully, the victim’s quick reaction likely prevented something far worse from happening.”
Detectives traced the vehicle to a nearby residence and arrested the teen later that same day. He was charged with attempted kidnapping and harassment, and authorities confirmed he will be tried as an adult due to the severity of the offense.
Court documents revealed that investigators also found several other items in his car — including zip ties, gloves, and a piece of rope — raising further concerns about his intentions that morning.
The coffee shop’s owner said the team is still shaken but grateful that their employee escaped unharmed.
“Our baristas work hard and deserve to feel safe,” the owner said in a statement. “We’re increasing security and adding extra cameras to make sure nothing like this ever happens again.”
Local residents have rallied around the victim, leaving flowers and supportive notes at the drive-thru window where the incident took place. Many have also taken to social media to call for stronger protections for workers who often work alone at night in vulnerable settings.
“It’s scary,” one customer commented. “You never think something like this could happen in a small town.”
Authorities say the quick arrest was made possible thanks to the high-quality video footage and the public’s help in identifying the suspect.
“This case shows the power of community,” Chief Hansen added. “Because of the video and the people who came forward, we caught him before he could hurt anyone else.”
The teen remains in custody as the investigation continues. The barista, though traumatized, says she’s just thankful to be alive — and hopes her story reminds others to always stay alert, no matter how ordinary the day may seem.
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