Showing posts with label police. Show all posts
Showing posts with label police. Show all posts

Crashes reported to Shoreline police up 65%; serious injury and fatal crashes up 94%; police vacancies and street racers blamed

Thursday, April 4, 2024

A map from the WSDOT crash data portal shows ten years of fatal and serious injury crashes in Shoreline

By Oliver Moffat

Shoreline’s annual police report released this week shows a 65% increase in crashes reported to police. Crashes that kill or leave people with life altering injuries have increased in Shoreline by 94%. Police traffic citations have fallen since 2018. The police blame staffing shortages and street racers.

A grim statistic appeared in Shoreline’s 45-page annual Police Service Report presented to the Shoreline city council at this week’s meeting.

A graph from the city’s 2023 Police Service Report shows the number of reported traffic collisions in Shoreline has increased by 65%

Between 2018 and 2022 the city averaged 394 car crashes reported to police each year. But in 2023, the police responded to 651 crashes - an increase of 65%.

In comments to the city council, Chief of Police Kelly Park said, “the reported driving for folks out there is just highly aggressive and we have a lot more poor driving going on.” She added that street racing has been a significant contributing factor.

The reported crash numbers exclude suspected hit-and-runs and DUIs. DUI citations have also increased to 43 after hitting a low of 20 in 2021.

A graph from the Shoreline police report shows the number of traffic citations issued by Shoreline police dropped from 5,263 in 2018 to 312 in 2022.

A graph from the same police report shows the number of traffic citations issued by Shoreline police dropped from 5,263 in 2018 to 312 in 2022.

Because of staffing shortages, Shoreline has re-assigned its traffic unit to cover 911 calls.

Chief of Police Kelly Park (left) and Captain Tim Meyer present the annual police service report to the Shoreline city council

The police report cited a “… staffing crisis caused by the loss of over 50 commissioned officers with King County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO), who Shoreline contracts with for police services, due to the vaccine mandate in 2021.”

Chief Park said her department has a goal to rebuild the city’s traffic unit this year.

Fifteen years of data compiled from WSDOT and the city’s traffic reports show fatal and serious injury crashes in Shoreline have increased from an average of 10 to an average of 19 per year

According to data collected from WSDOT and Shoreline’s annual traffic report, for the ten years from 2008 through 2018, the city averaged 10 fatal and serious injury crashes per year.

But that rate jumped starting in 2019. For the five years from 2019 through 2023, the city averaged 19 series injury and deadly crashes per year - a 94% increase.

On Monday April 15, 2024 the city council will hold a public hearing and discuss Shoreline’s Transportation Improvement Plan. The plan, which serves as a six-year roadmap for transportation projects in the city, is updated each year.

According to last year’s plan, the city has identified $365 million dollars worth of traffic improvements. However (spoiler alert) $95 million worth of projects are unfunded and $110 million are only partially funded.


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Suspicious device in Lake Forest Park turned out to be a commercial firework

Wednesday, April 3, 2024

Blue Heron Park photo by Mary Jo Heller

On Monday, April 1, 2024, just before noon, a citizen located a suspicious item at the Blue Heron Park, in Lake Forest Park. The citizen called 911 to report the suspicious item.

The citizen initially believed he was picking up after someone’s dog, however he came to believe that it was a potentially dangerous device. The citizen placed the item in a bucket and drove to Lake Forest Park city hall in his vehicle.

Officers immediately responded, and the police department closed the lower parking lot in front of the City Hall, the Chase Bank and the old Bank of America.

Officers removed the bucket from the vehicle to an isolated location of the parking lot by the former Bank of America branch. Bomb squad technicians from the King County Sheriff’s Office responded and safely took custody of the device. The parking lot was reopened just after 2:00pm.

The King County Sheriff's Office Bomb Unit was able to safely open the device. They determined that it was actually a "commercial mortar-type firework" which did not contain any kind of metal (like ball bearings, screws, nails, etc.) so it cannot be classified as an IED.

Police recommend that citizens not touch or manipulate any suspicious device, avoid using radio or cell phones near the device, and a get a safe distance away before calling 911.

Curt Hanks, who found the first homemade explosive and reported it to LFP Police last month says that "From the description, it sounds like this is very similar." The one he picked up looked like a "sparkler bomb" which is, more realistically, a very powerful firework.


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Everett Police make arrest in death of missing 4-year-old child

Saturday, March 30, 2024

EVERETT, WA – On Friday, March 29, 2024, the Everett Police Department made an arrest in the death of local, missing 4-year-old, Ariel Garcia. 

Members of the department’s Violent Crime Unit arrested Janet Garcia, Ariel’s mother, in Vancouver, Wash. for Murder in the First Degree, Murder in the Second Degree and Assault of a Child in the First Degree, with the assistance of the Clark County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO). 

Janet was a person of interest and her whereabouts were known early on in the investigation. She will be booked into the Snohomish County Jail.

Janet was placed in custody by CCSO for making false and misleading statements within a few hours of Ariel being reported missing on Wednesday, March 27, 2024. Her vehicle was impounded by CCSO the same day.

At approximately, 5:55pm on Thursday, March 28, 2024, Everett Police were notified that a body had been located along I-5 in Pierce County. EPD Detectives responded to the location and were able to confirm the deceased is Ariel Garcia. The family has been notified. The Snohomish County Medical Examiner now has custody and will determine the cause and manner of death.


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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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KCSO: This week's drug bust

Tuesday, March 26, 2024

Good dog K9 Quinn
Photo courtesy KCSO

It is almost a weekly occurrence.... another successful operation by our Pct. 4 SET and Shoreline Police SET.

Our detectives working hard on transnational drug trafficking cases and preventing dangerous drugs from reaching our communities...

Once again, we are very proud of our SET (Special Emphasis Team) for helping to keep drugs out of our communities.

On March 22, 2024, SET teams from Precinct 4, Burien Police Department, and Shoreline Police Department conducted a joint operation involving a drug trafficker who was distributing narcotics from Mt. Vernon to Lakewood. This investigation involved several warrants and hours of surveillance, which resulted in the following:
  • 7.53 pounds of Methamphetamine
  • 6.74 pounds of Fentanyl powder
  • 3.65 pounds of Heroin
  • 21 M-30 Fentanyl pills
  • $11,677 cash seized
  • 1 Suspect booked Investigation VUCSA/Possession with Intent
Approximate street value: $445,360.00

We also want to thank the professionals at our King County Sheriff's Office Communications Center for helping us to coordinate this effort.

Our SET team knows every Fentanyl pill, and every ounce of illegal narcotic that makes it into our evidence room is a life saved. They, along with every deputy (human or dog) at KCSO, are dedicated to enhancing the safety of our community and its members. Thank you for trusting us to do so.

--King County Sheriff's Office


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Sgt. Charlie Akers retires from Shoreline Police but will stay connected

Sunday, March 24, 2024

After 27 years of exceptional service to the public, we bid farewell to Sgt. Charlie Akers who served primarily in Shoreline. 

He held various roles, including patrol officer and store front officer, before becoming a Field Training Officer and School Resource Officer at Highland Terrace Elementary, Einstein Middle School and later Briarcrest Elementary. 

One of Sgt. Akers' notable achievements was his significant milestone of joining the Marine Rescue & Dive Unit. On July 1, 2015, Sgt. Akers was promoted to Sergeant.
 
Sgt. Akers is known for his empathy, professionalism, and integrity. He has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to public service and has earned the respect and admiration of his colleagues.

We will miss Sgt. Akers dearly, but we are happy to know that he will continue his service by contributing to Shoreline’s Parking Enforcement program and will serve as a reserve deputy in Shoreline and with the Marine Unit.

Our deepest gratitude to Sgt. Charlie Akers – we wish him a fulfilling and happy retirement.

--Shoreline Police

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LFP Police arrest burglar at Mr. Green's dispensary

Friday, March 22, 2024

Mr. Green's in Lake Forest Park
Google street view
At around 8am Thursday morning, March 21, 2024 Lake Forest Park police officers were dispatched to Mr. Green's dispensary, situated in the 15000 block of SR522, in response to a reported burglary. 

A vigilant citizen phoned in upon observing a suspicious male entering the premises. 

Promptly, officers arrived on scene, where they apprehended a male exiting a storage area with a pneumatic nail gun and stolen items in hand. 

Subsequently, he was arrested and later booked into jail. 

--LFP PD


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Update: IED (Improvised Explosive Device) found March 9 at LFP - Shoreline border

Thursday, March 21, 2024

On March 9, 2024 at around 5:15pm Lake Forest Park Police officers were finishing a call on 30 Ave NE when a man out walking his dog contacted them. 

He advised that he had just found an IED (Improvised Explosive Device). The man found it on the west shoulder of 30 Ave NE in the 20100 block, just inside the City of Shoreline. 

He moved it from in front of a residential driveway and placed it on a rock wall. LFPPD officers approached the device, which appeared to be a tightly wrapped bomb the size of a toilet-paper roll, with a fuse attached. 

LFPPD stayed on scene while King County Sheriff deputies responded. The roadway was closed and KCSO Bomb Squad personnel arrived and safely collected the device. 

Thank you to that alert citizen.

We recommend that citizens not touch or manipulate any suspicious device and that they also avoid using radio or cell phones near the device. Get a safe distance away before calling 911.
--LFP Police Department

Update: The King County Sheriff's Media office responded that the item was later disposed of by the KCSO Bomb Disposal Unit/BDU. 

There are no suspects and no arrests were made. The case is active and open.


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Richmond Beach resident safe after reported missing

Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Shoreline Police sent out an alert at 3pm on Monday, March 18, 2024 about a 28 year old man with Down Syndrome who was reported missing from the Richmond Beach neighborhood.

He was located five hours later and is safe.


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Drug bust in Richmond Beach nets ten pounds of drugs and cash

Saturday, March 16, 2024

On Wednesday, March 13, 2024 the Shoreline Police Street Crimes Detectives successfully executed a search warrant in the Richmond Beach neighborhood of Shoreline, where nearly ten pounds of drugs and cash were seized. 

These types of investigations require a unique skill set, to include bilingual detectives bridging the communication gap.

Our deep gratitude to our partners, the Pct. 4 SET, Shoreline CIU Detectives, Shoreline patrol officers, and the dynamic duo of K-9 “Fury” and his partner for their collaboration. 

One person was booked in the King County Jail. 


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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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King County Marine Rescue Dive Unit learns ice diving

Friday, March 8, 2024

Marine Rescue Dive Unit at Fish Lake
Photo courtesy King County Sheriff's Office

In mid-February 2024 the King County Marine Rescue Dive Unit (MRDU) expanded its capabilities by incorporating ice diving into their skill set.

Venturing to Fish Lake in Chelan County, the team trained in challenging conditions, navigating six inches of ice and 34-degree water temperatures. 

This marked the first ice diving training in over a decade for the MRDU, and the team worked through refining safety protocols and operational procedures.

We’re proud to have acquired this new skill which further enhances our ability to serve and safeguard our community. We’re always committed to learning and improving to be prepared to assist those in need.



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LFP Police promote officer Walker and welcome new officer Gouin

Saturday, March 2, 2024

LFP PD Chief Harden and Sgt. Walker
Photo courtesy LFP PD

During a recent City Council meeting in Lake Forest Park, Police Chief Harden introduced two members of the team. 

Judge Grant administers the oath of office to new police officer Gouin.
Photo courtesy LFP PD

Officer Gouin, our newest academy graduate, and Sergeant Walker, a dedicated officer who has been promoted to the rank of Sergeant. 

Both officers were administered the oath by Judge Grant, with Officer Gouin officially joining the patrol ranks and Sergeant Walker assuming the new supervisory role of Sergeant.


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Shoreline police officer takes new assignment at Sound Transit

Officer Fenton transfers to Sound Transit
Photo courtesy Shoreline PD
From Shoreline Police

We congratulate Officer Fenton on his new assignment at Sound Transit as a K-9 handler! Officer Fenton carries on the family legacy as he takes on his new role. 

As a second-generation law enforcement officer, he witnessed firsthand the importance of public safety and the impact this profession has on the lives of others.

Officer Fenton has been a beacon of positivity and warmth in our department during his 5 years in Shoreline. His friendly nature and approachable demeanor have made him a trusted colleague and well-respected member of this community. 

Not only is officer Fenton kind-hearted, but he is also incredibly intelligent and has a sharp mind for problem-solving. We know that he will take these amazing qualities and his genuine desire to help others to his new role at Sound Transit!

We wish you the best Officer Fenton, we are proud of you, and hope you return to us one day, bringing your expertise and experience back to our community.

Join us in congratulating Officer Fenton in this exciting new adventure!


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Shoreline Police Special Emphasis Team and K9 Quinn involved in another narcotics operation take-down

Friday, March 1, 2024

K9 Officer Quinn with drugs seized in the latest take-down
Photo courtesy KCSO

On February 29, 2024 the King County Sheriff's Office reported that last week, the Precinct 4 Special Emphasis Team concluded a several month-long joint narcotics operation with Homeland Security Investigations. 

The operation targeted a Drug Trafficking Organization responsible for distributing narcotics to White Center, Shoreline, Renton, Seattle, Marysville, Woodinville, Kirkland, Tulalip, Mt. Vernon, Des Moines, and Snohomish County.

Part of the drugs seized. Photo courtesy KCSO
The operation involved several warrants, and resulted in the following:
  • 71,000 M-30 Fentanyl Pills
  • 31 pounds of Methamphetamine
  • 2.76 pounds Fentanyl powder
  • 1.12 pounds of Heroin
  • $7047 cash seized
  • 1 car seized
Two individuals were booked into the Federal Detention Center (FDC) pending federal charges.

This operation could not have been possible without the collaboration of our partners at Shoreline Police Department SET, City of SeaTac SET, DEA-Tacoma, Burien Police Department, Skyway Patrol, KCSO’s Crime Analysis Unit, and our King County Sheriff's Office Communications Center.

Drugs kill, and we’re determined to collaborate with local and regional law enforcement partners to apprehend those accountable for distributing narcotics into our neighborhoods.

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Shoreline Police assist Woodinville PD in arrest of burglary suspect who destroyed wine at Woodinville winery

Wednesday, February 28, 2024

Photo courtesy Sparkman Cellars

On Wednesday, February 21, 2024, Woodinville Police arrested a suspect in a burglary that occurred on November 22, 2023, at Sparkman Cellars Winery in Woodinville

The suspect is a male in his 60s who resides in Seattle and is a past employee of Sparkman Cellars. 

Charges of Investigation of Burglary 2nd Degree were forwarded to the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. Detectives obtained an arrest warrant for the suspect and a search warrant for his residence. 

At about 11:00am on February 21st, Woodinville Police Detectives along with Shoreline Police Detectives arrested the suspect at his residence. The suspect was processed at King County Jail and released. 
 
On November 22, 2023, the suspect entered the closed and locked Sparkman Cellars Winery and opened valves on large containers of Sauvignon Blanc, which spilled and ruined the wine. 

The amount of product lost equaled roughly 24,000 bottles of wine worth an estimated $600,000.00 in value. Woodinville Police led this investigation with significant support from another KCSO contract partner, the Shoreline Police Department.   

Woodinville Police Department Chief Myers stated:
 
“Woodinville is wine country; I’m glad that Woodinville PD was able to help Sparkman Cellars after this incredible loss. Our investigators took this seriously and turned over every bit of evidence possible in order to identify and apprehend this person.”
 
The King County Sheriff’s Office is immensely proud of the work by Shoreline Police and Woodinville Police in the case.


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Snohomish County Sheriff's Office busts drug dealers across the street from Shoreline

Tuesday, February 27, 2024

Meth from drug bust on 244th SW
Photo courtesy Snohomish County Sheriff's Dept
On February 21, 2024 the Snohomish Regional Drug Task Force (SRDTF) arrested a 48-year-old man and a 30-year-old woman after a months long investigation. 

The two suspects were apprehended in the 8400 block of 244th St SW in Edmonds, which is the other side of the street from N 205th St in Shoreline, between Dayton and Fremont. 

Detectives recovered two pistols, 36 pounds of methamphetamine, 7.6 pounds of fentanyl powder, 99 grams of cocaine and $22,166 cash was seized. 

The 30-year-old woman was booked on three counts manufacture/delivery/possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver. 

The 48-year-old man was booked on three counts of manufacture / delivery / possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, as well as two counts of alien carry or possess a firearm. 


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King County Prosecutor files multiple charges against drug runners

Friday, February 23, 2024

K9 Officer Quinn poses with drugs seized in an August 2023 arrest
Photo courtesy KCSO

The King County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) recently shared information about their investigation that seized nearly $1.5 million worth of drugs, including 37 pounds of fentanyl. The Burien and Shoreline police departments were credited with the arrests, including K9 Quinn

The King County prosecutor has filed multiple felony charges in this case. (See previous story - case from August 2023)

These defendants were involved in a major drug trafficking enterprise. [one defendant] admitted to transporting hundreds of pounds of drugs in his semi-truck, as he made regular trips from southern California to Washington State. 

In this instance alone he had over 37 pounds of deadly Fentanyl, 3 pounds of Methamphetamine and approximately 1.6 pounds of Heroin. 

He had approximately $10,000 in cash in his truck — which is what he said he was paid on these drug runs. [a second defendant] took delivery of this large amount of drugs to sell to the people of Western Washington. 

They have no prior, known criminal history, but are clearly major actors in the drug trade which has an enormous impact on public health.


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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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Office of Law Enforcement Oversight reissues recommendations related to Sheriff’s Office Use of Force policies

Saturday, February 17, 2024

In a recent memo, the King County Office of Law Enforcement Oversight (OLEO) issued a series of recommendations to the King County Sheriff’s Office regarding updates to its use of force policies. 

The memo highlights both reissued and new recommendations based on OLEO's continuous review of the Sheriff's Office policies.

“It has been approximately a year since OLEO sent our preliminary recommendations to the Sheriff’s Office,” said Tamer Abouzeid, OLEO Director. 
“The Sheriff’s Office has already implemented some of our recommendations, and we are encouraging them to implement more, both in the interest of full compliance with the Attorney General’s Model Policies, as well as to better promote accountability and safety.”

Reissued recommendations include adopting the Attorney General’s model policy language on physical force to more accurately communicate the standards of necessity, reasonableness, and proportionality, and limiting discretionary uses of force in otherwise non-violent situations. 

New recommendations include clarifying definitions and bringing them in line with the AG’s model policies.

For more information, refer to the complete memo on the OLEO website.

Both Shoreline and Kenmore have police departments contracted from the King County Sheriff's Office.


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