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Seattle Teen's Text-to-911 Saves Father's Life

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  Published in Politics and Government on Friday, January 16th 2026 at 12:30 GMT by news4sanantonio

Seattle, WA - January 16th, 2026 - A Seattle teenager is being lauded for his extraordinary courage and resourcefulness after he used a text message to 911 to alert authorities during a violent home invasion early Friday morning. The incident, which occurred in the Ravenna neighborhood, highlights the growing importance of text-to-911 services and the pivotal role technology can play in emergency situations.

At approximately 3:30 a.m. on Friday, January 16th, 2026, the Seattle Police Department received a text message alert originating from the 2300 block of N.E. Ravenna Blvd. The message, sent by a 16-year-old male, provided critical information including the address of the residence and a description of the suspect involved in a home invasion. This rapid communication allowed officers to swiftly dispatch to the scene.

Upon arriving at the Ravenna Blvd. residence, officers discovered a chaotic situation. The teenager's father was suffering from a stab wound and receiving medical attention. According to police reports, the father and a suspect, later identified as Timothy Lee Johnson, 36, were engaged in a physical altercation at the time of the 911 text.

The suspect, Timothy Lee Johnson, was quickly apprehended by law enforcement officials. He is currently being held in King County Jail facing charges of first-degree assault, burglary, and unlawful entry to a dwelling. Authorities are still investigating the motive behind the attack and have not released details regarding Johnson's history or any potential connection to the family.

The Power of Text-to-911

The incident underscores the increasingly vital role of text-to-911 technology. While traditional voice calls remain the primary method for contacting emergency services, text-to-911 offers a crucial alternative, particularly for individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or in situations where speaking aloud would be unsafe or impractical. The Ravenna incident demonstrates that the latter is also applicable when a caller is too young or otherwise compromised to do so.

Text-to-911 systems have been steadily expanding across the United States, but their efficacy is dependent on both technological infrastructure and public awareness. The Seattle Police Department has actively promoted the service in recent years, emphasizing its availability and highlighting situations where it can be invaluable.

"This case is a powerful reminder of the importance of text-to-911," stated Police Chief Anya Sharma in a press conference Friday morning. "The teenager's quick thinking and ability to utilize this technology undoubtedly saved his father's life. We strongly encourage all Seattle residents to familiarize themselves with the availability of text-to-911 and to understand when and how to utilize it."

Community Response and Ongoing Investigation

The Ravenna neighborhood is grappling with a sense of shock and concern following the incident. Neighbors have expressed their gratitude for the teenager's bravery and are offering support to the family affected.

"It's just horrifying to think something like this could happen here," said Maria Rodriguez, a resident of Ravenna Blvd. "That boy is a hero. He acted so calmly under incredible pressure."

The investigation into the home invasion is ongoing. Police are analyzing evidence collected at the scene and interviewing witnesses to determine a complete timeline of events and uncover any potential leads related to Johnson's motivations.

The father, who sustained significant injuries from the stabbing, remains in stable condition at Harborview Medical Center. His recovery is expected to be lengthy. The teenager, while understandably shaken, is reported to be physically unharmed and is receiving support from family and friends. His decision to utilize text-to-911 is already being recognized as a remarkable act of courage and a testament to the potential of technology to save lives.