Showing posts with label crime. Show all posts
Showing posts with label crime. Show all posts

Break-in and assault in Richmond Beach leads to suspect arrest in Edmonds

Friday, April 26, 2024

Three police departments cooperated to apprehend the suspect.

On Thursday morning 4/25/2024, at 6:30am, a female broke into the home of relatives in Richmond Beach on NW 199th and attacked at least one with a knife she took from their kitchen.

Police arrived within minutes but the suspect was already on her way to the home of a different relative, in North Lynnwood.

Snohomish Police responded to that home but she was not there.

It was thought that the suspect was headed for Swedish - Edmonds hospital.

Edmonds Police searched the parking lots and found the suspect's occupied car in the north Yellow lot.

She was taken into custody at gunpoint. Shoreline PD responded to Edmonds and took custody, returning the suspect to detectives at Shoreline PD.

Suspect was booked into the King County Jail for Investigation of Felony Assault. She most likely will be charged with Assault 1 with 72 hours

--Reporting by John Slomnicki


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Western Washington Carjacking Task Force part of federal effort to combat violent crime

Friday, April 19, 2024

Police search for a gun used by a carjacker who fled
Photo by Bruce Miller January 6, 2024

Seattle – U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman announced today that the Western District of Washington is one of seven districts that are adding a carjacking task force to focus efforts and resources on this important public safety threat.

“Our task force harnesses the resources of the FBI, ATF, the Seattle Police and Kent Police Departments. Prosecutors will look at all carjacking incidents in the district to see if federal prosecution is appropriate,” said U.S. Attorney Gorman. “Where adults are using juveniles to commit these crimes, we will explore significant federal penalties to hold the adults accountable.”

“The Justice Department has no higher priority than keeping our communities safe. We do so by targeting the most significant drivers of violent crime and by acting as a force multiplier for our state and local law enforcement partners. We’re seeing results — with violent crime declining broadly nationwide,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco. 

“Today, we are launching seven new carjacking task forces across the country to build on the success of task forces in Chicago, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, and Tampa, where available data shows that carjacking rates are now falling.”

In keeping with the department’s Comprehensive Strategy for Reducing Violent Crime, the task forces represent a strategic enforcement priority for the department, focusing federal resources on identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the most significant drivers of violent crime.

Building on the initial efforts of and best practices learned from carjacking task forces in the U.S. Attorney’s Offices in the District of Columbia, Northern District of Illinois, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, and the Middle District of Florida, the following offices in seven other districts are announcing the creation of carjacking task forces in their communities:

  • District of Oregon
  • Eastern District of Texas
  • Northern District of Alabama
  • Northern District of California
  • Eastern District of Louisiana
  • Southern District of Mississippi
  • Western District of Washington

Carjacking and other violent crime task forces have proven to be an effective part of successful violent crime reduction strategies by focusing on significant crime drivers and taking violent offenders off the streets of our communities. 

For example, carjackings in Philadelphia declined by 31 percent from 2022 to 2023, and armed carjackings are down 28 percent in the District of Columbia this year to date compared to the same period in 2023. In Chicago, carjackings decreased 29 percent from the high in 2021 through the end of 2023.

The newly formed task forces will be led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices, FBI and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, along with state, local and other law enforcement partners.


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AG Ferguson announces DNA collection from more than 2,600 serious offenders

Friday, April 12, 2024

SEATTLE — Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced this week that more than 2,600 serious criminal offenders provided their DNA to law enforcement after previously failing to do so as required by law. 

As a result of Ferguson’s lawfully owed DNA project, these samples are now in a national DNA database critical to identifying perpetrators of unsolved rapes, murders and other violent crimes.

Washington requires many offenders convicted of sex offenses and serious violent crimes to provide their DNA as a term of their conviction. Ferguson’s office is working with local law enforcement across the state to collect these DNA samples from sex offenders, violent offenders and individuals convicted of serious felonies. 

The samples are added to the national Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), which investigators and prosecutors use to solve serious crimes and bring justice to victims.

When DNA is collected at a crime scene, it is tested by the state’s Crime Lab and checked against the national database. When it returns a “hit,” or a match to evidence already in CODIS, this can help identify serial rapists, link cases across the country, shed new light on cold cases and provide answers to crime victims and their families.

DNA evidence can also exonerate individuals who were wrongfully convicted.

In short, collecting lawfully owed DNA from qualifying offenders helps solve more crimes — here in Washington and across the country.

The Attorney General’s Office estimates thousands of violent offenders are living in Washington with an obligation to provide their DNA. This estimate is based on initial data from the Department of Corrections, followed by an extensive verification process designed to identify and locate offenders who still owe a sample. Ferguson’s lawfully owed DNA project aims to stop these offenders from slipping through the system.

Since the project launched more than four years ago, law enforcement has collected 2,681 DNA samples from violent and sex offenders and entered them into CODIS. This has resulted in 97 “hits.”

Ferguson launched the lawfully owed DNA project in October 2019, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Justice and local law enforcement.

More information here


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Missing Everett child found dead

Friday, March 29, 2024

Kidnapped and murdered
Ariel Garcia, age 4
Photo courtesy Everett Police
Washington State Patrol, at the request of the Everett Police Department, sent out an alert on Thursday that set off alarms on cell phones all the way to Oregon.

A four year old boy, Ariel Garcia, was reported missing and endangered on Wednesday morning from an address in Everett. 

A massive hunt involving police, state patrol, and FBI ensued. A vehicle thought to be involved in the disappearance was found abandoned outside of Everett.

At 6pm Thursday, Everett Police were informed that a body had been found, which was thought to be the missing child.

The Snohomish County Medical Examiner will confirm identity and cause of death.

Major Crimes detectives from the Everett Police Department are actively involved in this case and are investigating this incident as a homicide.

There is no perceived threat to the community. Because the investigation is ongoing, additional information is still being gathered and confirmed.



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Two Bellingham transnational drug dealers sentenced to prison

Monday, March 18, 2024

Blue fentanyl. SAN file photo
Seattle – Two members of a transnational drug trafficking organization were sentenced to federal prison March 15, 2024 for arranging the sale of more than 75,000 fentanyl pills, announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. 

Juan Manuel Lugo Enriquez, 21, and a citizen of Mexico, sold 2,000 fentanyl pills to an undercover agent near Bellingham. 

Then, Lugo Enriquez and Guillermo Vieyra Salas, 24, also a citizen of Mexico, arranged a second deal involving 75,000 pills. 

U.S. District Judge Ricardo S. Martinez sentenced Lugo Enriquez to 38 months and Vieyra Salas to 48 months in prison. Judge Martinez found troubling the large amount of fentanyl at issue here, particularly because fentanyl has become “a leading cause of death over the last couple of years.”

“Federal law enforcement is keenly focused on getting as much fentanyl as possible off our streets,” said U.S. Attorney Gorman. “Seizing more than 75,000 pills will save lives.”

According to records filed in the case, the case began with a tip that a Seattle-based member of the drug trafficking organization, later identified as Lugo Enriquez, was bringing bulk quantities of fentanyl pills into Western Washington from Mexico. 

Defendant Vieyra Salas was already on law enforcement radar, charged with a drive-by shooting where he fired 27 rounds from a car he was driving while carrying cocaine. He also has a pending cocaine trafficking charge in Skagit County.

Homeland Security Investigations undercover agents quickly set up drug deals – first for 2,000 pills with Lugo Enriquez and then for a large order of 75,000 pills with Lugo Enriquez, Vieyra Salas, and a third defendant. As Lugo Enriquez and Vieyra Salas waited for the third defendant to deliver the drugs, Vieyra Salas offered to sell the undercover agents more pills.

The third defendant arrived at a separate meeting place to deliver the pills and was arrested. Lugo Enriquez and Vieyra Salas were arrested over the following days.

The defendant who delivered the pills, Jaime Alonso Hernandez-Hernandez, 41, is scheduled for sentencing on June 7, 2024.

The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Yunah Chung.


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Do you have any information about this LFP cold case?

Monday, March 11, 2024

Barbara McClure went missing in 1978
Photo courtesy Jamie McClure
A cold case is usually a violent crime, or a suspected violent crime, that has not yet been fully resolved.

These cases, which were unresolved at the time of the initial investigation, may reach today a different outcome due to new forensic techniques or new witnesses' statements.

In 1978, Barbara McClure vanished from Lake Forest Park and has yet to be found. 

Her daughter, family, friends, and the King County Sheriff's Office detectives are trying to uncover what happened to her.

If you have any information that can assist the detectives, contact the King County Sheriff's Office Major Crime Unit, 206-263-2090.


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Romanian citizen pleads guilty to people smuggling scheme across northern border

Peace Arch at Blaine. Photo courtesy Washington State Parks
A 27– year-old citizen of Romania pleaded guilty Friday, March 8, 2024 in U.S. District Court in Seattle to conspiracy to transport those not legally in the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. 

Daniel Andronache was arrested near Blaine, Washington on November 9, 2023, after he and a co-conspirator picked up 12 people who had illegally crossed into the U.S. from Canada. 

Andronache is scheduled for sentencing by U.S. District Judge Lauren King on June 12, 2024.

“We are seeing a huge increase in human smuggling attempts across our northern border,” said U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. 
“As in this case, the conduct is unsafe, putting the lives of many at risk. The Border Patrol and Homeland Security Investigation is working diligently to stop these smuggling schemes and interdict those being transported in a way that keeps everybody safe from harm.”

According to the plea agreement, Andronache flew from Omaha, Nebraska to Seattle on November 7, 2023, and obtained a white Ford Expedition in Tacoma. Andronache and a coconspirator used the car to drive to Blaine, Washington. 

The men parked on a road near the international border. Twelve Romanian citizens emerged from brush near the border and got into the car. The car only had seats for eight people, and there were 14 in the vehicle. When Border patrol stopped the car, they found two children unrestrained in the trunk of the car, and another was unrestrained on the center console of the vehicle. The youngest child in the car was under the age of three.

In his plea agreement Andronache admits he knowingly entered the conspiracy to transport the non-citizens so they could stay illegally in the U.S. Conspiracy to transport non-citizens is punishable by up to ten years in prison.

Those who entered the U.S. illegally were referred to immigration authorities for processing.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Border Patrol and Homeland Security Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Amanda McDowell.


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Mail thief who stole postal vehicles and mailbox keys sentenced to 3+ years in prison

Johny Mixayboua sentenced to
41 months in prison for mail theft
Seattle – A man who committed a series of mail vehicle and mail key thefts was sentenced Friday, March 8, 2024 in U.S. District Court in Seattle to 41 months in prison for theft of government property, mail theft, illegal transactions on access devices, and illegally possessing a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman. 

Johny Mixayboua, 27, committed a string of mail theft incidents involving stolen postal vehicles, stolen postal keys, mail theft and associated crimes. 

The postal service had to halt deliveries in the zip code 98118 for about a week while investigators worked to track down and arrest Mixayboua.

He was active in apartment buildings in Lake Forest, which had 21 cases of mail theft from locking mailboxes in April 2023.

Mixayboua apparently was living in a vehicle near a relative’s home. He was arrested after running from officers. 

Law enforcement found a Polymer unregistered firearm – known as a ‘ghost gun’ - that Mixayboua threw into the bushes while attempting to run away. Mixayboua is prohibited from possessing firearms due to multiple felony convictions in King County for auto theft, possession of stolen property, and bail jumping.

In asking for a 41-month prison sentence, Assistant United States Attorney Elyne Vaught wrote to the court, 

“Beginning in December of 2022 up to his arrest in May of 2023, the defendant, Johny Mixayboua’s full-time job was to use stolen postal keys to steal mail from the residents of King County, leaving a trail of financial and sentimental loss along the way. 
"As the thefts increased, the United States Postal Service made the difficult decision to shut down mail service to an entire zip code, requiring residents, including the elderly and disabled, to physically come into the office to pick up their mail.” 
This case was investigated by U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS).


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Shoreline Police and K9 Quinn credited in two major drug busts

Sunday, February 18, 2024

K9 Quinn and confiscated drugs and money

On Wednesday, February 7, 2024 King County Sheriff's Office Precinct 4 Special Emphasis Team (SET) wrapped up a narcotics operation aimed at an associate of the Sinaloa Cartel. 

This person was distributing fentanyl and methamphetamine in Index, Shoreline, and several other areas in north King County and Snohomish County.

The operation resulted in 36,900 M-3 Fentanyl pills, 9 pounds Fentanyl power, 6 pounds of methamphetamine, 1.8 pounds of heroin, 2060 MDMA pills, $8,960 cash seized and 1 car seized

One suspect was booked on charges of Investigation VUCSA-WI and VUCSA Conspiracy.

This operation covered a vast geographical area and required hours of surveillance and multiple search warrants. 

We couldn’t have done it without the assistance of multiple KCSO deputies around King County, Shoreline Police Department SET, SeaTac SET, our King County Sheriff's Office Communications Center, and Lake Stevens Police Department.

K9 Quinn poses with drugs and money confiscated in an operation completed in August 2023
Photo courtesy King County Police

Previously, in a successful operation reported by County Executive Dow Constantine on August 9, 2023, Shoreline Police and the King County Sheriff’s Office seized more than $1.2 million in drugs, including 290,000 fentanyl pills and over 9 pounds of fentanyl powder, cocaine, heroin, cash, and stolen firearms.

"Amidst significant staffing shortages and various hurdles, Shoreline Police Department has remained committed to keeping our investigative teams intact," said Shoreline Police Chief Kelly Park. 
"In this particular case, our dedicated detectives worked swiftly and efficiently to gather essential information. Their collaboration with KCSO's SW Precinct detectives proved invaluable, facilitating the prompt and secure retrieval of these deadly narcotics and firearms. 
The diligent efforts of our investigators seamlessly align with the City of Shoreline Council's goals to promote community safety and foster healthy neighborhoods."

One suspect was booked into King County Jail on a firearms violation and multiple counts of violating the Uniformed Controlled Substances Act – Possession with intent.


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What's with all the dumped tires?

Thursday, February 15, 2024

Tires dumped in the Bsche’tla Creek ravine
Photo by Brian Saunders
By Diane Hettrick

In The Untold Story of Bsche’tla Creek, Brian Saunders and Chip Dodd talked about climbing down into the ravine holding Lake Forest Park's largely unknown third stream.

At the base of the ravine, I was left speechless with the sheer volume of debris, garbage, and used tires that had been discarded there. At first glance it is not recognizable as a stream but more resembling an effluent ditch in an industrial zone. I counted 20 old tires within a 30-foot stretch of the creek!

Kim Josund reported that on January 31, 2024 80-100 tires had been dumped at the entrance to Grace Cole Park (Old tires dumped at Grace Cole Park - do you know anything about it?)

Kim pointed out the environmental damage caused by tires.
Old tires contain chemicals, including known carcinogens and salmon killing 6-PPD- quinone, and heavy metals that leach into the environment as the tires break down. 

Leaching affects the soil around the old tire, which at first may not seem like a big problem. But even after the tire is moved, the soil could still contain toxins. If toxins get into any water in the soil, the water can transport them to other locations, potentially harm to any animals that come in contact with the poisoned water.

Tires were dumped in front of the Cascade K-8 school just a few days after the Grace Cole dumping. Photo by Brian Holt

Brian Holt sent a photo a few days after Kim's story about a pile of tires dumped in the parking lot of the Cascade K-8 school 

Christie Becker found a tire in her back yard
Christie Becker, who lives in the vicinity of Grace Cole Park, found a tire deep in her back yard.
tire Christie

Michael Price reported that he "noticed around 4 tires on the side of the road on 25th Ave NE just north of Grace Cole on morning of Feb. 1. They were still there the morning of Feb. 2.

Today a reader reported another dump site: "Yesterday I noticed yet another load of illegally dumped tires along Bothell Way east of 5330 Bothell Way NE on the North side of Bothell Way in a small gully."

People who get away will illegal dumping tend to continue doing it.

If you have camera footage or leads, contact LFP Police 206-364-8216.


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Midnight fireworks were unauthorized event

Saturday, February 10, 2024

Illegal fireworks in North City. Photo by Mike Remarcke

By Diane Hettrick

The midnight fireworks Wednesday, February 7, 2024 in North City woke up the neighbors and terrified the dogs. Those within sight just assumed it was an authorized event that no one had told them about.

Those who heard the explosions could only wonder.

And apparently no one called to complain.

The fireworks show, which extended for some minutes, was not an authorized event. Person or persons unknown set up shop in the parking lot of the North City Water District 1519 NE 177th St, Shoreline, WA 98155.

When it was over, there was no damage, but a lot of mess, which water district staff had to clean up the next day.

The King County Sheriff's Office said that there were no reports and no officers were dispatched. The Shoreline Fire department reported the same.

The next day, the water district reported it but the police took no action, as there was no damage done.

There are no suspects and no investigation.


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Police search for burglars near Bothell Way on Monday

Thursday, February 8, 2024

Lake Forest Park Police, assisted by King County Sheriff’s Office deputies, and a K9 unit from Seattle PD searched the area on Bothell Way after two commercial burglaries on Monday morning.

One burglary was at the 522 Tattoo Shop across Bothell Way from the mall at 17230 Bothell Way NE and the other was at the Subway sandwich shop in the mall. 

Police were unable to apprehend the suspects and the investigation is still in progress.


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Arrest made in death of man whose body was found on 15th NE

At 10:15pm Monday night, January 29, 2024, the King County Sheriff’s Office Communications Center received a 911 call from a community member who reported seeing a person laying on the ground, unresponsive at the 20000 Block of 15th Ave NE in Shoreline. 

The caller stated the man was face down and unresponsive. 

Shoreline Police and Shoreline Fire Department were dispatched to the scene. The fire department was not able revive him.

The Medical Examiner's office disclosed that the man was 20 year old Robert A. Anderson. He had been shot in the head and the ME ruled it a homicide.

On Wednesday, February 7, 2024, reporting in The Seattle Times revealed that Shoreline resident Quy Ngoc Vu, 17, was arrested the next day. He is in detention on $1million bail and will be arraigned on the 15th.

According to the story, Anderson had assaulted Vu's sister. The police were out looking for him, but Vu got there first.



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Shoreline Police are investigating a violent home invasion robbery in Richmond Highlands

Thursday, February 1, 2024

Thursday, February 1, 2024 at 5:43am King County Sheriff’s Communications Center received a 911 call from the location of the 600 block of NW 180th St in Shoreline, in the Richmond Highlands neighborhood. 

The caller reported a robbery that just occurred and reported there were three suspects. 

Upon the arrival of Shoreline PD, a search for the suspects was conducted but none were found in spite of K9 searches.

Kenmore PD, also a King County Sheriff's Office contract force, assisted in the search.

According to an account published by one of the victims on NextDoor, the three men had guns, threatened to kill the couple and pistol-whipped the husband in the face.

Shoreline Medics treated him at the scene and took him to a local hospital. By their standards, he had minor injuries.

This is an open and active investigation.

The story is remarkably similar to the case in Olympic Hills from January 28th. (see previou article)

--Diane Hettrick


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Seattle Police investigating home invasion robbery in NE Seattle

Site of Olympic Hills home invasion

Seattle police are searching for three men involved in a robbery at gunpoint in the early morning hours of January 28, 2024.

Officers responded to the 14000 block of 25th Ave NE in the Olympic Hills neighborhood just after 3am to find the couple shaken up.

The husband told police he was asleep when his dog woke him up and he heard his wife scream from upstairs. He was confronted by two suspects and one of them pointed a gun at him demanding valuables. A third suspect pointed a gun at the man’s wife.

Two of the suspects reportedly ransacked the home looking for anything of value. The husband and wife were told not to move before the suspects left.

They are described as three men, one White and two Black, 18 years old to 25 years old, approximately 5’10” to 6’1″ tall, thin, with black facemasks, black sweatshirts, black pants, gloves and black shoes.

Anyone with information is asked to call the SPD Violent Crimes Tip Line at 206-233-5000

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Old tires dumped at Grace Cole Park Wednesday night - do you know anything about it?

Old tires were dumped at the park entrance, in front of the "No Dumping" sign
Photo courtesy Kim Josund

By Kim Josund

Someone illegally dumped a truckload of old tires at Grace Cole Nature Park in Lake Forest Park (16735 30th Ave NE) late Wednesday night, January 31, 2024. 

The tires were reported by park neighbors early the morning of February 1st. There are estimated to be 50-100 tires dumped. This is not just an illegal eyesore; it is an environmental hazard. Some of the tires landed in the wetland area which drains to salmon-bearing Brookside Creek and eventually to McAleer and Lake Washington.

This illegal dumping was reported to the LFP Police, and the City Public Works Department is working to clean up the mess. 

If you live in the area, have security camera footage or saw anything possibly related to this incident, please call the LFP Police 206-364-8216.

Old tires contain chemicals, including known carcinogens and salmon killing 6-PPD- quinone, and heavy metals that leach into the environment as the tires break down. 

Leaching affects the soil around the old tire, which at first may not seem like a big problem. But even after the tire is moved, the soil could still contain toxins. If toxins get into any water in the soil, the water can transport them to other locations, potentially harm to any animals that come in contact with the poisoned water.

Recycling tires can help harmful chemicals stay out of the earth, water, and air. When you are ready to get rid of your old tires, make sure they get recycled. 
If you get your tires replaced, ask the mechanic what they plan on doing with the old tires. Reputable mechanics and tire shops properly dispose of tires at regulated recycling facilities.

Obviously, someone wasn’t willing to pay the fee to dispose of these tires in the right way, and this shifts the burden to our city to pay for clean-up and disposal.


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You can run but you can't hide - Shoreline Police catch a burglar in the act

Tuesday, January 30, 2024

Photo courtesy Shoreline Police

Early Saturday morning, January 27, 2024, Shoreline Police officers responded to a burglary in progress at a business on the 18000 block of Aurora Ave N. 

Upon arrival, an officer discovered a shattered window and spotted a suspect inside. Startled by the officer, the suspect attempted to flee through the same entry point, only to find another officer waiting. 

Cornered, the suspect retreated into the business, trying desperately to escape through a side door, but to no avail as officers had already secured the area.

Refusing to surrender, the suspect remained inside the building, prompting Shoreline Fire to lend a helping hand in prying open the front doors. Finally, after a tense standoff, the subject was successfully apprehended.
 
Great work by our officers and the assistance of the Shoreline Fire Department for their service and commitment to safeguarding our community.

The suspect was taken into custody for Burglary in the 2nd degree.


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Lynnwood WA: Carjacking - Robbery - Assault with Firearm

Saturday, January 27, 2024

Photo courtesy Snohomish County Sheriff's Office
Lynnwood, WA – Shortly before 2am on January 27, 2024, the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office was made aware of a robbery, carjacking at gunpoint that had just occurred at an apartment complex near the City of Lynnwood. 

The suspects in this carjacking went to another apartment complex in the 16800 Block of Larch way where they robbed another victim of his money.

Citizens reported hearing gunshots in the area of the second apartment complex. The second victim had been shot more than once in the leg after the robbery. The suspects then fled the shooting scene.

Deputies spotted the vehicle a short distance away and turned to chase. 

Before Deputies could engage in the pursuit, the suspect vehicle crashed into a power pole near 18300 Larch Way, causing powerlines to drop onto the roadway and ignite the stolen vehicle. 

Both suspects fled the stolen/wrecked vehicle, but were later apprehended by K-9 units.

The original shooting victim is currently at the hospital and is undergoing medical care. One suspect in the crash of the stolen vehicle sustained an injured leg and is also receiving medical care at the hospital.

Public Utility District was working to repair broken lines.


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Washington State “Proud Boy” sentenced to six years in prison for actions during and after January 6 Capitol Breach

Thursday, January 25, 2024

 

January 6, 2021. A small number of police holding back a huge crowd of people trying to break into the Capitol to prevent the official transfer of power after the presidential election.
Photo courtesy Sedition Hunters

During the sentencing hearing, Bru continued to express no remorse, telling Chief Judge Boasberg, “You could give me 100 years and I would still do it all over again.”

WASHINGTON –A Washington state man was sentenced to prison today after he was found guilty of multiple felony and misdemeanor charges related to his conduct during and after the breach of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. 

His actions and the actions of others disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress convened to ascertain and count the electoral votes related to the 2020 presidential election.

Marc Bru, 44, of Vancouver, Washington, was sentenced to 72 months – or six years – in prison and 36 months of supervised release, as well as a fine of $7,946 and $2,000 in restitution, by U.S. District Chief Judge James E. Boasberg. Bru was found guilty of two felonies, including obstruction of an official proceeding and civil disorder, and five misdemeanor charges following a bench trial before Judge Boasberg on Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2023.

According to court documents, on Jan. 5, 2021, Bru, a member of the Proud Boys, flew from Portland, Oregon, to Washington, D.C. The next morning, ready for violence, Bru donned a pair of clear goggles and a neck gaiter to hide his face and headed to the National Mall. On the morning of Jan. 6, 2021, Bru gathered with other members of the Proud Boys on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Intent on obstructing the certification of the Electoral College vote, Bru, along with the group of Proud Boys, did not attend the former president’s “Stop the Steal” rally and instead marched to the grounds of the U.S. Capitol.

Bru was among the first to breach the restricted perimeter on the west side of the Capitol grounds. 

At approximately 12:58pm, Bru joined the first wave of rioters to breach the restricted perimeter near Peace Circle, and, in doing so, walked over downed metal bike rack barricades and “Area Closed” signs in his path. 

Bru then quickly made his way to the front of the mob on the West Plaza, where he spent nearly two hours verbally harassing a group of U.S. Capitol Police (USCP) officers. In one such instance, Bru pointed at the officers and repeatedly yelled, “You’ll die for the corporation!”

At one point, as police officers attempted to secure the area with bike rack barricades, Bru rushed in to join a struggle between rioters and police. Bru used his full body weight to push back against the bike rack barricade that police were attempting to use to re-establish control of a small area on the West Plaza. The officers attempted to repel Bru with pepper spray but were ultimately unsuccessful.

Eventually, the police line broke in other locations, and the mob of rioters, including Bru, surged forward up the steps of the Capitol to the Upper West Terrace. Bru made his way to the exterior Upper West Terrace Doors and joined other rioters in chanting, “Let us in!” as alarms sounded overhead. Bru entered the building at approximately 2:35pm.

In under ten minutes, Bru made his way through the Rotunda, up the Gallery Stairs, and to the Senate Gallery. 

While standing in the Senate Gallery, Bru took several selfies with the empty Senate Floor in the background -- the floor from which, just twenty minutes prior, Secret Service agents had evacuated the Vice President, his family, Senators, and their staffs. In one of the selfies, Bru flashed a hand sign associated with the Proud Boys.

Approximately six weeks later, Bru tried to organize a violent insurrection against the local government in Portland, Oregon, urging others to fight the police, ignore the courts, and disable the government’s ability to communicate.
 
Bru was arrested on March 30, 2021, in Vancouver, Washington, by the FBI. While on pretrial release, Bru was arrested twice on charges of driving under the influence, once in Idaho and once in Montana. Bru failed to appear for his scheduled court appearances in both cases, however, and the state courts issued warrants for his arrest. Those cases remain pending.

After he failed to show for two more court hearings, a bench warrant was issued for his arrest.

In the 36 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,265 individuals have been charged in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including more than 440 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement, a felony. The investigation remains ongoing.

Anyone with tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov


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Police seek vehicle stolen after home invasion robbery in Mountlake Terrace early Monday

Monday, January 15, 2024

MOUNTLAKE TERRACE — Investigators are looking for a blue BMW convertible that was stolen from the scene of a home-invasion robbery early Monday.

Vehicle similar to one that was stolen
2011 BMW
The victims were uninjured in the incident, which was reported just after 5:45am. 

The location was in a neighborhood near the Forest Crest Playfield Complex along 236th St SW in Mountlake Terrace.

Two adults and two children were in the house at the time, Cmdr. Scott King said. 

Four armed people entered the home apparently looking for valuables, mostly electronics.

“There is no known connection between the victims and the suspects,” King said. “This was a traumatic event for the family, and out of respect for their privacy we aren’t releasing a more
precise location at this time.”

The suspects left in two vehicles: one unknown, and the victims’ 2011 blue two-door hardtop convertible BMW. The car has a metal Seahawks emblem on the back, along with metal decorative text that reads “TWEEZER.”

Police on Monday continued to canvass the neighborhood and follow up on leads. Anyone with information is asked to call 911.


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