Investigators Say Reported SeaTac Restaurant Robbery Was A Hoax

SEATAC, WA — A reported robbery at a SeaTac restaurant in October was an elaborate hoax, according to the King County Sheriff's Office. Deputies were called to Bob's Burgers & Teriyakis on October 19th after reports that two men tied up and assaulted several customers and employees. Detectives were told the men stole money and jewelry, sexually assaulted two women, then left in a truck stolen from an employee. Nothing was taken from the cash register.

On Monday, King County Sheriff Mitzi Johanknecht announced in a press conference that investigators now believe the whole thing was made up. Q13 News reports Sheriff Johanknecht believes the motivation for the hoax was for some participants to file for a U visa, which protects crime victims from deportation while an investigation is underway. Investigators said everyone involved will face charges related to filing a false police report.