The Walrus and the Carpenter Sous Chef Identified as Fatally Shot Bank Robber

Cody Spafford, a 26-year-old sous chef at The Walrus and the Carpenter has been identified as the man who allegedly entered and robbed a Wells Fargo bank branch in Madison Park yesterday while dressed as a women, reports The Seattle Times. He was fatally shot by police.

Spafford worked at the Ballard restaurant for around four years. Walrus owner Jeremy Price tells Eater via email: "Cody was a beloved member of our family. He was hard working, unassuming, kind, and charming. He was talented beyond his years, and was only beginning to explore the many opportunities before him. We do not know the circumstances that led to his desperate act, but we do know that our lives are better for having known and loved Cody. His was a life taken tragically and far too soon. Our hearts are broken."

Manager Patrick Thalasinos says, "He was a great co-worker and friend. We love him dearly and he will be missed."

According to police, Spafford entered the bank wearing a wig, skirt, and heavy makeup. After robbing the bank for an undisclosed sum of money, he fled the scene in a Hyundai that rolled over at 39th Ave. and East John. Eyewitnesses report seeing a man run from the car with a suitcase while removing his clothes. He was found by a robbery detective on the lawn of a house on 39th Ave. and refused to drop a knife. Claiming he posed a threat, the detective fired and shot Spafford. He died at the scene. Spafford had no history of violent crime.

The Walrus and the Carpenter is closed tonight. Via Facebook:

· Alleged Bank Robber Fatally Shot by Seattle Police is ID'd as Chef [Seattle Times]
· All Crime Wire Coverage [-ESEA-]
[Photo: Renee Erickson/Facebook]