A 31-year-old man from Auburn has been charged with a series of serious offenses after allegedly posing as a U.S. Postal Service mail carrier to carry out a calculated home invasion in Seattle. The man, identified as Ian Alexander Blair, faces charges including first-degree burglary, first-degree extortion, two counts of second-degree assault, and first-degree criminal impersonation, according to recent court documents.
Authorities have requested that bail be set at $1 million due to the seriousness of the charges. The incident in question took place on February 20 at a residence located in the 300 block of North 74th Street in Seattle. Law enforcement was dispatched shortly after 2 p.m. in response to a report of an assault occurring at the home.
Upon arrival, officers observed a struggle between Blair, who was dressed in a complete U.S. Postal Service uniform and carrying a postal bag, and the homeowner. Underneath the uniform, investigators discovered that Blair was also wearing a full Tyvek suit, generally used for protection from hazardous materials.
The situation escalated when Blair rang the doorbell and handed the homeowner a piece of mail, insisting it be opened in his presence. The homeowner found the request odd but complied, only to discover that the letter contained a demand for cryptocurrency along with threats of legal repercussions. The contents of the letter explicitly stated a demand for ten bitcoins, with an ultimatum involving the alleged possession of damaging information about the homeowner’s activities.
As the homeowner read the letter, Blair reportedly forced his way into the residence, initiating a physical altercation that lasted several minutes. The homeowner later reported feeling severe pain and was transported to a hospital, where he was found to have sustained injuries including a fractured sternum and possible fractures in his rib and toe.
Adding to the chaos, the homeowner’s wife intervened after hearing the commotion, only to face physical assault from Blair, who allegedly punched her multiple times and briefly choked her, restricting her breathing.
Witnesses in the area reported hearing cries for help and rushed to the scene. Their quick actions included calling 911 and attempting to aid the victim, describing Blair as being on top of the homeowner during the altercation.
Following his arrest, police conducted a search of Blair’s postal bag, uncovering a variety of suspicious items. Among these were a warm, humming device identified as a cell phone jammer, Gorilla tape, heavy-duty black plastic bags, zip ties, tasers, a tourniquet, a prepaid phone, and other paraphernalia that raised concerns regarding malicious intent.
Blair was unable to provide identification showing his association with the postal service and, when questioned, instead claimed to be a lawyer. Further investigation revealed a text message found on a phone in his possession that potentially linked him to the homeowner’s situation.
Authorities believe Blair’s actions were part of a sophisticated plan to extort cryptocurrency in connection with an ongoing civil lawsuit involving the homeowner. Prosecutors have indicated a desire for strict measures should bail be granted, advocating for electronic home detention and prohibiting any contact between Blair and the victims.
