Suspects in Craiglist shooting, stabbing may have ties to gangs, Olympia police say

The Olympian | • Published December 11, 2007

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Police are looking for two men today in connection with a stabbing and shooting in Olympia where the victim was trying to sell an item on the Internet’s Craigslist.

Keith E. Brakes, 19, and Tuan Q. Vuu, 23, are wanted for suspicion of first-degree assault and first-degree robbery. Brakes is also wanted for unlawful possession of a firearm. Arrest warrants have been issued for the two men in connection with the stabbing and shooting on Pacific Avenue Friday, an Olympia police news release says.

The victim was found shot in the lower chest area and stabbed in the neck in the parking lot of Apollo Spas, next to Car Toys on the 3300 block of Pacific Avenue.

He is recovering from serious injuries and told police the suspects had contacted him about purchasing one or more items he had placed for sale with a Craigslist ad. The suspects reportedly stole the item by force when they met at that location to complete the purchase.

Police say that despite the ad, the crime did not appear to be random.

Police also say that one, if not both, of the suspects are believed to be affiliated with the local street gang called True Brothers, or Tin Banh.

Both also have ties to the Tacoma/Seattle area.

The Olympia Police Department is asking the public’s help in locating the suspects. Anyone with information should call detective Sam Costello at 360-753-8407 or detective Sgt. Dan Smith at 360-753-8205.

Those wishing to remain anonymous can call Thurston County Crimestoppers at 360-493-2222. There may be a reward for information leading to the arrest of one or both suspects.