A 36-year-old man has been charged with attempted robbery in the second degree after allegedly trying to steal a cellphone from a stranger at gunpoint at a SeaTac bus stop on April 5, 2025.

James Edward McGhee Jr., 36, was arrested after the victim, 18-year-old Shea Dupree, positively identified him as the suspect who confronted him near South 176th Street and International Boulevard, according to charging documents filed by the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.

Dupree told responding deputies that McGhee followed him off a bus and tried to forcibly grab his phone. When Dupree resisted, McGhee allegedly pulled up his shirt to reveal a handgun in his waistband and threatened to shoot him. Dupree managed to break free and flee before calling 911.

Deputies later stopped a Metro A-Line bus in the area and detained McGhee, who matched the suspect description. Though no firearm was found during the arrest or bus search, prosecutors determined there was probable cause to charge him with attempted second-degree robbery.

“The victim was able to maintain his property in spite of his fear of the defendant,” wrote Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Dana Cashman, who requested $25,000 bail, citing McGhee’s extensive criminal history. McGhee has multiple prior convictions for assault, theft, harassment, carrying a concealed weapon, and organized retail theft, and also faces pending charges in Thurston County.

McGhee was initially denied booking at King County Jail due to concerns he had ingested an unknown substance. He was transported to Harborview Medical Center for evaluation and later returned for booking.

The state has also requested that McGhee have no contact with the victim and comply with all court requirements.