A 32-year-old Mexican national, Edgar Oswaldo Gonzalez Barragan, has been charged with a series of robberies and attempted robberies that occurred in August 2025. Authorities allege that Gonzalez Barragan targeted three tribal casinos and a U.S. Bank branch in Shoreline, Washington.
According to case records, the first incident took place on August 1 at the Tulalip Quil Ceda Creek Casino. Gonzalez Barragan allegedly brandished a silver handgun at the cashier window and demanded money. The cashier activated a panic button and refused to comply, prompting Gonzalez Barragan to flee.
On August 3, authorities identified Gonzalez Barragan as the suspect in an armed robbery at the Silver Reef Casino on the Lummi Nation Indian Reservation in Ferndale. In this instance, he reportedly used a similar method—demanding cash from a cashier while armed—before escaping on foot.
Another attempted robbery occurred on August 9 at the Little Creek Casino located on Squaxin Island Tribal land in Shelton. Gonzalez Barragan is alleged to have displayed a firearm and demanded cash but left when told there was no money available.
Later that day, law enforcement received reports from the Riverside Fire Authority regarding the theft of a $12,000 “Jaws of Life” device from their fire truck. Surveillance footage led investigators to connect a vehicle seen during the theft with Gonzalez Barragan.
The final robbery attributed to him happened two days later at the U.S. Bank branch in Shoreline. During this incident, he allegedly demanded money from a teller who reported hearing what sounded like a large object hitting the counter and feared it was a gun. The teller complied, handing over cash before Gonzalez Barragan left the scene.
Kent Police arrested Gonzalez Barragan just hours after this bank robbery; he was reportedly wearing clothing matching that worn during the incident. Investigators also cited cell phone location data and other evidence placing him near all four crime scenes.
Authorities emphasized that "the charges contained in the criminal complaint are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law."
The FBI is leading the investigation with support from multiple agencies including local police departments from Kent, Ferndale, Federal Way, Marysville, Centralia; sheriff’s offices from King County, Whatcom County, Mason County; tribal police departments for Lummi Nation, Tulalip Tribes, Squaxin Island; and Homeland Security officials.
Assistant United States Attorney Celia Lee is prosecuting the case and serves as Tribal Liaison for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for Western District of Washington.
