Seattle Police Target Notorious Aurora Avenue Motel

Seattle Police Department Takes Action Against Oaktree Motel

The Seattle Police Department (SPD) has taken a firm stance against the Oaktree Motel on Aurora Avenue, labeling it a chronic nuisance property due to a pattern of violent incidents, drug dealing, and human trafficking. This move marks the beginning of a targeted crackdown aimed at addressing the ongoing public safety concerns associated with the 39-room establishment.

The city has officially sent a chronic nuisance declaration letter to Madilyn Investments, the owner of the motel located at 8900 Aurora Ave. North. The letter requires the company to respond within seven days to address the identified public safety hazards. If they fail to comply, legal action could follow, including potential fines and a civil lawsuit from the City Attorney’s Office.

"Time’s up for irresponsible owners who turn a blind eye to criminal activity and human suffering," said SPD Police Chief Shon Barnes in a press release. "For much of the past year, this motel owner has ignored requests to improve public safety at the Oaktree, putting the lives of employees, residents, visitors, passersby, and vulnerable populations in danger. By filing this chronic nuisance order, we can improve public safety along the Aurora North corridor."

A History of Crime and Violence

Police records show that the Oaktree Motel has been the site of numerous troubling incidents over the past 11 months. In 2025 alone, the SPD has visited the property 43 times. Recently, police arrested a convicted human trafficker at the motel, who claimed his girlfriend is the manager of the establishment. Following the arrest, both the manager and the owner reportedly refused to cooperate with law enforcement.

Some of the most notable incidents include:

• July 14: A suspect was arrested on a warrant, with oxycontin and cash recovered.
• June 29: Shell casings were found in the parking lot after a report of shots fired.
• June 26: A rideshare driver was assaulted after picking up a suspect believed to be a sex worker.
• June 6: A motel guest was assaulted with pepper spray by the manager.
• February 19: A known sex worker arranged a meeting for $280 but was refused, leading to her purse being stolen and her sprayed with pepper spray.
• February 8: A victim was choked and punched at the motel.
• October 1, 2024: A person was found dead from an overdose, with drug paraphernalia in the room.
• October 10, 2024: Police responded to multiple shots fired at the motel parking lot.
• September 27, 2024: A victim was shot at the motel.
• September 9, 2024: A woman, likely a sex worker, was found dead in a motel room with drugs and paraphernalia.
• September 2, 2024: A suspect demanded drugs from a victim, leading to a physical altercation.
• August 2024: A suspect was observed engaging in drug-related activities, with large quantities of narcotics and cash discovered during a stop in the motel's parking lot.

Broader Efforts to Combat Crime

The Oaktree Motel has become a focal point in the city’s broader efforts to dismantle human trafficking and drug networks along Aurora Avenue North. This area, often referred to as Seattle’s hub for prostitution, has drawn global attention through YouTube videos that depict sex workers and modern-day slaves, sometimes accumulating millions of views.

Seattle City Attorney Ann Davison has publicly supported the declaration, stating, "I thoroughly support Chief Barnes and his decision to declare this a chronic nuisance property. I think it’s crucial that we use every available strategy to stop the illegal drug activity, the use of weapons, and – most urgently – prostitution and human trafficking."

Over the past five years, the SPD has declared three other motels as chronic nuisance properties, with one recently sold to a commercial real estate developer. The latest action against the Oaktree Motel signals a continued commitment to addressing these persistent issues and ensuring safer communities for all residents.