A 32-year-old Mexican national, Edgar Oswaldo Gonzalez Barragan, has been charged with robbery and attempted robbery in connection with a series of incidents at three tribal casinos and a bank branch in Shoreline, Washington during August 2025. Gonzalez Barragan was detained at the Federal Detention Center at SeaTac after being arrested by Kent Police shortly after the alleged bank robbery.
Court records state that on August 1, 2025, Gonzalez Barragan reportedly displayed a silver handgun while demanding money from a cashier at the Tulalip Quil Ceda Creek Casino. The cashier activated a panic button and refused to comply despite threats to shoot guests, leading Gonzalez Barragan to flee.
On August 3, he was identified as the suspect in an armed robbery at Silver Reef Casino on the Lummi Nation Indian Reservation in Ferndale. He allegedly used a similar weapon to demand cash before escaping on foot.
Six days later, on August 9, Gonzalez Barragan is accused of attempting another armed robbery at Little Creek Casino on Squaxin Island Tribal land in Shelton. According to reports, he demanded cash but left when told there was none available.
Later that day, authorities from Riverside Fire Authority reported the theft of equipment valued at $12,000 known as the “Jaws of Life” from their fire truck. Surveillance footage enabled law enforcement to identify a vehicle linked to this theft and subsequently connect it to Gonzalez Barragan.
The final incident occurred on August 11 when Gonzalez Barragan allegedly entered the U.S. Bank branch in Shoreline and demanded money. The teller handed over cash after hearing what sounded like a large object hit the counter and fearing it might be a gun. He was arrested later that day wearing clothing matching that seen during the bank robbery.
Investigators have cited cell phone location data and other evidence placing Gonzalez Barragan near each crime scene.
Authorities emphasize that these charges are allegations and remind that “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 several local police departments including those in 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; as well as assistance from Homeland Security.
Assistant United States Attorney Celia Lee is prosecuting the case. Lee also serves as Tribal Liaison for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for Western District of Washington.
