Seattle Gunman Gets 11 Years for Random Violence

SEATTLE – A repeat offender with a lengthy criminal history was handed an 11-year federal prison sentence today for a pair of disturbing crimes committed in early April 2012. SHANE STEPHEN ANELLO, 37, pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a stolen firearm and unlawful possession of a destructive device, charges stemming from a reckless car chase and a targeted firebombing.

The incidents, as detailed in court documents, began on April 3, 2012, when Anello began pursuing a vehicle carrying three unsuspecting individuals near the Columbian Way exit off southbound Interstate 5. Witnesses reported Anello, driving a white Ford Escort, turned off his headlights and aggressively followed the victims, attempting to ram their car before firing at least one shot. The victims managed to escape, immediately calling 9-1-1. Seattle Police quickly located Anello’s vehicle, cornering him in a parking lot. A Colt Python .38 caliber revolver and ammunition were recovered from the car.

Just days prior, on April 1, 2012, Anello firebombed a vehicle at ‘Nickelsville,’ a homeless encampment in South Seattle. Investigators determined Anello threw a Molotov cocktail at a car belonging to an individual who had previously barred him from the camp. The resulting fire could have been catastrophic, but thankfully the vehicle’s gas tank did not explode, averting potential injuries or fatalities to those nearby. The brazen attack demonstrated a clear disregard for human life, even among Seattle’s vulnerable population.

“These were two crimes of violence, two crimes that caused horrific fear in the victims,” stated U.S. District Judge Richard A. Jones during sentencing. U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan echoed those sentiments, stating, “The random and dangerous actions of this defendant could have resulted in tragedy. He targeted strangers and the homeless. We need him off our streets for a significant period, with careful monitoring by Federal Probation on his release.”

Anello’s history of violence is extensive. Court records reveal prior felony convictions in King County Superior Court including assault (2003), multiple counts of cocaine delivery and possession (2004, 2006, 2007, 2010), and assault with attempting to elude a police vehicle (2008). These convictions already prohibited him from legally possessing firearms. The 11-year sentence is followed by three years of supervised release, a measure Durkan stressed as crucial for monitoring Anello’s behavior upon re-entry into society.

The case was a joint investigation by the Seattle Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), and the Seattle Fire Department. Assistant United States Attorney Todd Greenberg prosecuted the case, bringing a dangerous offender to justice and removing a clear threat from the streets of Seattle. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on further developments.