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

Two residential fires last Friday May 10, 2024 - one arson - one careless smoking

Saturday, May 18, 2024

Arsonist spraying the house with gasoline
Screenshot from surveillance footage provided by Shoreline PD

On Friday, May 10 2024 at just after 6:30am, Shoreline Fire was dispatched to a Residential Structure Fire at the 1600 block of N 183rd St in Shoreline. Once extinguished, the scene was turned over to King County Fire Investigators. 

Surveillance footage shows an unknown male spraying the owner's vehicle, the side of the residence and the doorway area with gasoline before setting it on fire. 


Arsonist running after tossing a match into the gasoline
Screenshot from surveillance footage provided by Shoreline PD

The male was wearing a grey shirt under a dark blue or black and grey jacket with dark writing on the sleeves and the hood up, black pants and black shoes. He was wearing dark-framed glasses and had a dark beard.  

Detectives investigating this case (C24015932) are asking the community to call our non-emergency line if you have any information about this incident, 206 296-3311. 

----
Shoreline Fire was also dispatched to another Residential Structure Fire at 11:46pm at the 20400 block of 30th Ave NE. Please utilize approved cigarette disposal devices and keep them away from combustibles. 

There were no any injuries at either incident.


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School district warns that a man known to Edmonds Police was seen near Brookside Elementary School

The public information office of Shoreline Public School issued this notice:


Alexander Hardisty
Our Lake Forest Park Police Department partners notified us that Alexander Hardisty was seen across the street from Brookside Elementary School today, May 16, 2024 at 8:45am. 

Hardisty was not in touch with or in close proximity to any students, as far as we are aware.

Hardisty was the subject of news and social media attention in late 2023: Edmonds Police warn school community | Edmonds man caught lurking on school grounds

If any staff member, parent, or guardian sees someone they believe to be Hardisty at or near one of our schools, immediately call 911.

As always, the safety and security of our students and staff is our top priority. Doors are typically locked, access is controlled at the majority of our school campuses, and all staff are trained to be on the lookout for strange behavior and to report people who should not be on campus.

Parents and guardians, if you are buzzed into a school for a meeting, early dismissal pickup, volunteering, or other purposes, please be aware of your surroundings and do not allow anyone else to follow you into the building.

Thank you for your support to keep our schools and students as safe as possible.


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Remembering fallen King County Sheriff's Office deputies on Peace Officers Memorial Day

Thursday, May 16, 2024

Courtesy King County Sheriff's Department
Shoreline Deputy Mark Brown, bottom row, 2nd from left, with motorcycle

May 15 is Peace Officers Memorial Day, and we invite you to join us in taking a moment to honor and remember our King County Sheriff’s Office fallen deputies who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. 

Their dedication and bravery inspire us every day as we continue to uphold our commitment to serving and protecting our communities.

Deputy Wesley F. Cherry - March 6, 1853
Sheriff Louis V. Wyckoff - January 20, 1882
Deputy George W. Poor - July 26, 1891
Deputy Cornelius Rowley - July 3, 1902
Deputy John Williams - March 18, 1903
Deputy Robert C. Scott - April 4, 1920
Deputy Steve Watson - July 9, 1934
Deputy Thomas C. Meehan - November 13, 1935
Special Deputy John Frederick Mines - July 19, 1946
Special Deputy George H. Yeaman Jr. - July 22, 1946
Deputy Norman Silkworth - March 7, 1952
Deputy Donald A. Armeni - September 15, 1954
Detective Sergeant Samuel A. Hicks - June 24, 1982
Detective Michael Raburn - March 27, 1984
Deputy Richard S. Cochran II - May 22, 1991
Deputy Mark W. Brown - February 27, 1999 - Shoreline Police Department
Deputy Richard A. Herzog - June 22, 2002
Deputy Steve E. Cox - December 2, 2006
Deputy Reggie Thomas - September 7, 2020

To all our law enforcement officers, your commitment and sacrifices do not go unnoticed. Stay safe and know that your service is profoundly valued and appreciated.

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Correction: AXON demonstration in Lake Forest Park is not a public event

Wednesday, May 15, 2024

AXON will demonstrate available technology
to local police departments
Correction: A previous news story announced an AXON technology demonstration in Lake Forest Park on May 23, 2024. 

The demonstration is not designed for the public, as the article stated.

AXON representatives will show their current technology to local police departments.

LFP Police already use AXON body cameras.



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What happened to Barbara McClure? King County Police working 1978 cold case

Wednesday, May 8, 2024

Barbara McClure went missing in 1978
Photo courtesy KCSO
King County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Detectives are asking for the community's help in solving this cold case from 1978.

Barbara McClure was last seen walking home from the Fandango Disco inside the Sirloin Inn at the Lake Forest Park Shopping Center on November 2, 1978. 

She had arrived at the disco with a co-worker, and they met other friends there. Witnesses reported that Barbara had a verbal argument with her co-worker, and she said that she would walk home. 

She ended up walking home, despite her friends trying to give her a ride. She was last seen by a friend walking in the 16500 block of Bothell Way NE walking toward her residence, which was about five miles away in Seattle. Barbara was reported missing the next day by her roommate.

On November 11, 1978, her driver’s license was found near the intersection of I-5 and I-405 in Snohomish county. 

She was last seen wearing rust colored corduroy pants; wide striped rust & green blouse; short black leather jacket; tan mid-calf boots with 2” heel and a brown cloth purse with shoulder strap.

Name: Barbara Annette McClure (Anderson)
Age: 24
Blue eyes; dark brown hair
5’5” tall; 120 lbs.

If you have any information about this incident, please contact the King County Sheriff's Office at 206-263-2090 or email mcutips@kingcounty.gov. Case number: 78-182215


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Quinn is a Very Very Good Boy sniffing out $3.25 million worth of street drugs

Tuesday, May 7, 2024

K9 Quinn
The King County Sheriff's Office and Shoreline Police Department have seized more than 250,000 M-30 fentanyl pills, 64 pounds of fentanyl powder and 2 pounds of fentanyl laced cocaine in two recent narcotics operations.

The city of Shoreline Police's Special Emphasis Team (SET) conducted a lengthy investigation that recently led to the successful execution of two narcotics operations in south King County.

They targeted a drug trafficking organization involved in the transportation of illegal narcotics from Mexico to King County, including the city of Shoreline.

Just 2mg of fentanyl is lethal to the average person. 

The amount of fentanyl powder seized alone is enough to harm millions. 

The street value of narcotics from both operations is approximately $3.25 million and included:
  • 64.3 pounds of Fentanyl Powder
  • 253,704 M30 Fentanyl Pills
  • 3.1 pounds of Heroin
  • 1.7 pounds of Cocaine
  • 1.7 pounds of fentanyl laced cocaine.
  • 2.4 pounds of Methamphetamine
  • $32,836 in cash
  • 2 firearms
  • 1 vehicle
Three men were booked into the King County Jail where they remain on bail, in addition to two suspects that are pending charges. 

Shoreline Police stated,
"We are incredibly proud of our detectives, their skills and the tireless work that went into uncovering these illegal activities. None of this would be possible without the help of detectives from Precinct-4 (SW King County) and K9 Quinn. We also thank the assistance of our partner agencies and patrol units."

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Arrest made in 1984 cold case homicide in Everett WA

Judy Weaver was murdered in 1984.
Her killer was just arrested
Photos courtesy Everett Police
EVERETT, WA – An arrest was made in the June 2, 1984, homicide of Judith “Judy” Weaver, a 42-year-old woman from Everett, WA. Mitchell Gaff has been booked in the Snohomish County Jail and is charged with Murder in the 1st degree. Everett Police located Mitchell Gaff in Olympia, WA after new DNA evidence identified him as the suspect.

Judy Weaver was found murdered in her residence on Rucker Ave after the Everett Fire Department was called there to a report of a fire. She co-owned a business on Hewitt Ave and had walked home that night alone after work. Judy was a mother, grandmother, sister, and daughter.

Judy Weaver's family provided the following statement May 6, 2024:

"We want to thank the Everett Police Department, Detective Susan Logoghetti, Prosecutor Craig Matheson, and the Forensic Scientists who have worked so diligently over the years to compile the DNA evidence that ultimately led to an arrest. 
"Throughout the years our family has never given up hope. We are very happy there will finally be justice for our mom, Judy."

Everett Police Chief John DeRousse said “Our investigators have worked tirelessly to get justice for Judy Weaver’s family,” “We are incredibly proud of Det. Susan Logothetti for her effort and persistence which ultimately led to the identification and arrest of this suspect.”

Charges were filed against Mitchell Gaff in Snohomish County Superior Court.


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Edmonds Police investigating felony hit and run at county line

Sunday, May 5, 2024

Photo courtesy Edmonds Police

Edmonds Police Officers are investigating a Felony hit and run, eluding, and firearm violation that took place around 10pm on Saturday, May 4, 2024 on the Snohomish / King border 244th SW and 76th (N 205th / Meridian)

Suspect is a Black male, 5'11", 150 lbs, wearing a green camouflage jacket/sweatshirt, blue jeans. Possibly armed. Call 911 if seen.

Suspect vehicle struck 2 victim vehicles.
  • 1 injured patient, 63 yo female, transported to Swedish with minor injuries.
  • Another patient, 62 yo male, declined aid. 
  • Reports that a bicyclist was struck are incorrect.

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Shoreline Police fully deployed with body-worn cameras

Thursday, May 2, 2024

Shoreline Chief Kelly Park
Screenshot from video on Shoreline Police Facebook and Twitter feeds

Statement from Shoreline Chief Kelly Park

Shoreline Police Officers are now fully deployed with Axon body-worn cameras. Trust, transparency and the quality of our police work is even greater thanks to this recent rollout!

It is just one more tool the men and women of the Shoreline Police use to enhance community safety.


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Are you missing some pictures?

Monday, April 29, 2024

Stolen picture recovered
Photo courtesy LFP Police

Yesterday, LFP patrol officers recovered a stolen vehicle and found, just outside the car, two picture frames. 

At this time, we don't know if there is a connection between the stolen car and the pictures left on the ground, but we would like to give the two items back to the owner. 

Photo courtesy LFP Police

Please take a look at the pictures and send an email to Lieutenant Zanella if they are yours.

Thank you!


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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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KCSO Maritime Unit trains with SWAT team for shipboard problems on the Sound

Screenshot from KCSO video of training on Puget Sound

Last Thursday, the King County Sheriff's Office TAC-30 (SWAT), in partnership with Port of Seattle, Washington State Patrol Fish and Wildlife, and the City of Seattle conducted a maritime exercise in Puget Sound aboard the King County Metro Transit Water Taxi.
 
This training tested our ability to plan and execute a mission on the Puget Sound and better prepare us to respond to a maritime threat or incident in our region. 

The training involved tactical personnel, various Marine units (boats) and both our Guardian 1 (Bell 407 patrol) and Guardian 2 (UH-1 Huey) helicopters.

The King County Sheriff’s Office is one of few regional assets that train for these types of situations. 

Sound interesting? Come join us!

Call our recruiter at 206-263-KCSO (5276) or apply today


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Reception Thursday to honor retiring LFP officer Rhonda Lehman

Monday, April 22, 2024

Lieutenant Rhonda Lehman
The Lake Forest Park Police Department proudly honors Rhonda Lehman for her outstanding dedication and service to our organization. 

We extend our deepest gratitude to Rhonda for her thirty years of unwavering commitment to both our Department and our City!

Rhonda's journey with Lake Forest Park began in 1994 when she joined as a police reserve officer. 

In 1996, she transitioned to a full-time dispatcher role. At that time, our Department comprised only a few full-time patrol officers alongside several reserve officers. 

The city was smaller, and emergency calls were less frequent. Rhonda's responsibilities included answering 911 calls, dispatching officers, and handling necessary paperwork.

In 1998, Rhonda embarked on a new chapter, transitioning to a full-time police officer role within the city. Over the years, she served with distinction as a police detective, sergeant, and eventually rose to the esteemed position of division commander as a Lieutenant.

Rhonda at a public event in Lake Forest Park
Throughout her tenure, Rhonda has touched the lives of countless individuals within the city staff, among officers, and throughout the community. 

While she cherishes her years in law enforcement, Rhonda acknowledges that what she will miss most are the people she has had the privilege to serve alongside.

Rhonda Lehman's legacy of service and dedication will forever be remembered and cherished by the Lake Forest Park Police Department and the community at large. 

At the Christmas gift giveaway

We cordially invite you to join us in honoring Lt. Lehman at the upcoming City Council meeting next Thursday, April 25, 2024 at 7pm at City Hall. 

Prior to the meeting, from 5:30pm to 7:00pm, there will be a reception where you can drop by to bid her farewell and thank her for her service to the city.


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Chemical spill at Shorewood HS causes brief evacuation Friday

Saturday, April 20, 2024

Shorewood High School

Shoreline Fire was dispatched for a chemical spill at Shorewood High School on Friday, April 19, 2024.

The school was evacuated while Fire checked inside with their air monitor but found no unsafe levels.

Outside, Fire crews checked on individuals for any symptoms and it was determined there were no complaints.

After it was determined that the school was safe to reopen, the school day resumed with lunch service, a final period of study hall, and dismissal approximately 15 minutes earlier than the typical release.


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Looking Back: The Linden apartment fire of 2021

Monday, April 15, 2024

A 2021 fire raged through all four stories of the Linden Highlands Apartments, trapping elderly and disabled residents inside.
On April 14, 2021, around 11:30pm, Shoreline Police Officers were dispatched to the Linden Highlands Apartments at 17520 Linden Ave N, Shoreline, WA 98133 for a suspicious circumstances call. Multiple callers heard what they thought were gunshots.

The first Officers on the scene quickly realized the sound was breaking glass. An apartment fire had fully engulfed the first floor and was quickly spreading to all four stories.

Shoreline Fire was quickly on the scene but the fire had spread quickly.
Photo courtesy Shoreline Fire
Officers from Shoreline entered the apartment building and began to evacuate numerous elderly and disabled residents who could not escape their apartment units without help. Kenmore Police and Metro Transit Detectives were nearby and joined the rescue efforts.

Emergency response from all nearby fire departments.
Photo KCSO
Lake Forest Park officers came in to assist, helping some residents to evacuate the building, handing out blankets and looking after the displaced residents until the Red Cross could arrive. They prevented an intoxicated and agitated resident from re-entering the fire.

Emergency vehicles from Shoreline, Kenmore, Seattle, Lake Forest Park, Bothell, Woodinville, and Snohomish county responded to the scene.

When Shoreline Fire arrived on the scene, the Battalion Chief yelled to the Officers to get out of the building because of how quickly the fire was spreading. 

Officers yelled back that there were still people trapped inside and ran back into the burning building.

Fire stayed on scene to take care of any remaining hot spots which could restart the fire.
Photo courtesy Shoreline Fire
These officers and Detectives placed their own lives in extreme danger to help save numerous residents.

Four Officers were transported to Harborview Hospital for smoke inhalation. Two Officers were admitted overnight, but thankfully, they all fully recovered and returned to full duty.

Miraculously there were no serious injuries or fatalities. If it weren't for the heroic actions of these first responders, this would not have been the same outcome. Over 45 families were displaced because of this fire.

Shoreline Fire Chief Matt Cowan wrote a letter to Shoreline Police Chief Shawn Ledford.

I know that I had the opportunity to thank many of the Officers personally at your incident debriefing on the 20th, but I felt compelled to follow that up with a letter of commendation. I listened to the incident and have discussed the call with a few different Officers that were at the fire. 

It seems very clear to me that not only did the Officers go above and beyond in their duties, but that they saved lives that night. And at risk to their own lives with four of them needing to go to the hospital. The residents in the complex were very blessed that the Officers were there on a separate incident when this fire broke out otherwise this fire could have been tragic.  

I do not want to minimize the damage that was done by the fire, but over the years I have seen incidents that would have resulted in far worse outcomes if it wasn’t for the actions of a few. This is one of them. Please pass along my sincere thanks to the Officers, and their Commanders for their heroic actions. 

At the first meeting after the fire, Shoreline Mayor Will Hall, on behalf of the city council, said thank you to the police and firefighters who responded to the huge fire at the Linden Apartments. 

"There were 16 deputies from Shoreline, Kenmore and Metro Transit who showed up and risked their own lives saving the lives of people living in those apartments. In the course of doing that, four of the police officers were hospitalized for smoke inhalation. We wish the best to these officers and everyone else who was affected by this fire."

From left: Acting Shoreline Police Chief Ryan Abbott, Officer Justin Camplin, MPO Terry Ater, Sheriff Cole-Tindall at the presentation of the Medal of Valor award

King County Sheriff Patti Cole-Tindall awarded Shoreline Officer Justin Camplin and Master Police Officer Terry Ater the Medal of Valor, the highest award.

Sgt Jaimes Deer receiving the Sheriff's Star award from Acting Shoreline Police Chief Ryan Abbott and King County Sheriff Patti Cole-Tindall

Shoreline Police Officers received the Sheriff's Star award

She awarded the following Shoreline Police Officers the department's second highest award, the Sheriff's Star;
  • Sgt Jaime Deer,
  • Sgt Tanner Owens,
  • Deputy Ryan Fenton,
  • Deputy Kimberly Swanson,
  • Deputy Alex Glavin,
  • MPO Cary Coblantz,
  • Kenmore Officer Matt Toscano
  • Metro Transit Detective Gerry Meyer,
  • Metro Transit Detective Matt Volpe
  • Metro Transit Detective Ben Emmons
Fire investigators discovered that the fire was caused by faulty wiring in a first floor apartment.


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Shoreline Police capture car thief using a helicopter and LoJack

Sunday, April 14, 2024

KCSO vehicles box in the suspect vehicle
Photo courtesy KCSO

This week Shoreline and Metro officers apprehended a suspect in possession of a stolen Toyota. 

Thanks to the KCSO Guardian One helicopter and the use of LoJack technology, officers were able to track down this SUV vehicle and arrest the driver without incident. 

They turned in to the parking lot of the Family Pancake House on SR99 in Edmonds, just north of the King county / Shoreline border and were quickly boxed in by half a dozen KCSO vehicles.

The vehicle has been returned to the owner.


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LFP Police recover stolen vehicle and arrest a suspect

Stolen vehicle recovered by LFP PD in Town Center. The teenaged passenger was arrested bu the driver escaped. Photo courtesy LFP PD 

Wednesday afternoon, April 10, 2024 LFP Police officers were notified of a recklessly driven vehicle on Bothell Way NE that turned into the lower LFP Mall area. The reckless vehicle was a reported stolen car from Seattle.

Within 90 seconds of dispatch, the stolen vehicle was located in front of the Rite Aid store, backed into a parking stall.

At nearly the same time, two juvenile male suspects exited the store carrying stolen bottles of alcohol.

Both suspects started to quickly flee the area. The passenger suspect of the stolen vehicle was stopped and detained by officers while the driver suspect fled into the mall. Despite a detailed search by assisting Bothell PD officers, the juvenile driver suspect was not found.

The detained suspect was positively identified by Rite Aid personnel, formally arrested, and a bottle of alcohol with a security cap still attached was located and returned to the store. The juvenile, who was also in possession of a cannabis smoking device, was identified with an ID card, and it was learned that he had just been released from juvenile custody for possessing a stolen vehicle, shoplifting, and possibly other charges.

Due to the Washington state laws regarding juveniles, the in-custody juvenile could not be questioned about the identity of his juvenile accomplice who was driving the stolen vehicle. The arrested juvenile, who will be criminally charged for theft, was processed, and was released to his parent as the juvenile justice center would not take custody.

The owner of the recovered stolen vehicle came to LFP, found the vehicle interior damaged but happily took possession of his stolen vehicle.


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Kenmore Police wear body cameras

Tuesday, April 9, 2024

Body camera. Photo courtesy Kenmore PD
As of March, all Kenmore Police Officers are equipped with body worn cameras.

As part of an extensive implementation project by the King County Sheriff’s Office, Officers working patrol will have their assigned camera activated in most situations when interacting with the public. 

In-car video cameras are being phased in as older vehicles are replaced.

Body worn cameras are valuable tools in promoting transparency in law enforcement. They document objective information for every police contact as they occur. 

While they do not provide every possible angle or vantage point, the audio and video from these cameras serve as important documentation

Kenmore contracts its police department from the King County Sheriff's Office (KCSO), as does Shoreline. Lake Forest Park has its own department 


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Washington state resident pleaded guilty to felony related to breach of U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021

Saturday, April 6, 2024

Battle in the Tunnel on January 6, 2021
Photo courtesy Sedition Hunters

WASHINGTON – A Washington state man pleaded guilty today to a felony charge related to his conduct during the breach of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. His actions and those 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.

Benjamin John Silva, 36, of Yacolt, Washington, pleaded guilty in the District of Columbia to a felony charge of civil disorder before U.S. District Judge Rudolph Contreras. Judge Contreras will sentence Silva on Sept. 17, 2024.

According to court documents, at approximately 2:56pm, on Jan. 6, 2021, Silva was identified near an entrance on the Lower West Terrace of the Capitol building, also referred to as the Tunnel. Some of the most violent attacks against law enforcement on January 6th occurred at the Tunnel. 

Inside the Tunnel, Silva made his way to the front of a crowd of rioters confronting an established police line.

Court documents say that at about 3:04pm, Silva joined with other rioters inside the Tunnel as they began to move back and forth, applying force against the police line ahead of them that was guarding the door entrance into the Capitol building. 

Silva participated in this effort, adding his force, body, and momentum in a coordinated “heave-ho” effort. Silva also leaned into the line of officers with his hand up on the riot shield of one officer.

Silva then spoke with a police officer while an individual behind him sprayed the line of officers with a chemical irritant. 

At one point, as he continued to push toward the police line, an officer put his hand on Silva's forearm/wrist area in an effort to push him back. 

Court documents say that even when other rioters were leaving the Tunnel, Silva fought to stay in and to press forward against the police line in a concerted effort with other rioters doing the same. Silva made his way out of the Tunnel at about 3:07 p.m.

The FBI arrested Silva on July 25, 2023, in Oregon.


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Puget Sound resident sentenced to over seven years in prison for actions during Jan. 6 Capitol Breach

Thursday, April 4, 2024

Taylor James Johnatakis, 40, of Kingston, WA
sentenced to over 7 years for actions January 6
WASHINGTON – A Washington state man was sentenced to over seven years in prison today after he was previously convicted of assaulting law enforcement and other felony and misdemeanor charges stemming from his conduct during the Jan. 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol. 

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.

Taylor James Johnatakis, 40, of Kingston, Washington, was sentenced to 87 months’ imprisonment and ordered to pay $2,000 in restitution by U.S. District Judge Royce C. Lamberth.

On Nov. 21, 2023, a federal jury in the District of Columbia found Johnatakis guilty of seven charges, including three felonies. Johnatakis was convicted of obstruction of an official proceeding, civil disorder, and assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers, all felony offenses. 

In addition to the felonies, Johnatakis was convicted of four misdemeanor charges, including entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds; disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds; engaging in physical violence in a restricted building or grounds; and engaging in an act of physical violence in the grounds of any of the Capitol building.

According to court documents, prior to the events of Jan. 6, 2021, Johnatakis posted numerous messages to social media revealing his intent to obstruct the election certification. In one instance, on Jan. 5, 2021, Johnatakis posted: “…and that’s why I am going to DC, to CHANGE the course of HISTORY #stopthesteal.” That same day, he posted: “[B]urn the city down. What the British did to DC will be nothing…”

Johnatakis traveled from Washington state to Washington, D.C., and attended the “Stop the Steal” rally at the Ellipse on Jan. 6, 2021. After the rally, Johnatakis marched to the U.S. Capitol and posted a video to social media where he said, in part, “Anyways, we’re walking over to the Capitol right now, and I don’t know, maybe we’ll break down the doors.” 

He then made his way onto the restricted Capitol grounds that were closed to the public, carrying a megaphone. By approximately 2:30 p.m., he had made his way through the crowd on the West Front, where the Inaugural stage was under construction. By then, rioters had flooded the area and were actively overpowering the police line.

Johnatakis made his way to the front of the mob of rioters while yelling into his megaphone. As the crowd grew and tension rose, the police officers on the line were overwhelmed by the rioters and ultimately forced to retreat up the Southwest stairs under the scaffolding of the inaugural stage. 

Court documents say that Johnatakis led the charge under the scaffolding, up the stairs toward the retreating police officers and the Capitol building.

Police officers retreated and formed another police line to protect the Capitol building and the members of Congress inside at the top of the stairs. Johnatakis was among the first rioters to march up the Southwest stairs to confront them.

Johnatakis then organized and coordinated other rioters to assault the police line at the top of the staircase. Specifically, using his megaphone, Johnatakis directed rioters to move up to the police line and yelled at the rioters to “pack it in! pack it in!” 

Johnatakis then instructed the crowd through the megaphone that they were going to push the bike racks “one foot” at a time and counted, “one, two, three, GO!!” 

Johnatakis and his fellow rioters—including co-defendants Isaac Steve Sturgeon and Craig Michael Bingert—grabbed the bike racks in front of them and pushed them forcibly into the line of police officers. Numerous police officers ran to reinforce the line as the rioters pushed the metal bike racks into the officers. As a result of this attack, at least one police officer was injured.

The FBI arrested Johnatakis on Feb. 11, 2021, in Washington state. Sturgeon and Bingert were both previously sentenced for their roles in the January 6th Capitol breach.

This case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Washington.

This case is being investigated by the FBI’s Seattle and Washington Field Offices, which identified Johnatakis as BOLO (Be on the Lookout) #103 on its seeking information photos. Valuable assistance was provided by the United States Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department.

In the 38 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,358 individuals have been charged in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including more than 486 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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