Support is pouring in for a well-known member of Seattle’s swing dance community who was left seriously injured after a violent robbery in Pioneer Square.
Michael Darigol, 42, known affectionately as “Dargoff” in the swing dance world, was assaulted and robbed late Wednesday, Aug. 6, in what Seattle police described as one of the most vicious and unprovoked attacks they have ever seen.
Officers responded to the 300 block of South Main Street around 11 p.m. and found Darigol bleeding from the head and missing his shoes, wallet, and phone, police said. Surveillance video showed three suspects repeatedly kicking and punching him until he lost consciousness.
Police arrested three people that night near 6th Avenue and South Jackson Street. A 28-year-old man and a 24-year-old man were booked into jail, and a 17-year-old girl was booked into juvenile detention.
Darigol was transported to Harborview Medical Center in serious condition, where police later returned his stolen items.
Writing on a GoFundMe campaign, Danielle Jacobowitz described Darigol as “a kind, caring and compassionate person” who brought joy as a swing dance instructor and international champion performer. “Healing will take time and money,” she wrote, noting that he has been unable to work because of the severity of his injuries.
“Michael was traumatized physically and psychologically,” Jacobowitz said. “With no money coming in, medical and other bills piling up, it is overwhelming.”
Those interested in donating can do so via GoFundMe here.
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