KOMO-TV STAFF
One man is hospitalized with gunshot wounds to the neck and two other men are under arrest following a drive-by shooting early Sunday in Belltown.
The shooting was the third violent incident in Belltown this weekend.
Officers responded to the scene, in the 500 block of Wall Street, at about 3:30 a.m. after receiving a 911 call about shots fired.
When officers arrived they found a man lying on the ground in front of the building. He had been shot in the neck, just below the jaw, and was rushed to Harborview Medical Center.
An investigation found that the victim and friends had been at a club in the 300 block of First Avenue North.
When they left the club, they noticed a white Camaro following them. The victim and friends were standing out in front of a building when the Camaro drove by and someone from the car fired several shots, police said.
A witness called 911 and gave a good description of the car. An officer waited by the Howell Street on-ramp to Interstate 5 and spotted the Camaro as it pulled onto the freeway.
The officer followed the Camaro as it headed south on I-5 and drove onto the collector-distributor lanes. The car was eventually stopped near South Dearborn Street.
The two occupants were taken into custody without incident. Two witnesses to the shooting positively identified the vehicle.
Officers then backtracked the route of the white Camaro and found a pistol on the roadway that is believed to be the one used in the shooting.
The suspects were booked into King County Jail for investigation of assault. Police say they believe the victim was the intended target of the gunmen.
In the other Belltown incidents this weekend:
• On Friday night, an apartment manager was stabbed in the arm on Friday night as he tried to remove a group of people from the building.
• On Sunday morning at 2:40 a.m. a man was assaulted by four other men when he confronted them about making "cat-calls" at his girlfriend.
• Also, on June 6, a man was shot dead and another was critically injured outside the V Club in Belltown in a shooting that was caught on home video.
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Monday, June 21, 2010
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Teen girl arrested for armed robbery KOMO-TV STAFF
KOMO-TV STAFF
A teenage girl was arrested Friday afternoon after she and two others robbed a boy of $20 at gunpoint, but the other suspects are still at large.
Seattle police were called to an apartment complex at Rainier and Fontanelle a little before 4 p.m. on a report of an armed robbery. The victim told officers that he was walking through the complex when three people, a male and two females, approached him. He said the male grabbed him and demanded, "give me something", while one of the females displayed a handgun.
The victim gave the male $20, after which he was let go. He then ran home and called 911 to report the incident.
Soon after, officers spotted a teen girl at Rainier and Myrtle who matched the description given by the victim. She was contacted and arrested without incident. The handgun, which was discovered to be an airsoft pellet gun, was also recovered in the arrest. She was taken to the Youth Service Center.
A search of the area failed to turn up the other two suspects.
A teenage girl was arrested Friday afternoon after she and two others robbed a boy of $20 at gunpoint, but the other suspects are still at large.
Seattle police were called to an apartment complex at Rainier and Fontanelle a little before 4 p.m. on a report of an armed robbery. The victim told officers that he was walking through the complex when three people, a male and two females, approached him. He said the male grabbed him and demanded, "give me something", while one of the females displayed a handgun.
The victim gave the male $20, after which he was let go. He then ran home and called 911 to report the incident.
Soon after, officers spotted a teen girl at Rainier and Myrtle who matched the description given by the victim. She was contacted and arrested without incident. The handgun, which was discovered to be an airsoft pellet gun, was also recovered in the arrest. She was taken to the Youth Service Center.
A search of the area failed to turn up the other two suspects.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Felon charged in fatal shooting of 12-year-old boy in Skyway
A felon who police say fatally shot a 12-year-old boy in Skyway after mistaking him for someone else was charged with first-degree murder Thursday.
By Jennifer Sullivan
Seattle Times staff reporter
A felon who police say fatally shot a 12-year-old boy in Skyway after mistaking him for someone else was charged Thursday with first-degree murder.
Curtis Walker, 35, was arrested last month after King County sheriff's investigators told the state Department of Corrections that the man might have a firearm in his possession. Walker, who was on probation and forbidden from having firearms, was arrested at his Des Moines home on May 14, according to Chad Lewis, spokesman for the Department of Corrections (DOC).
The Prosecutor's Office held a news conference Thursday morning to announce the murder charge.
Alajawan Brown had just gotten off a Metro bus on April 29 and was walking in the parking lot of the Cedar Village Apartments, 6230 S. 129th St., when he was struck by gunfire. The boy ran to a nearby 7-Eleven, where he died.
Authorities said Walker mistakenly believed Alajawan was someone he had a dispute with when he opened fire in the parking lot. Authorities say that a total of 20 gunshots were fired, striking Alajawan and an unidentified man.
That man was taken to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle and survived.
It's unclear who shot that man.
According to court records, Walker was convicted in June 2006 of fourth-degree assault, harassment, drug possession and illegal possession of a firearm. According to a Seattle police report, he told his girlfriend that he was "a contract killer" and then threatened to kill her because she knew too much.
Police had found a semi-automatic handgun and cocaine rocks in his sweatpants pocket, prosecutors said. Officers also found marijuana in a pocket of his vest, charging papers said.
Walker pleaded guilty and was given a Drug Offender Sentencing Alternative (DOSA), in which a portion of his prison sentence was suspended so he could attend treatment. He was also ordered to serve probation.
Walker also has four prior convictions for assault, as well as convictions for drug possession, malicious mischief, reckless endangerment, harassment, obstruction, trespassing and violation of a protection order, according to charging documents filed in King County Superior Court.
Walker was arrested by the DOC last month for violating the terms of his probation, Lewis said. Probation officers confronted the man at his home after King County sheriff's deputies notified corrections officials that they had seen him on some sort of video with a gun, Lewis said.
Since May, Walker has been held at the Washington Corrections Center in Shelton and was sentenced by the DOC to remain behind bars until Sept. 4.
During a prayer vigil on May 5, Louketa Brown, one of Alajawan's six siblings, and other family members described the victim as a boy who loved family, drumming and playing football with his Renton Area Athletic Association football team, the Renton Rangers. He was returning home after buying football cleats when he was killed.
Information from Seattle Times archives is included in this report.
Jennifer Sullivan: 206-464-8294 or jensullivan@seattletimes.com
By Jennifer Sullivan
Seattle Times staff reporter
A felon who police say fatally shot a 12-year-old boy in Skyway after mistaking him for someone else was charged Thursday with first-degree murder.
Curtis Walker, 35, was arrested last month after King County sheriff's investigators told the state Department of Corrections that the man might have a firearm in his possession. Walker, who was on probation and forbidden from having firearms, was arrested at his Des Moines home on May 14, according to Chad Lewis, spokesman for the Department of Corrections (DOC).
The Prosecutor's Office held a news conference Thursday morning to announce the murder charge.
Alajawan Brown had just gotten off a Metro bus on April 29 and was walking in the parking lot of the Cedar Village Apartments, 6230 S. 129th St., when he was struck by gunfire. The boy ran to a nearby 7-Eleven, where he died.
Authorities said Walker mistakenly believed Alajawan was someone he had a dispute with when he opened fire in the parking lot. Authorities say that a total of 20 gunshots were fired, striking Alajawan and an unidentified man.
That man was taken to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle and survived.
It's unclear who shot that man.
According to court records, Walker was convicted in June 2006 of fourth-degree assault, harassment, drug possession and illegal possession of a firearm. According to a Seattle police report, he told his girlfriend that he was "a contract killer" and then threatened to kill her because she knew too much.
Police had found a semi-automatic handgun and cocaine rocks in his sweatpants pocket, prosecutors said. Officers also found marijuana in a pocket of his vest, charging papers said.
Walker pleaded guilty and was given a Drug Offender Sentencing Alternative (DOSA), in which a portion of his prison sentence was suspended so he could attend treatment. He was also ordered to serve probation.
Walker also has four prior convictions for assault, as well as convictions for drug possession, malicious mischief, reckless endangerment, harassment, obstruction, trespassing and violation of a protection order, according to charging documents filed in King County Superior Court.
Walker was arrested by the DOC last month for violating the terms of his probation, Lewis said. Probation officers confronted the man at his home after King County sheriff's deputies notified corrections officials that they had seen him on some sort of video with a gun, Lewis said.
Since May, Walker has been held at the Washington Corrections Center in Shelton and was sentenced by the DOC to remain behind bars until Sept. 4.
During a prayer vigil on May 5, Louketa Brown, one of Alajawan's six siblings, and other family members described the victim as a boy who loved family, drumming and playing football with his Renton Area Athletic Association football team, the Renton Rangers. He was returning home after buying football cleats when he was killed.
Information from Seattle Times archives is included in this report.
Jennifer Sullivan: 206-464-8294 or jensullivan@seattletimes.com
Bellevue Police nab axe-wielding man who smashed collection agency
By BELLEVUE REPORTER
Bellevue police last night arrested the man who allegedly smashed the front door of a local collection agency with an axe Tuesday morning.
Police responded to multiple 911 calls about the incident around 9:30 a.m. and began searching for the suspect with help from a K9 team and a King County Sheriff's helicopter.
A receptionist at the collection agency, located in an office park on the 1400 block of 114th Ave. SE, saw the man hitting the door and side glass panes. Shards of glass flew across the room and hit her.
The suspect returned to his workplace in Kent and told coworkers what he had done, police said. Employees at the aerospace-related company heard reports of the incident and called authorities.
Detectives arrested the man without incident. He confessed to the crime and showed officers the axe, which was in the bushes by his office, according to police.
The suspect also admitted to spray painting the word "shyster" on the street in front of the home of one of the collection agency's employees, police said.
Records indicate the man was upset about his wages being garnished, according to police. He is in King County Jail and will be charged later this week.
Bellevue police last night arrested the man who allegedly smashed the front door of a local collection agency with an axe Tuesday morning.
Police responded to multiple 911 calls about the incident around 9:30 a.m. and began searching for the suspect with help from a K9 team and a King County Sheriff's helicopter.
A receptionist at the collection agency, located in an office park on the 1400 block of 114th Ave. SE, saw the man hitting the door and side glass panes. Shards of glass flew across the room and hit her.
The suspect returned to his workplace in Kent and told coworkers what he had done, police said. Employees at the aerospace-related company heard reports of the incident and called authorities.
Detectives arrested the man without incident. He confessed to the crime and showed officers the axe, which was in the bushes by his office, according to police.
The suspect also admitted to spray painting the word "shyster" on the street in front of the home of one of the collection agency's employees, police said.
Records indicate the man was upset about his wages being garnished, according to police. He is in King County Jail and will be charged later this week.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Suspected squatter of $3.2 million Kirkland home arrested for criminal trespass
By CARRIE WOOD
KIRKLAND REPORTER
Kirkland Police have arrested a 30-year-old woman suspected of squatting in a $3.2 million waterfront home in Kirkland.
The woman was arrested at the home, located at 435 Eighth Ave. West, and booked in the City of Kirkland jail Tuesday.
The house located in the Market neighborhood, was at the center of a dispute between the woman, a Bellevue real estate agent and the bank.
The woman, who moved into the home more than a week ago, told police and neighbors that she owned the home. The women showed police false documents when they came to the house to investigate on June 6, said Kirkland Detective Allan O’Neill.
A thorough investigation of tax logs, utility bills and asset records revealed that First Citizens Bank is the lawful owner of the home. The bank served the woman an eviction notice last week and on Tuesday, Kirkland Police arrived at the residence with bank officials to assist in returning the home back over to the bank.
When police arrived, the woman was not in the house, but she arrived shortly after and was arrested for criminal trespass and booked into jail.
The Reporter will update this story as more details become available.
KIRKLAND REPORTER
Kirkland Police have arrested a 30-year-old woman suspected of squatting in a $3.2 million waterfront home in Kirkland.
The woman was arrested at the home, located at 435 Eighth Ave. West, and booked in the City of Kirkland jail Tuesday.
The house located in the Market neighborhood, was at the center of a dispute between the woman, a Bellevue real estate agent and the bank.
The woman, who moved into the home more than a week ago, told police and neighbors that she owned the home. The women showed police false documents when they came to the house to investigate on June 6, said Kirkland Detective Allan O’Neill.
A thorough investigation of tax logs, utility bills and asset records revealed that First Citizens Bank is the lawful owner of the home. The bank served the woman an eviction notice last week and on Tuesday, Kirkland Police arrived at the residence with bank officials to assist in returning the home back over to the bank.
When police arrived, the woman was not in the house, but she arrived shortly after and was arrested for criminal trespass and booked into jail.
The Reporter will update this story as more details become available.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Homicide probe after dead man found in burning home
KOMO-TV STAFF
A man was found dead inside a Spanaway duplex early Sunday after crews responded to a fire there, and the Sheriff's Office is investigating the death as a homicide.
Crews from Central Pierce Fire & Rescue responded to the scene, in the 300 block of Field Road East in Spanaway, at about 1 a.m.
The fire was a minor one and was quickly extinguished - but crews found the body of a 21-year-old man inside the home who had suffered a violent death, said Pierce County Sheriff's Office spokesman Ed Troyer.
The man was already dead before the fire started, and Troyer said it appears he was killed and then the fire was started by the killer in an attempt to cover it up.
According to family members at the scene, the victim's throat was slit, but officials would not confirm the cause of death, other than to say it was violent - but not a gunshot wound.
Troyer said one or two possible suspects have been identified, and no arrests have been made. He said the motive is under investigation.
But family members told KOMO News that the victim may have been killed in a dispute over a woman.
The woman who owns the duplex was not there because she is currently at Western State Hospital, according to family members.
Family members also said that the 21-year-old victim had attended a barbecue at a friend's house on Saturday night, but the host asked him to leave after he became drunk and obnoxious.
The man left the barbecue without incident, and an hour or two later he was found dead inside the Spanaway duplex.
Comment on this story at KOMO.
A man was found dead inside a Spanaway duplex early Sunday after crews responded to a fire there, and the Sheriff's Office is investigating the death as a homicide.
Crews from Central Pierce Fire & Rescue responded to the scene, in the 300 block of Field Road East in Spanaway, at about 1 a.m.
The fire was a minor one and was quickly extinguished - but crews found the body of a 21-year-old man inside the home who had suffered a violent death, said Pierce County Sheriff's Office spokesman Ed Troyer.
The man was already dead before the fire started, and Troyer said it appears he was killed and then the fire was started by the killer in an attempt to cover it up.
According to family members at the scene, the victim's throat was slit, but officials would not confirm the cause of death, other than to say it was violent - but not a gunshot wound.
Troyer said one or two possible suspects have been identified, and no arrests have been made. He said the motive is under investigation.
But family members told KOMO News that the victim may have been killed in a dispute over a woman.
The woman who owns the duplex was not there because she is currently at Western State Hospital, according to family members.
Family members also said that the 21-year-old victim had attended a barbecue at a friend's house on Saturday night, but the host asked him to leave after he became drunk and obnoxious.
The man left the barbecue without incident, and an hour or two later he was found dead inside the Spanaway duplex.
Comment on this story at KOMO.
Friday, June 11, 2010
Suspect in South Sound espresso stand robberies arrested
KOMO-TV STAFF
A man suspected in a string of coffee stand robberies has been arrested.
Pierce County Det. Ed Troyer said detectives, following a tip, tracked down the suspect's car and pulled him over at approximately 9:30 p.m. The two people who were riding in the car were both taken in for questioning, and the suspect was placed under arrest.
The unidentified man is suspected in a a dozen robberies that have occurred in the area in recent months, most recently late Thursday morning.
Troyer said the robber had a gun and was wearing a red bandana. The robber was not successful at the first location, but was at the second one, Troyer said.
A dozen similar robberies that have occurred around the South Sound area since March, eight of which have occurred in the past two weeks. Café Elite in Fircrest was hit on Wednesday, and the incident was captured on surveillance tape.
The footage shows just as the stand was opening at 5 a.m., a man in a hooded sweatshirt and mask race up to and climb through the stand's window, gun drawn, as the barista set the tip jar outside the window.
Inside, video shows the robber stuffing cash from the register into a sack. Then, the robber points the gun at the barista as he yells at her to get into the bathroom. Once in the bathroom, the barista said the robber pulled electrical tape out of his bag and tied her up.
Moments later, the lights go out and the robber goes back to the register. At one point he makes a mistake and takes off his bandana, giving the camera a brief glimpse of his face.
As he walks out a side door, an outdoor camera captured him pulling down his hood, revealing a bald head.
The stand's owner says the barista was tied up in the bathroom for about five minutes, and when she heard the robber leave, she untied herself and ran to a nearby restaurant to call 911.
In some of the robberies, the robber has stolen the barista's car, driven it a few blocks away and ditched it. Police say it shows these are calculated crimes; they think the robber is parking his car somewhere else so it's not caught on camera and using the barista's car to get back to his own.
A man suspected in a string of coffee stand robberies has been arrested.
Pierce County Det. Ed Troyer said detectives, following a tip, tracked down the suspect's car and pulled him over at approximately 9:30 p.m. The two people who were riding in the car were both taken in for questioning, and the suspect was placed under arrest.
The unidentified man is suspected in a a dozen robberies that have occurred in the area in recent months, most recently late Thursday morning.
Troyer said the robber had a gun and was wearing a red bandana. The robber was not successful at the first location, but was at the second one, Troyer said.
A dozen similar robberies that have occurred around the South Sound area since March, eight of which have occurred in the past two weeks. Café Elite in Fircrest was hit on Wednesday, and the incident was captured on surveillance tape.
The footage shows just as the stand was opening at 5 a.m., a man in a hooded sweatshirt and mask race up to and climb through the stand's window, gun drawn, as the barista set the tip jar outside the window.
Inside, video shows the robber stuffing cash from the register into a sack. Then, the robber points the gun at the barista as he yells at her to get into the bathroom. Once in the bathroom, the barista said the robber pulled electrical tape out of his bag and tied her up.
Moments later, the lights go out and the robber goes back to the register. At one point he makes a mistake and takes off his bandana, giving the camera a brief glimpse of his face.
As he walks out a side door, an outdoor camera captured him pulling down his hood, revealing a bald head.
The stand's owner says the barista was tied up in the bathroom for about five minutes, and when she heard the robber leave, she untied herself and ran to a nearby restaurant to call 911.
In some of the robberies, the robber has stolen the barista's car, driven it a few blocks away and ditched it. Police say it shows these are calculated crimes; they think the robber is parking his car somewhere else so it's not caught on camera and using the barista's car to get back to his own.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Puyallup cop charged in road rage incident
By MARTHA KANG
KOMO-TV STAFF
A Puyallup police officer has been charged in a road rage incident that occurred over Memorial Day weekend.
Mark Delight has been charged with second-degree assault and reckless driving in an incident in which the officer, during his off-duty hours, allegedly chased down another driver and threatened him with a gun.
Investigators said Delight called in on May 31 and said he was following a hit-and-run suspect in an unmarked car and needed backup.
Delight told officers trouble began when he was stopped at an intersection earlier in the day, and the driver in the car behind him honked the horn.
Delight said he "saw that his light had turned green while his attention was elsewhere," and "flipped off the driver behind him" before proceeding, according to the statement of probable cause.
The officer said the driver behind him then passed him "in a reckless manner," then "slammed on his brakes," causing Delight to "'lightly' rear end" the vehicle, the document said.
The driver then took off, weaving in and out of traffic recklessly, Delight said, ultimately turning his vehicle around to strike Delight's vehicle.
When later questioned by detectives, Delight changed his story and said the other driver was making a U-turn when Delight himself "ran into (the car) on the driver's side," adding he only struck the victim because he believed the victim was about to strike him.
The hit driver admitted he'd honked his horn at Delight. He added he'd then passed him, and slowed, because he wanted to return Delight's "flip off," the statement said. But when he slowed, Delight rear-ended him, he said.
The driver said he then saw Delight reaching for something in his vehicle, he told investigators. Fearful he was reaching for a weapon, he took off, wanting to avoid further confrontation, he said.
While speeding off, however, he noticed he was being followed by Delight. In an attempt to lose the car, the driver said he decided to make a U-turn in the 7400 block of 112th Street East. As he turned, however, Delight struck him on the driver side, he told investigators.
The impact of the crash sent the hit car spinning, the driver said, and when it finally came to rest, he saw Delight exiting his car with his gun drawn.
"It was not until Delight had (the driver) on the ground with his gun pointing at him that he realized Delight was a police officer," according to the statement.
Detectives said they've found evidence on the scene that corroborates the hit driver's story. They believe "when (the hit driver) was making his U-turn, Delight crossed the entire oncoming lane and past the shoulder of the road in order to strike (him) on the driver's side of the vehicle," the document said.
Prosecutors said Delight could face additional charges.
KOMO-TV STAFF
A Puyallup police officer has been charged in a road rage incident that occurred over Memorial Day weekend.
Mark Delight has been charged with second-degree assault and reckless driving in an incident in which the officer, during his off-duty hours, allegedly chased down another driver and threatened him with a gun.
Investigators said Delight called in on May 31 and said he was following a hit-and-run suspect in an unmarked car and needed backup.
Delight told officers trouble began when he was stopped at an intersection earlier in the day, and the driver in the car behind him honked the horn.
Delight said he "saw that his light had turned green while his attention was elsewhere," and "flipped off the driver behind him" before proceeding, according to the statement of probable cause.
The officer said the driver behind him then passed him "in a reckless manner," then "slammed on his brakes," causing Delight to "'lightly' rear end" the vehicle, the document said.
The driver then took off, weaving in and out of traffic recklessly, Delight said, ultimately turning his vehicle around to strike Delight's vehicle.
When later questioned by detectives, Delight changed his story and said the other driver was making a U-turn when Delight himself "ran into (the car) on the driver's side," adding he only struck the victim because he believed the victim was about to strike him.
The hit driver admitted he'd honked his horn at Delight. He added he'd then passed him, and slowed, because he wanted to return Delight's "flip off," the statement said. But when he slowed, Delight rear-ended him, he said.
The driver said he then saw Delight reaching for something in his vehicle, he told investigators. Fearful he was reaching for a weapon, he took off, wanting to avoid further confrontation, he said.
While speeding off, however, he noticed he was being followed by Delight. In an attempt to lose the car, the driver said he decided to make a U-turn in the 7400 block of 112th Street East. As he turned, however, Delight struck him on the driver side, he told investigators.
The impact of the crash sent the hit car spinning, the driver said, and when it finally came to rest, he saw Delight exiting his car with his gun drawn.
"It was not until Delight had (the driver) on the ground with his gun pointing at him that he realized Delight was a police officer," according to the statement.
Detectives said they've found evidence on the scene that corroborates the hit driver's story. They believe "when (the hit driver) was making his U-turn, Delight crossed the entire oncoming lane and past the shoulder of the road in order to strike (him) on the driver's side of the vehicle," the document said.
Prosecutors said Delight could face additional charges.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Fleeing suspect rams two cop cars in Lake City
KOMO-TV STAFF
A suspect rammed two police cars with a dark '90s-vintage Cadillac while fleeing the scene of a car prowl early Saturday in Lake City, officers said.
Police had responded at the scene, in the 12300 block of 33rd Ave. NE, at about 4:30 a.m. after receiving a report of a car prowl in progress.
As officers were arriving in the area, they spotted the dark-colored Cadillac DeVille four-door leaving the immediate area.
An officer attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver rammed the the patrol car and refused to stop.
Several other patrol cars were in the area and the Cadillac struck a second one as it fled down Lake City Way NE onto Interstate 5 southbound.
The damage to the patrol cars was minor and none of the officers were injured.
Officers followed the suspect vehicle until it got onto I-5, when officers backed off to prevent a dangerous situation from escalating.
Police said they have enough information on the suspect to continue following up the investigation.
A suspect rammed two police cars with a dark '90s-vintage Cadillac while fleeing the scene of a car prowl early Saturday in Lake City, officers said.
Police had responded at the scene, in the 12300 block of 33rd Ave. NE, at about 4:30 a.m. after receiving a report of a car prowl in progress.
As officers were arriving in the area, they spotted the dark-colored Cadillac DeVille four-door leaving the immediate area.
An officer attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver rammed the the patrol car and refused to stop.
Several other patrol cars were in the area and the Cadillac struck a second one as it fled down Lake City Way NE onto Interstate 5 southbound.
The damage to the patrol cars was minor and none of the officers were injured.
Officers followed the suspect vehicle until it got onto I-5, when officers backed off to prevent a dangerous situation from escalating.
Police said they have enough information on the suspect to continue following up the investigation.
Crooks rob one Ferndale home, get shot at another
KOMO-TV STAFF
FERNDALE -- Robbers raided two households in Ferndale within minutes of one another early Saturday, but the outcomes were markedly different.
The suspects got away with cash in one case - and wound up in the hospital with gunshot wounds in the other.
Investigators say they don't believe the robberies are related - despite their proximity in place and time.
In the first robbery, two men burst into a residence in the 7000 block of Tall Cedars Lane at about 3:25 a.m. and demanded cash. They got away with money and a safe.
The area was searched with K-9 police dogs, but the search was unsuccessful.
The robbers were described as two white males in their 20s, with thin builds and wearing beanie hats. One man stood about 5-foot-5 and the other about 5-foot-9.
In the second robbery, robbers demanded money from a resident in the 1200 block of Lattimore Road.
Another family member interrupted the hold-up. As the robbers left, shots were fired into the fleeing suspects' vehicle.
Shortly afterward, two people showed up at St. Joseph's Hospital in Bellingham with gunshot wounds. The injuries were not considered to be life-threatening.
Both of those suspects are now being interviewed.
FERNDALE -- Robbers raided two households in Ferndale within minutes of one another early Saturday, but the outcomes were markedly different.
The suspects got away with cash in one case - and wound up in the hospital with gunshot wounds in the other.
Investigators say they don't believe the robberies are related - despite their proximity in place and time.
In the first robbery, two men burst into a residence in the 7000 block of Tall Cedars Lane at about 3:25 a.m. and demanded cash. They got away with money and a safe.
The area was searched with K-9 police dogs, but the search was unsuccessful.
The robbers were described as two white males in their 20s, with thin builds and wearing beanie hats. One man stood about 5-foot-5 and the other about 5-foot-9.
In the second robbery, robbers demanded money from a resident in the 1200 block of Lattimore Road.
Another family member interrupted the hold-up. As the robbers left, shots were fired into the fleeing suspects' vehicle.
Shortly afterward, two people showed up at St. Joseph's Hospital in Bellingham with gunshot wounds. The injuries were not considered to be life-threatening.
Both of those suspects are now being interviewed.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Poker players fight state's online gambling law
KOMO-TV STAFF
OLYMPIA -- Online poker players plan to rally on the steps of the state Supreme Court Thursday afternoon to protest the law that makes on-line gambling a felony.
Inside, the director of the state's Poker Players Alliance is making his case before the Supreme Court. They're fighting the 2006 state law that makes online poker players felons. Opponents of the law say it makes no sense because it's legal in any poker room across the state, but not online.
What's worse, they say, is it puts online poker plays in the same category as those caught with child porn, or heroin.
"I'm completely appalled," said Lee Rousso, Poker Players Alliance Washington state director. "Of course, I mean, we're regular, salt of the earth citizens we just happen to like to play America's favorite game in the privacy of our own homes and we should be able to do that."
Those rallying on the steps say they should have the freedom to spend their money how they want.
"Everybody in America should have the choice of where to spend their money," said Tom Myers. "That's why we're in America - the reason why I want that choice is because if I want to sit on my couch and spend $100, I should have that right, it's my $100."
It will take the state Supreme Court anywhere from 6-9 months to hand down a ruling, but Rousso says the losing side will likely appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court because he thinks it's a cutting edge issue across the country.
OLYMPIA -- Online poker players plan to rally on the steps of the state Supreme Court Thursday afternoon to protest the law that makes on-line gambling a felony.
Inside, the director of the state's Poker Players Alliance is making his case before the Supreme Court. They're fighting the 2006 state law that makes online poker players felons. Opponents of the law say it makes no sense because it's legal in any poker room across the state, but not online.
What's worse, they say, is it puts online poker plays in the same category as those caught with child porn, or heroin.
"I'm completely appalled," said Lee Rousso, Poker Players Alliance Washington state director. "Of course, I mean, we're regular, salt of the earth citizens we just happen to like to play America's favorite game in the privacy of our own homes and we should be able to do that."
Those rallying on the steps say they should have the freedom to spend their money how they want.
"Everybody in America should have the choice of where to spend their money," said Tom Myers. "That's why we're in America - the reason why I want that choice is because if I want to sit on my couch and spend $100, I should have that right, it's my $100."
It will take the state Supreme Court anywhere from 6-9 months to hand down a ruling, but Rousso says the losing side will likely appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court because he thinks it's a cutting edge issue across the country.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Monday, May 24, 2010
Officer ordered to stay away from couple
KOMO-TV STAFF
BONNEY LAKE -- A judge has ordered a police officer with a checkered past to steer clear of a man and a woman he arrested. As a result, Officer James Keller may not even be able to answer calls near the pair's home.
But the man who was arrested says he was pounded and pummeled by the very man he thought was supposed to protect him.
Ronald Bobbitt and his sister say they saw a police car tailing them as they turned down their driveway in the early hours of March 13, 2010.
Bobbitt says he stopped before reaching his house. The police became suspicious, and that set off a violent confrontation.
"Drug me out of the frickin' car, and slung me around here," said Bobbitt.
Bobbitt suffered contusions on his head, and bumps and bruises elsewhere during his arrest.
"All he wanted to know was why we stopped in the road. (We) said, 'It's not the road; it's our driveway,'" said Melissa Smith St. John, Bobbitt's sister.
The two were booked into jail for resisting arrest and obstruction of an officer. They were so afraid for their safety that they applied for a protection order against Keller.
A judge found discrepancies in the officer's report, and granted the protection order, agreeing it would be best for everyone if Keller stayed away. The judge issued a 90-day restraining order on May 3.
"Why he has so much anger, why he does what he does scares me," said Bobbitt.
Keller says he was on the lookout for drug trafficking, saw Bobbitt turning without using his signal, and went to investigate.
"That's what I was doing on that street was being a good cop," he said. "All he had to do was just be normal and nice, and everything would have gone smooth. And I would have moved on."
Bonney Lake police refused to comment on this case or discuss Keller's past.
Six years ago, Keller, then a King County deputy, was charged with assaulting an informant. He was later cleared, but still received a 20-day suspension from the sheriff.
Keller was also involved in a fatal shooting of a Federal Way man in 2003. He was later pressured to resign from the sheriff's office.
Bobbitt says there's little evidence Keller has changed his ways since coming to Bonney Lake.
"They have a pattern of hiring these rogue cops," he said.
Bobbitt and his sister still face criminal charges from the incident.
Comment on this story at KOMONews.com.
BONNEY LAKE -- A judge has ordered a police officer with a checkered past to steer clear of a man and a woman he arrested. As a result, Officer James Keller may not even be able to answer calls near the pair's home.
But the man who was arrested says he was pounded and pummeled by the very man he thought was supposed to protect him.
Ronald Bobbitt and his sister say they saw a police car tailing them as they turned down their driveway in the early hours of March 13, 2010.
Bobbitt says he stopped before reaching his house. The police became suspicious, and that set off a violent confrontation.
"Drug me out of the frickin' car, and slung me around here," said Bobbitt.
Bobbitt suffered contusions on his head, and bumps and bruises elsewhere during his arrest.
"All he wanted to know was why we stopped in the road. (We) said, 'It's not the road; it's our driveway,'" said Melissa Smith St. John, Bobbitt's sister.
The two were booked into jail for resisting arrest and obstruction of an officer. They were so afraid for their safety that they applied for a protection order against Keller.
A judge found discrepancies in the officer's report, and granted the protection order, agreeing it would be best for everyone if Keller stayed away. The judge issued a 90-day restraining order on May 3.
"Why he has so much anger, why he does what he does scares me," said Bobbitt.
Keller says he was on the lookout for drug trafficking, saw Bobbitt turning without using his signal, and went to investigate.
"That's what I was doing on that street was being a good cop," he said. "All he had to do was just be normal and nice, and everything would have gone smooth. And I would have moved on."
Bonney Lake police refused to comment on this case or discuss Keller's past.
Six years ago, Keller, then a King County deputy, was charged with assaulting an informant. He was later cleared, but still received a 20-day suspension from the sheriff.
Keller was also involved in a fatal shooting of a Federal Way man in 2003. He was later pressured to resign from the sheriff's office.
Bobbitt says there's little evidence Keller has changed his ways since coming to Bonney Lake.
"They have a pattern of hiring these rogue cops," he said.
Bobbitt and his sister still face criminal charges from the incident.
Comment on this story at KOMONews.com.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Auburn police investigate suspicious death
KOMO-TV STAFF
AUBURN -- Police detectives are investigating the suspicious death of a 41-year-old man at an Auburn residence.
Officers responded to the scene, a house in the 100 block of D St. NW, at about noon Saturday after receiving a 911 call from a neighbor, said Sgt. Dave Colglazier of the Auburn police.
The neighbor told police that he had gone to check on the man at the residence. Looking through the window, the neighbor could see the man lying on the floor inside the home.
When officers arrived, they could not get the man to respond to them, so they entered the house to check on him.
Police found that the man was dead with injuries "not consistent with a natural death," Colglazier said.
An investigation was launched, and is continuing.
The name of the victim was not released. There have been no arrests and there was no word on a possible suspect.
Comment on this story at KOMONews.com.
AUBURN -- Police detectives are investigating the suspicious death of a 41-year-old man at an Auburn residence.
Officers responded to the scene, a house in the 100 block of D St. NW, at about noon Saturday after receiving a 911 call from a neighbor, said Sgt. Dave Colglazier of the Auburn police.
The neighbor told police that he had gone to check on the man at the residence. Looking through the window, the neighbor could see the man lying on the floor inside the home.
When officers arrived, they could not get the man to respond to them, so they entered the house to check on him.
Police found that the man was dead with injuries "not consistent with a natural death," Colglazier said.
An investigation was launched, and is continuing.
The name of the victim was not released. There have been no arrests and there was no word on a possible suspect.
Comment on this story at KOMONews.com.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Sheriff defends department in deputy shooting
KOMO-TV STAFF
TACOMA -- The Pierce County sheriff believes his department did everything right in the hours leading up to last Friday's deadly shooting by one of his deputies.
This, despite the fact the deputy's wife raised concerns about her husband shortly before the shooting.
One week ago, Deputy Allen Myron shot and killed his parents-in-law, then later turned the gun on himself.
But one hour before the shooting, Myron's wife spoke to one of his commanders, saying she had concerns about Myron's behavior.
Investigators have said an argument over a failing marriage led to the deadly shooting of Monty and Susan Multanen. Allen blamed his in-laws for meddling in their marriage, and negatively influencing his wife, Sara Myron.
Sara Myron wasn't at their home at the time, but one hour before the shooting, she had contacted her husband's supervisor to express concerns about his recent behavior.
"My understanding is that it was nothing of a major alarm," Tacoma Police Det. Mark Fulghum. "She was just trying to relay that he was a little bit more upset, but there were no threats, no violence, nothing that led her to believe that he was dangerous."
Detectives said Sara Myron never mentioned her husband's suicide attempt from December 2009. In her previous contacts with the Pierce County Sheriff's Department, Sarah Myron also said her husband "never assaulted her, made threats to harm her or anyone else and she did not feel he was dangerous," Fulghum said.
As a result, the supervisor set up an appointment for the following Monday, and Sheriff Paul Pastor believes the supervisor acted appropriately.
"After asking, 'Was there grounds for criminal behavior here? Were there grounds for intervening specifically in a criminal situation?' It sounds as if those grounds were not presented," he said.
The victims' family says no one, not even the sheriff's department, had any way of knowing what was to come.
"I think the sheriff's department acted properly," said Gary Multanen, brother of Monty Multanen. "It's an unfortunate situation. No one knew Allen was going to go into a rage."
Investigators said Allen Myron had been placed on light medical leave for 18 months due to a back injury, but was cleared to return to full patrol three months ago. The 49-year-old deputy was an 11-year veteran of the force.
Gary Multanen says the family is trying to cope the best it can with the tragedy.
"Sara is doing quite well under the circumstances. And my niece is under care, but she's ... it's traumatic for a 15-year-old," he said.
And despite the fact they're a law enforcement family, the Myrons will get no benefits since this was not a death in the line of duty.
A memorial for the Multanens is set for Monday in Vancouver.
Comment on this story at KOMONews.com.
TACOMA -- The Pierce County sheriff believes his department did everything right in the hours leading up to last Friday's deadly shooting by one of his deputies.
This, despite the fact the deputy's wife raised concerns about her husband shortly before the shooting.
One week ago, Deputy Allen Myron shot and killed his parents-in-law, then later turned the gun on himself.
But one hour before the shooting, Myron's wife spoke to one of his commanders, saying she had concerns about Myron's behavior.
Investigators have said an argument over a failing marriage led to the deadly shooting of Monty and Susan Multanen. Allen blamed his in-laws for meddling in their marriage, and negatively influencing his wife, Sara Myron.
Sara Myron wasn't at their home at the time, but one hour before the shooting, she had contacted her husband's supervisor to express concerns about his recent behavior.
"My understanding is that it was nothing of a major alarm," Tacoma Police Det. Mark Fulghum. "She was just trying to relay that he was a little bit more upset, but there were no threats, no violence, nothing that led her to believe that he was dangerous."
Detectives said Sara Myron never mentioned her husband's suicide attempt from December 2009. In her previous contacts with the Pierce County Sheriff's Department, Sarah Myron also said her husband "never assaulted her, made threats to harm her or anyone else and she did not feel he was dangerous," Fulghum said.
As a result, the supervisor set up an appointment for the following Monday, and Sheriff Paul Pastor believes the supervisor acted appropriately.
"After asking, 'Was there grounds for criminal behavior here? Were there grounds for intervening specifically in a criminal situation?' It sounds as if those grounds were not presented," he said.
The victims' family says no one, not even the sheriff's department, had any way of knowing what was to come.
"I think the sheriff's department acted properly," said Gary Multanen, brother of Monty Multanen. "It's an unfortunate situation. No one knew Allen was going to go into a rage."
Investigators said Allen Myron had been placed on light medical leave for 18 months due to a back injury, but was cleared to return to full patrol three months ago. The 49-year-old deputy was an 11-year veteran of the force.
Gary Multanen says the family is trying to cope the best it can with the tragedy.
"Sara is doing quite well under the circumstances. And my niece is under care, but she's ... it's traumatic for a 15-year-old," he said.
And despite the fact they're a law enforcement family, the Myrons will get no benefits since this was not a death in the line of duty.
A memorial for the Multanens is set for Monday in Vancouver.
Comment on this story at KOMONews.com.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Speed traps from Wazzu to Western: A guide
By JOEL CONNELLY
During talks with three Washington State University parents one recent weekend, I realized that Cougar Nation is defined not by boundaries but by shared pride and pain.
The pain, with all three, was getting caught in the infamous Colfax speed trap, where WSU-bound motorists accelerate as they leave the Whitman County seat unaware that a 25 mph speed limit is still da law.
It's tough to tell your collegian to behave when you were just zapped!
Colfax isn't the only town to exact tribute from college-bound students and their elders.
A Bellingham-bound friend, with a kid at Western Washington University, was nailed by the Washington State Patrol at another renowned trap, heading off the Samish Summit just short of the first Bellingham turnoff.
Investigative reporters can turn speed trap stories into snoozers. They pour over computer records of where arrests are made, producing dot-covered maps, but manage to ignore the thrill of the hunt and games of wits pitting predator against prey.
With that in mind, here is a thoroughly UNscientific rundown of renowned speed traps, based on testimonies from friends:
# Interstate 5 (King County): Early on Saturday mornings, the State Patrol conceals itself skillfully beneath the concrete pillars of the 145th Street overpass. Patrol officers sometimes zap you just south of the junction of I-5 and I-405. Goin' South: Watch Federal Way.
# Interstate 5 (Snohomish County to Bellingham): A renowned Northwest photographer, with a fiancee in Whatcom County, warns as follows: "Oh yeah, there are three on I-5 between Bellingham and Mt. Vernon, that I've become 'acquainted' with. "From the north, the first is near Lake Padden, the second is on an overpass near the Bow Hill casino. The third, near Mt. Vernon, is the last overpass before you drop down into the valley as you go north."
# S.R. 525 (Whidbey Island): As you head south down Whidbey, just before Freeland, the speed limit goes down to 45 mph. S.R. 525 is still brushy forest on both sides, and there's a long down grade as you approach Honeymoon Bay Rd. U.S. Rep. Jim McDermott, D-Wash., called yours truly on the cell phone just after the House of Representatives approved health care reform, causing me to pull over to take down notes. The trap might have nailed me had McD phoned ten seconds later.
# U.S. 2 (Snohomish County to Spokane): Speed limits as you pass through and leave Gold Bar MUST be obeyed. Don't display a lead foot once highway speeds are again legal: I've watched WSP pursuit from the picnic benches outside Zeke's Drive-In. Once you've pierced the "Cascade Curtain," remember to take foot off pedal around Cashmere. Lots of traffic leaves and enters U.S. 2: The State Patrol reasonably wants you to slow down so as not to hit it. If you get over to the Spokane area, slow down west of Davenport, and heed this warning from the vice chair of the state Democratic Party: "There is a speed trap that everyone should be aware of going south on U.S. 2 just around the Deer Park area, where the speed limit drops slightly." She's been caught, and has "regularly seen others fall prey."
# Interstate 5 (south to Olympia and beyond): A stretch of I-5 just north of the Nisqually River bridge, with a turn and concealed pulloffs, is one of Washington's most renowned and enduring speed traps. The State Patrol can conceal itself, like a lion in the African savannah, in the median between lanes of I-5 just north of Olympia. Coming back from Oregon? Show care north of where I-205 merges into I-5.
# Interstate 90 (Issaquah to Spokane): A Spokane businessman, who doesn't like air travel, knows the road and offers the following counsel: "The two places I consistently slow down because of the bands of roving WSP 'mobile enforcement teams' (often with an aerial component) are as one approaches Moses Lake headed west, and as one comes down off the Rye Grass divide and drops down toward Ellensburg." I would add westbound lanes, just east of Issaquah, where the speed limit lowers and I-90 twists through the Issaquah Alps.
# S.R. 26-U.S. 195 (Vantage to Pullman and WSU): Colfax is not the only place where speed kills insurance rates. Spare the lead foot around Othello, and keep an eagle eye out for the WSP and Adams County law on both sides of the S.R. 26-U.S. 395 junction.
A friend who's a senior at WSU adds this warning: "The biggest issue for students/everyone coming in and out of Pullman is that there is a poorly marked area where the speed limit changes from 60 down to 55: A lot of people get nailed because they think it's legal to drive 60 when the limit has been lowered."
The list here is partial.
As you head off to watch the offspring graduate, or enjoy sunshine after the season we call "NovApril," just remember one of the great refrains in pop music: "I fought the law and the law won."
During talks with three Washington State University parents one recent weekend, I realized that Cougar Nation is defined not by boundaries but by shared pride and pain.
The pain, with all three, was getting caught in the infamous Colfax speed trap, where WSU-bound motorists accelerate as they leave the Whitman County seat unaware that a 25 mph speed limit is still da law.
It's tough to tell your collegian to behave when you were just zapped!
Colfax isn't the only town to exact tribute from college-bound students and their elders.
A Bellingham-bound friend, with a kid at Western Washington University, was nailed by the Washington State Patrol at another renowned trap, heading off the Samish Summit just short of the first Bellingham turnoff.
Investigative reporters can turn speed trap stories into snoozers. They pour over computer records of where arrests are made, producing dot-covered maps, but manage to ignore the thrill of the hunt and games of wits pitting predator against prey.
With that in mind, here is a thoroughly UNscientific rundown of renowned speed traps, based on testimonies from friends:
# Interstate 5 (King County): Early on Saturday mornings, the State Patrol conceals itself skillfully beneath the concrete pillars of the 145th Street overpass. Patrol officers sometimes zap you just south of the junction of I-5 and I-405. Goin' South: Watch Federal Way.
# Interstate 5 (Snohomish County to Bellingham): A renowned Northwest photographer, with a fiancee in Whatcom County, warns as follows: "Oh yeah, there are three on I-5 between Bellingham and Mt. Vernon, that I've become 'acquainted' with. "From the north, the first is near Lake Padden, the second is on an overpass near the Bow Hill casino. The third, near Mt. Vernon, is the last overpass before you drop down into the valley as you go north."
# S.R. 525 (Whidbey Island): As you head south down Whidbey, just before Freeland, the speed limit goes down to 45 mph. S.R. 525 is still brushy forest on both sides, and there's a long down grade as you approach Honeymoon Bay Rd. U.S. Rep. Jim McDermott, D-Wash., called yours truly on the cell phone just after the House of Representatives approved health care reform, causing me to pull over to take down notes. The trap might have nailed me had McD phoned ten seconds later.
# U.S. 2 (Snohomish County to Spokane): Speed limits as you pass through and leave Gold Bar MUST be obeyed. Don't display a lead foot once highway speeds are again legal: I've watched WSP pursuit from the picnic benches outside Zeke's Drive-In. Once you've pierced the "Cascade Curtain," remember to take foot off pedal around Cashmere. Lots of traffic leaves and enters U.S. 2: The State Patrol reasonably wants you to slow down so as not to hit it. If you get over to the Spokane area, slow down west of Davenport, and heed this warning from the vice chair of the state Democratic Party: "There is a speed trap that everyone should be aware of going south on U.S. 2 just around the Deer Park area, where the speed limit drops slightly." She's been caught, and has "regularly seen others fall prey."
# Interstate 5 (south to Olympia and beyond): A stretch of I-5 just north of the Nisqually River bridge, with a turn and concealed pulloffs, is one of Washington's most renowned and enduring speed traps. The State Patrol can conceal itself, like a lion in the African savannah, in the median between lanes of I-5 just north of Olympia. Coming back from Oregon? Show care north of where I-205 merges into I-5.
# Interstate 90 (Issaquah to Spokane): A Spokane businessman, who doesn't like air travel, knows the road and offers the following counsel: "The two places I consistently slow down because of the bands of roving WSP 'mobile enforcement teams' (often with an aerial component) are as one approaches Moses Lake headed west, and as one comes down off the Rye Grass divide and drops down toward Ellensburg." I would add westbound lanes, just east of Issaquah, where the speed limit lowers and I-90 twists through the Issaquah Alps.
# S.R. 26-U.S. 195 (Vantage to Pullman and WSU): Colfax is not the only place where speed kills insurance rates. Spare the lead foot around Othello, and keep an eagle eye out for the WSP and Adams County law on both sides of the S.R. 26-U.S. 395 junction.
A friend who's a senior at WSU adds this warning: "The biggest issue for students/everyone coming in and out of Pullman is that there is a poorly marked area where the speed limit changes from 60 down to 55: A lot of people get nailed because they think it's legal to drive 60 when the limit has been lowered."
The list here is partial.
As you head off to watch the offspring graduate, or enjoy sunshine after the season we call "NovApril," just remember one of the great refrains in pop music: "I fought the law and the law won."
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Kirkland quadruple murderer Conner Schierman sentenced to death
By KEVIN OPSAHL
KIRKLAND REPORTER
As Leonid Milkin left a packed courtroom after hearing the jury’s decision to put Conner Schierman to death, he was heard saying, “Justice has been done.”
Schierman, a former Kirkland resident, met his fate in King County Superior Court Wednesday after being convicted of murdering Leonid’s wife, Olga Milkin, 28; her sons, Justin, 5 and Andrew, 3; and her sister, Lyubov Botvina, 24, nearly four years ago. Milkin was serving with the National Guard in Iraq at the time of the slayings.
The announcement was met with silence and Schierman just shook his head as Judge Gregory Canova read the verdict.
“We're all so relieved that this day has finally come,” Milkin said at a press conference with his family and the Botvina family after the verdict was read. “I'm just glad the justice system worked ... Conner Schierman came in the middle of the night like a thief and stole my family from me. I miss my family greatly. I won't ever forget them.”
Previously, the jury found Schierman guilty of the crime on April 12 and it took them just a day to agree on the sentence. The penalty phase lasted two weeks. The deliberated for a day and a half and were unanimous; otherwise, they would have been required by law to sentence him to life in prison without parole. The decision came at 2 p.m. on May 5.
The last time King County heard a death-penalty case was in 2001, when Dayva Cross was sentenced to death for killing his wife and two of her daughters in Snoqualmie in 1999, according to the prosecutor’s office. Schierman will join eight men on death row.
On Monday, Schierman spoke to a packed court room during an emotional 25-minute statement: “I’ve been told by people I’m going to die, I’m going to hell, but I’m already there.”
Schierman said he was in an alcohol blackout at the time of the murders. He later admitted to burning down the home on the 9500 block of Slater Avenue because he didn’t think anyone would believe he didn’t murder four people. But prosecutors contend it was because he was trying to cover up the crime.
His court-appointed attorney, Jim Conroy, defended Schierman from the very beginning, tried to make a personal appeal to the jury during the penalty phase telling them “who he is, where he came from and how he got here.”
Schierman's sister and mother were among those in an attempt to prevent the jury from sentencing the 28-year-old man to death. His family declined to comment after the sentencing.
Conroy said they would try to appeal the verdict to the state Supreme Court within the next week. He said he took issue with the jury selection and the “inflammatory” statements made by the prosecution in court.
“Conner Schierman is a good person and he’s been convicted of a very horrible crime,” Conroy said. “It’s sad because this thing is so out of context I don’t that anybody will ever known what happened July 17 of 2006. It’s not Conner; it was never Conner.”
Since King County Deputy Prosecutor Scott O’Toole had successfully tied Schierman to the killings through DNA evidence, his case during the penalty phase lasted only a little more than a day. He brought in one family member per victim to testify.
King County Prosecutor Dan Satterberg spoke to reporters at the family press conference in the King County Prosecutor’s Office.
“The death penalty is the law of this state and it is reserved for the worst of the worst of crimes,” said Satterberg, who was not in office when the prosecutors brought the death penalty charge against Schierman. “This (prosecution) team was able to bring that case together for the jury and the jury made what we believe is the right call …These are wonderful people who come to America to live the dream and that dream was shattered.”
Satterberg also called Schierman’s acts, “the worst crimes in the history of this county.” He said the day of the sentence was not about Schierman, but rather to remember the lives he took from both families. Pictures of Olga, Lyubov, Andrew and Justin were flanked on the conference table where family members spoke.
Lyubov Botvina, the mother of Olga and her 24-year-old daughter of the same namesake said she started crying when the verdict was read –and she hasn’t cried in a long time. She said she was glad the justice system worked.
The family members said at the conference that the only thing missing from Schierman’s statement was his apology for murder.
“I understand our lives are not going to be the same ever again,” said Yelena Shidlovski, sister of Lyubov and Olga. “I will never have my two sisters back. And although our lives will go on I am absolutely certain they will be in our hearts forever.”
KIRKLAND REPORTER
As Leonid Milkin left a packed courtroom after hearing the jury’s decision to put Conner Schierman to death, he was heard saying, “Justice has been done.”
Schierman, a former Kirkland resident, met his fate in King County Superior Court Wednesday after being convicted of murdering Leonid’s wife, Olga Milkin, 28; her sons, Justin, 5 and Andrew, 3; and her sister, Lyubov Botvina, 24, nearly four years ago. Milkin was serving with the National Guard in Iraq at the time of the slayings.
The announcement was met with silence and Schierman just shook his head as Judge Gregory Canova read the verdict.
“We're all so relieved that this day has finally come,” Milkin said at a press conference with his family and the Botvina family after the verdict was read. “I'm just glad the justice system worked ... Conner Schierman came in the middle of the night like a thief and stole my family from me. I miss my family greatly. I won't ever forget them.”
Previously, the jury found Schierman guilty of the crime on April 12 and it took them just a day to agree on the sentence. The penalty phase lasted two weeks. The deliberated for a day and a half and were unanimous; otherwise, they would have been required by law to sentence him to life in prison without parole. The decision came at 2 p.m. on May 5.
The last time King County heard a death-penalty case was in 2001, when Dayva Cross was sentenced to death for killing his wife and two of her daughters in Snoqualmie in 1999, according to the prosecutor’s office. Schierman will join eight men on death row.
On Monday, Schierman spoke to a packed court room during an emotional 25-minute statement: “I’ve been told by people I’m going to die, I’m going to hell, but I’m already there.”
Schierman said he was in an alcohol blackout at the time of the murders. He later admitted to burning down the home on the 9500 block of Slater Avenue because he didn’t think anyone would believe he didn’t murder four people. But prosecutors contend it was because he was trying to cover up the crime.
His court-appointed attorney, Jim Conroy, defended Schierman from the very beginning, tried to make a personal appeal to the jury during the penalty phase telling them “who he is, where he came from and how he got here.”
Schierman's sister and mother were among those in an attempt to prevent the jury from sentencing the 28-year-old man to death. His family declined to comment after the sentencing.
Conroy said they would try to appeal the verdict to the state Supreme Court within the next week. He said he took issue with the jury selection and the “inflammatory” statements made by the prosecution in court.
“Conner Schierman is a good person and he’s been convicted of a very horrible crime,” Conroy said. “It’s sad because this thing is so out of context I don’t that anybody will ever known what happened July 17 of 2006. It’s not Conner; it was never Conner.”
Since King County Deputy Prosecutor Scott O’Toole had successfully tied Schierman to the killings through DNA evidence, his case during the penalty phase lasted only a little more than a day. He brought in one family member per victim to testify.
King County Prosecutor Dan Satterberg spoke to reporters at the family press conference in the King County Prosecutor’s Office.
“The death penalty is the law of this state and it is reserved for the worst of the worst of crimes,” said Satterberg, who was not in office when the prosecutors brought the death penalty charge against Schierman. “This (prosecution) team was able to bring that case together for the jury and the jury made what we believe is the right call …These are wonderful people who come to America to live the dream and that dream was shattered.”
Satterberg also called Schierman’s acts, “the worst crimes in the history of this county.” He said the day of the sentence was not about Schierman, but rather to remember the lives he took from both families. Pictures of Olga, Lyubov, Andrew and Justin were flanked on the conference table where family members spoke.
Lyubov Botvina, the mother of Olga and her 24-year-old daughter of the same namesake said she started crying when the verdict was read –and she hasn’t cried in a long time. She said she was glad the justice system worked.
The family members said at the conference that the only thing missing from Schierman’s statement was his apology for murder.
“I understand our lives are not going to be the same ever again,” said Yelena Shidlovski, sister of Lyubov and Olga. “I will never have my two sisters back. And although our lives will go on I am absolutely certain they will be in our hearts forever.”
Monday, May 3, 2010
Man accused of driving 150 mph on 520 Bridge pleads not guilty
By KOMO-TV
A man who troopers said hit 150 mph during a drunken run across the state Route 520 bridge pleaded not guilty on Monday.
Vladislav Orlovskii, of Bellevue, has been charged with DUI and reckless driving in the March 20 incident.
Washington State Patrol Trooper Dan said a trooper spotted Orlovskii's 2008 BMW M6 speeding in the eastbound lanes of SR-520, but the BMW was still quickly pulling away when the trooper reached speeds of 130 mph.
McDonald said the trooper believed the BMW hit about 150 mph while weaving between other cars on the two-lane bridge.
The trooper slowed down when the chase became dangerous, but another trooper east of the high rise on the bridge was able to stop the BMW on the exit ramp to 84th Street in Medina.
Orlovskii was obviously impaired, McDonald said, but the man gave troopers no explanation for why he was driving so fast.
McDonald said that from the time the trooper spotted Orlovskii's vehicle to the time of stop, the BMW traveled 2.59 miles in 1 minute 8 seconds, which is an average speed of 137 mph.
Orlovskii, 24, has been cited previously for multiple driving infractions, including at least twice for reckless driving.
Orlovskii is free on bail pending trial.
A man who troopers said hit 150 mph during a drunken run across the state Route 520 bridge pleaded not guilty on Monday.
Vladislav Orlovskii, of Bellevue, has been charged with DUI and reckless driving in the March 20 incident.
Washington State Patrol Trooper Dan said a trooper spotted Orlovskii's 2008 BMW M6 speeding in the eastbound lanes of SR-520, but the BMW was still quickly pulling away when the trooper reached speeds of 130 mph.
McDonald said the trooper believed the BMW hit about 150 mph while weaving between other cars on the two-lane bridge.
The trooper slowed down when the chase became dangerous, but another trooper east of the high rise on the bridge was able to stop the BMW on the exit ramp to 84th Street in Medina.
Orlovskii was obviously impaired, McDonald said, but the man gave troopers no explanation for why he was driving so fast.
McDonald said that from the time the trooper spotted Orlovskii's vehicle to the time of stop, the BMW traveled 2.59 miles in 1 minute 8 seconds, which is an average speed of 137 mph.
Orlovskii, 24, has been cited previously for multiple driving infractions, including at least twice for reckless driving.
Orlovskii is free on bail pending trial.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Jury finds Everett cop not guilty in fatal shooting of drunken driver
KOMO-TV STAFF
A Snohomish County jury on Monday found an Everett police officer not guilty of second-degree murder and manslaughter in the shooting death of a drunken driving suspect.
Officer Troy Meade's wife cried out, "Yes!" as the verdicts were read.
"I didn't think I was going to go to jail, because I knew I did the right thing," said the officer.
Jurors apparently agreed with Meade, who testified that he felt he had no options other than to shoot Niles Meservey when the man refused to get out of his car.
"My heart goes out to his family, but it was preventable," Meade said. "All he had to do was cooperate, and he just didn't."
During the trial, Meade said Meservey him gave him "nothing but problems" from the minute he arrived on the scene.
"(I explained) that we had received a 911 call...He started swearing, 'This is f-ing entrapment. This is f-ing entrapment' over and over, and over again."
Meservey, 51, of Stanwood, was intoxicated and sitting in his Corvette in the parking lot of Chuckwagon Inn last June when witnesses, worried Meservey would drive away, called police.
Meade was one of several officers who responded and boxed in Meservey's car with their patrol cars.
Meade said Meservey, 51, refused to get out of his Corvette after he had hit him with a Taser. The car lurched and Meade said he thought he was about to be pinned.
"The vehicle started to come at me," Meade testified.
Meade then opened fire, hitting Meservey seven times.
Prosecutors asked Meade why he resorted to opening fire instead of using the Taser again, asking a nearby officer for help or utilizing his pepper spray or baton. Meade said he believed warning shots were not an option since the Taser didn't work the first time.
"It's not that I didn't think of that; I didn't think they were options," he said. "I was in shock. I didn't want to kill somebody."
Snohomish County prosecutors said Meade intentionally killed Meservey, and another officer who was at the scene testified that he didn't believe the shooting was necessary to prevent Meservey from driving away.
Officer Steve Klocker told investigators that after the driver refused to comply, he heard Meade tell him, "I don't know why the (expletive) I'm trying to save your dumb (expletive), maybe to keep you from killing yourself or driving."
Klocker told investigators he remembers seeing the cars' "back-up lights." Klocker also said prior to opening fire, Meade said something along the lines of, "Time to end this, enough is enough."
Meservey's family has also filed a claim against the city of Everett, demanding up to $15 million.
In a written statement released after Monday's verdict was read, Meservey's daughter, Tanda Louden, said she is confident that a jury in a civil case will find Meade responsible for her father's death.
"I am sorry the jury was unable to convict Officer Meade of a crime, but I understand how difficult it is to obtain a conviction where there is a presumption of innocence and a burden of proving the case beyond a reasonable doubt," she said.
A Snohomish County jury on Monday found an Everett police officer not guilty of second-degree murder and manslaughter in the shooting death of a drunken driving suspect.
Officer Troy Meade's wife cried out, "Yes!" as the verdicts were read.
"I didn't think I was going to go to jail, because I knew I did the right thing," said the officer.
Jurors apparently agreed with Meade, who testified that he felt he had no options other than to shoot Niles Meservey when the man refused to get out of his car.
"My heart goes out to his family, but it was preventable," Meade said. "All he had to do was cooperate, and he just didn't."
During the trial, Meade said Meservey him gave him "nothing but problems" from the minute he arrived on the scene.
"(I explained) that we had received a 911 call...He started swearing, 'This is f-ing entrapment. This is f-ing entrapment' over and over, and over again."
Meservey, 51, of Stanwood, was intoxicated and sitting in his Corvette in the parking lot of Chuckwagon Inn last June when witnesses, worried Meservey would drive away, called police.
Meade was one of several officers who responded and boxed in Meservey's car with their patrol cars.
Meade said Meservey, 51, refused to get out of his Corvette after he had hit him with a Taser. The car lurched and Meade said he thought he was about to be pinned.
"The vehicle started to come at me," Meade testified.
Meade then opened fire, hitting Meservey seven times.
Prosecutors asked Meade why he resorted to opening fire instead of using the Taser again, asking a nearby officer for help or utilizing his pepper spray or baton. Meade said he believed warning shots were not an option since the Taser didn't work the first time.
"It's not that I didn't think of that; I didn't think they were options," he said. "I was in shock. I didn't want to kill somebody."
Snohomish County prosecutors said Meade intentionally killed Meservey, and another officer who was at the scene testified that he didn't believe the shooting was necessary to prevent Meservey from driving away.
Officer Steve Klocker told investigators that after the driver refused to comply, he heard Meade tell him, "I don't know why the (expletive) I'm trying to save your dumb (expletive), maybe to keep you from killing yourself or driving."
Klocker told investigators he remembers seeing the cars' "back-up lights." Klocker also said prior to opening fire, Meade said something along the lines of, "Time to end this, enough is enough."
Meservey's family has also filed a claim against the city of Everett, demanding up to $15 million.
In a written statement released after Monday's verdict was read, Meservey's daughter, Tanda Louden, said she is confident that a jury in a civil case will find Meade responsible for her father's death.
"I am sorry the jury was unable to convict Officer Meade of a crime, but I understand how difficult it is to obtain a conviction where there is a presumption of innocence and a burden of proving the case beyond a reasonable doubt," she said.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Washington's medical-marijuana law
Possession: Marijuana possession is illegal in Washington. But the law provides an "affirmative defense" for qualified medical-marijuana patients and designated caregivers — meaning they still can be arrested and charged but can use their authorizations as defense in court.
Supply: Qualifying patients and designated providers can have a 60-day supply — defined as 24 ounces and 15 plants (any plant at any stage of growth counting as a plant). But a patient may exceed these limits with proven medical need.
Qualifying: To qualify for medical marijuana, the Department of Health says, patients must suffer from a "terminal or debilitating medical condition" such as cancer, HIV, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, intractable pain, Crohn's disease, hepatitis C, anorexia or others approved by the state Medical Quality Assurance Commission. Depression and anxiety don't qualify.
Doctor: You need a written recommendation from a doctor for medical marijuana — not a prescription. Effective June 1, a new law will allow some other health-care professionals, including naturopaths, to write authorizations.
Provider: A designated provider can provide pot for only one patient at any one time.
Dispensaries: Marijuana dispensaries, where medical pot can be purchased, are not legal in Washington.
Federal law: Medical marijuana is illegal under federal law, but the Justice Department has said it won't target users if they are in strict compliance with state law.
Source: State Department of Health
Supply: Qualifying patients and designated providers can have a 60-day supply — defined as 24 ounces and 15 plants (any plant at any stage of growth counting as a plant). But a patient may exceed these limits with proven medical need.
Qualifying: To qualify for medical marijuana, the Department of Health says, patients must suffer from a "terminal or debilitating medical condition" such as cancer, HIV, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, intractable pain, Crohn's disease, hepatitis C, anorexia or others approved by the state Medical Quality Assurance Commission. Depression and anxiety don't qualify.
Doctor: You need a written recommendation from a doctor for medical marijuana — not a prescription. Effective June 1, a new law will allow some other health-care professionals, including naturopaths, to write authorizations.
Provider: A designated provider can provide pot for only one patient at any one time.
Dispensaries: Marijuana dispensaries, where medical pot can be purchased, are not legal in Washington.
Federal law: Medical marijuana is illegal under federal law, but the Justice Department has said it won't target users if they are in strict compliance with state law.
Source: State Department of Health
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
GUILTY: Schierman faces death penalty in killings of Kirkland family
By KEVIN OPSAHL
KIRKLAND REPORTER
In a packed, emotional courtroom Monday morning, a jury found Conner Schierman guilty of stabbing a Kirkland family to death nearly four years ago and burning down their home to hide the crime.
The verdict set the stage for a "penalty phase" beginning Thursday, where the same jury will determine whether he should receive life in prison without parole or the death penalty.
The jury deliberated for just under 9 hours to determine Schierman’s sentence after he was arrested for the July 17, 2006 killings of Olga Milkin, 28, of Kirkland; her sons, Justin, 5 and Andrew, 3; and her sister, Lyubov Botvina, 24.
The King County Superior Courthouse was packed with family, military veterans, and Kirkland and Redmond fire and rescue personnel. The trial began in January.
As Schierman listened to the final verdict, he sat just a few feet from Olga’s husband Leonid Milkin, who was serving with the National Guard in Iraq at the time of the slayings. Milkin was smiling and seemed relaxed moments before the hearing commenced, but family members declined to comment.
“They’re doing remarkably well, it’s been three and a half years and they’ve come to terms with what’s happened and I think that the idea that justice has been served after three and a half years is very gratifying,” King County Senior Deputy Prosecutor Scott O’Toole told the Reporter after the verdict was read. “They want to see the process move to the end of the penalty phase … they have the faith and trust in the jury.”
The State v. Schierman case is the first death-penalty case heard in King County since 2001, when Dayva Cross was sentenced to death for killing his wife and two of her daughters in Snoqualmie in 1999, according to other news reports. The jury could not comment because of their involvement in the penalty phase.
Schierman, 28, did not testify when his defense council closed their case on April 5 after more than two weeks of testimony.
Defense attorney Jim Conroy made his remarks to reporters after the hearing, saying that he hopes the jury will “get to know” Schierman “by telling them about Conner as a person” in the penalty phase, but did not criticize the jury’s decision.
“We obviously disagree with the outcome,” Conroy said. “We have a lot of work to do.”
Schierman's court-appointed attorney’s strategy to convince the jury of his innocence centered on a "voluntary intoxication" defense, the claim that the Bellevue native had an alcoholic blackout and woke from it to find himself covered in blood, surrounded by the dead. They suggested in closing arguments that a third party could have been involved in the incident.
Schierman later admitted he poured gasoline in and around the home, but could never give an explanation as to how the family was killed.
“If you didn’t know what you had done, wouldn’t you go, ‘oh my god! There’s a madman here … I’m getting out of town,’” Deputy Prosecutor Scott O’Toole said to the jury in his closing statement last week.
Until his arrest, Schierman had no criminal record.
O’Toole was successful in making the state’s case that Schierman was guilty, bringing everyone from police to Schierman's roommates – and even Leonid Milkin himself - to the witness stand. Schierman was accused of entering the home, in the 9500 block of Slater Avenue Northeast, armed with two knives, firearms, gloves and an ax.
O’Toole also used evidence that linked the young man to the killings. Investigators recovered Schierman's DNA from several items found in the Milkin's home, including a pair of men's shorts, a pair of gloves and a knife the Leonid Milkin found in the ruble of the murder site. In addition, Olga's Milkin’s DNA was identified on Schierman's necklace he wore when he was arrested after the killing. DNA of both women was found on the soles of Schierman's shoes.
However, the prosecution could not establish a motive.
In all there were 67 state witnesses and 18 defense witnesses during the jury trial.
KIRKLAND REPORTER
In a packed, emotional courtroom Monday morning, a jury found Conner Schierman guilty of stabbing a Kirkland family to death nearly four years ago and burning down their home to hide the crime.
The verdict set the stage for a "penalty phase" beginning Thursday, where the same jury will determine whether he should receive life in prison without parole or the death penalty.
The jury deliberated for just under 9 hours to determine Schierman’s sentence after he was arrested for the July 17, 2006 killings of Olga Milkin, 28, of Kirkland; her sons, Justin, 5 and Andrew, 3; and her sister, Lyubov Botvina, 24.
The King County Superior Courthouse was packed with family, military veterans, and Kirkland and Redmond fire and rescue personnel. The trial began in January.
As Schierman listened to the final verdict, he sat just a few feet from Olga’s husband Leonid Milkin, who was serving with the National Guard in Iraq at the time of the slayings. Milkin was smiling and seemed relaxed moments before the hearing commenced, but family members declined to comment.
“They’re doing remarkably well, it’s been three and a half years and they’ve come to terms with what’s happened and I think that the idea that justice has been served after three and a half years is very gratifying,” King County Senior Deputy Prosecutor Scott O’Toole told the Reporter after the verdict was read. “They want to see the process move to the end of the penalty phase … they have the faith and trust in the jury.”
The State v. Schierman case is the first death-penalty case heard in King County since 2001, when Dayva Cross was sentenced to death for killing his wife and two of her daughters in Snoqualmie in 1999, according to other news reports. The jury could not comment because of their involvement in the penalty phase.
Schierman, 28, did not testify when his defense council closed their case on April 5 after more than two weeks of testimony.
Defense attorney Jim Conroy made his remarks to reporters after the hearing, saying that he hopes the jury will “get to know” Schierman “by telling them about Conner as a person” in the penalty phase, but did not criticize the jury’s decision.
“We obviously disagree with the outcome,” Conroy said. “We have a lot of work to do.”
Schierman's court-appointed attorney’s strategy to convince the jury of his innocence centered on a "voluntary intoxication" defense, the claim that the Bellevue native had an alcoholic blackout and woke from it to find himself covered in blood, surrounded by the dead. They suggested in closing arguments that a third party could have been involved in the incident.
Schierman later admitted he poured gasoline in and around the home, but could never give an explanation as to how the family was killed.
“If you didn’t know what you had done, wouldn’t you go, ‘oh my god! There’s a madman here … I’m getting out of town,’” Deputy Prosecutor Scott O’Toole said to the jury in his closing statement last week.
Until his arrest, Schierman had no criminal record.
O’Toole was successful in making the state’s case that Schierman was guilty, bringing everyone from police to Schierman's roommates – and even Leonid Milkin himself - to the witness stand. Schierman was accused of entering the home, in the 9500 block of Slater Avenue Northeast, armed with two knives, firearms, gloves and an ax.
O’Toole also used evidence that linked the young man to the killings. Investigators recovered Schierman's DNA from several items found in the Milkin's home, including a pair of men's shorts, a pair of gloves and a knife the Leonid Milkin found in the ruble of the murder site. In addition, Olga's Milkin’s DNA was identified on Schierman's necklace he wore when he was arrested after the killing. DNA of both women was found on the soles of Schierman's shoes.
However, the prosecution could not establish a motive.
In all there were 67 state witnesses and 18 defense witnesses during the jury trial.
Friday, April 9, 2010
Medical marijuana activist claims 'assault by bodily fluid'
By MATT PHELPS
KIRKLAND REPORTER
Finn Hill resident and medical marijuana advocate Steve Sarich has many complaints about how he has been treated by the King County Sheriff's Office in the wake of the home invasion robbery he endured on March 15.
But Sarich's latest complaint against the sheriff's office is the most disgusting - excrement smeared on his walls. In e-mails to the King County Sheriff's Office on April 2 and 5, Sarich claims that detectives spread human feces on the wall behind his bed and nightstand.
Sarich said that he is getting the substance tested but he is sure that it is not dog excrement.
“I have three dogs and I know the difference,” said Sarich in the e-mail. “Chelsea (his girlfriend) and I are willing to take DNA tests to prove it’s not ours. This is ‘assault by bodily fluid.’”
A Sheriff's department press release said that "Sarich offered no motive for detectives defecating in his house and then spreading it on the wall. He did not mention it to detectives who met with him on March 19 and 20 while doing follow-up work on the robbery investigation."
"We took control of the house on Monday (March 15) and he spent the night somewhere else," said King County Sheriff's spokesman John Urquhart. "He did not come back until Tuesday but the detectives were back out there a few times during the remainder of the week."
Urquhart said that a warrant to search his house was obtained for the robbery and for the illegal marijuana plants.
Sarich is currently suing the sherrif's office for taking what he and his lawyer consider a legal number of marijuana plants from his home during the investigation. Sarich has also complained that he cannot purchase a hand gun.
"That has nothing to do with us," said Urquhart. "There is a five day waiting period and under federal law a medical marijuana patient cannot purchase a gun."
Sarich's issue with the King County Sheriff's Office began when he and his girlfriend awoke on the morning of March 15 to intruders attempting to rob his home. The home invasion robbery ended with one of the five intruders and Sarich at the hospital with gun shot wounds. Sarich was released the same day with minor injuries. The wounded 18-year-old, who was not armed, remains hospitalized after his lower leg was amputated due to his injuries. Three of the remaining four (one was armed and exchanged gunfire with Sarich during the home invasion) are still in jail and all five have been charged by the Prosecutor’s Office.
The sheriff's office said that well over 350 marijuana plants were found in the residence, along with processed marijuana and food infused with apparent marijuana. The investigation is continuing and the case has not yet been referred for presecution.
KIRKLAND REPORTER
Finn Hill resident and medical marijuana advocate Steve Sarich has many complaints about how he has been treated by the King County Sheriff's Office in the wake of the home invasion robbery he endured on March 15.
But Sarich's latest complaint against the sheriff's office is the most disgusting - excrement smeared on his walls. In e-mails to the King County Sheriff's Office on April 2 and 5, Sarich claims that detectives spread human feces on the wall behind his bed and nightstand.
Sarich said that he is getting the substance tested but he is sure that it is not dog excrement.
“I have three dogs and I know the difference,” said Sarich in the e-mail. “Chelsea (his girlfriend) and I are willing to take DNA tests to prove it’s not ours. This is ‘assault by bodily fluid.’”
A Sheriff's department press release said that "Sarich offered no motive for detectives defecating in his house and then spreading it on the wall. He did not mention it to detectives who met with him on March 19 and 20 while doing follow-up work on the robbery investigation."
"We took control of the house on Monday (March 15) and he spent the night somewhere else," said King County Sheriff's spokesman John Urquhart. "He did not come back until Tuesday but the detectives were back out there a few times during the remainder of the week."
Urquhart said that a warrant to search his house was obtained for the robbery and for the illegal marijuana plants.
Sarich is currently suing the sherrif's office for taking what he and his lawyer consider a legal number of marijuana plants from his home during the investigation. Sarich has also complained that he cannot purchase a hand gun.
"That has nothing to do with us," said Urquhart. "There is a five day waiting period and under federal law a medical marijuana patient cannot purchase a gun."
Sarich's issue with the King County Sheriff's Office began when he and his girlfriend awoke on the morning of March 15 to intruders attempting to rob his home. The home invasion robbery ended with one of the five intruders and Sarich at the hospital with gun shot wounds. Sarich was released the same day with minor injuries. The wounded 18-year-old, who was not armed, remains hospitalized after his lower leg was amputated due to his injuries. Three of the remaining four (one was armed and exchanged gunfire with Sarich during the home invasion) are still in jail and all five have been charged by the Prosecutor’s Office.
The sheriff's office said that well over 350 marijuana plants were found in the residence, along with processed marijuana and food infused with apparent marijuana. The investigation is continuing and the case has not yet been referred for presecution.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Oak Harbor sweep nets dealers, drugs and guns
By JESSIE STENSLAND
WHIDBEY NEWS TIMES
Investigators with the Oak Harbor police and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service took five suspected drug dealers off the streets of the city in the last two weeks, according to police.
Oak Harbor Police Detective Carl Seim said that officers seized significant amounts of heroin, methamphetamine and marijuana — as well as a car, guns, grow equipment and cash — in four separate, unrelated drug busts.
Seim said the investigators served the first search warrant at a home on Highway 20, just north of Ault Field Road, on March 17. He said he was able to obtain the search warrant after a confidential informant made multiple controlled buys of pot from the suspect, 43-year-old Robert Berka.
The officers discovered marijuana grow operations in two sheds. Seim indicated the set-up was somewhat sophisticated and included a giant exhaust fan and filter to reduce the pot odor on the outside.
The officers found 125 plants in various stages of growth, as well as a couple of ounces of pot in the house. In addition, there was marijuana-laced butter, pot-enhanced baked goods and liquor infused with the weed, according to police.
Berka had “a medical marijuana card,” Seim said, but he had more pot than the amount allowed under state law. Berka was arrested on suspicion of possession of marijuana with intent to deliver. The police seized the marijuana and the growing equipment.
Then on Friday, the police and NCIS team served three different search warrants. Seim said they saw one of the suspects, 43-year-old Lisa Kamiya, driving away, so they had a patrol officer pull her over. The officers found 4.5 grams of meth, along with a couple of unidentified pills and a small amount of pot, in a pouch she had in the front of her pants, according to Seim.
Investigators were able to obtain a search warrant of Kamiya’s home based on an informant’s previous controlled buys of meth from her, Seim said. They found drug paraphernalia, scales and numerous plastic baggies at her home.
The officers arrested Kamiya on suspicion of possession of meth with intent to deliver.
“She was well known in the meth community as a dealer and a user,” Lt. Tim Sterkel with the Oak Harbor Police Department said. “It’s a substantial arrest for the community.”
Next, the team turned their attention to 27-year-old Caleb Love and 25-year-old Joel Raymond. Seim said the two men, who “hang out together,” had sold both heroin and cocaine to an informant in controlled drug purchases.
On Friday, the investigators noticed Love driving away with Raymond, so they pulled them over. Seim said the officers saw a glass container with heroin in plain view in the car. Also, Love had a pouch that contained black tar heroin and a Visine bottle with liquid heroin, the detective indicated.
The police seized the 1996 Cadillac Deville and brought it to the police department to search. A stun gun and a laptop computer, possibly stolen, were found in the car, according to the police.
The detective said that the team also served a search warrant on Love’s residence and found more heroin, a loaded shotgun and a 9mm handgun. Love is a convicted felon, Seim said, and not allowed to possess firearms.
In all, the police reported they seized more than an ounce of heroin, which is worth around $800 on the street.
Both Love and Raymond were arrested on suspicion of possession of heroin with intent to deliver.
Finally, the team served a search warrant on the home of an 18-year-old man suspected of dealing pot to kids. The investigators had previously documented a confidential informant making controlled buys of pot from the suspect, Mark Delacruz, according to police.
“We received information from the high school that he was dealing to students outside the commissary on the Seaplane Base,” Seim said.
The investigators searched his home and found $640 in cash and drug paraphernalia. Seim said they arrested Delacruz on suspicion of possession of marijuana with intent to deliver based on the prior controlled buys.
WHIDBEY NEWS TIMES
Investigators with the Oak Harbor police and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service took five suspected drug dealers off the streets of the city in the last two weeks, according to police.
Oak Harbor Police Detective Carl Seim said that officers seized significant amounts of heroin, methamphetamine and marijuana — as well as a car, guns, grow equipment and cash — in four separate, unrelated drug busts.
Seim said the investigators served the first search warrant at a home on Highway 20, just north of Ault Field Road, on March 17. He said he was able to obtain the search warrant after a confidential informant made multiple controlled buys of pot from the suspect, 43-year-old Robert Berka.
The officers discovered marijuana grow operations in two sheds. Seim indicated the set-up was somewhat sophisticated and included a giant exhaust fan and filter to reduce the pot odor on the outside.
The officers found 125 plants in various stages of growth, as well as a couple of ounces of pot in the house. In addition, there was marijuana-laced butter, pot-enhanced baked goods and liquor infused with the weed, according to police.
Berka had “a medical marijuana card,” Seim said, but he had more pot than the amount allowed under state law. Berka was arrested on suspicion of possession of marijuana with intent to deliver. The police seized the marijuana and the growing equipment.
Then on Friday, the police and NCIS team served three different search warrants. Seim said they saw one of the suspects, 43-year-old Lisa Kamiya, driving away, so they had a patrol officer pull her over. The officers found 4.5 grams of meth, along with a couple of unidentified pills and a small amount of pot, in a pouch she had in the front of her pants, according to Seim.
Investigators were able to obtain a search warrant of Kamiya’s home based on an informant’s previous controlled buys of meth from her, Seim said. They found drug paraphernalia, scales and numerous plastic baggies at her home.
The officers arrested Kamiya on suspicion of possession of meth with intent to deliver.
“She was well known in the meth community as a dealer and a user,” Lt. Tim Sterkel with the Oak Harbor Police Department said. “It’s a substantial arrest for the community.”
Next, the team turned their attention to 27-year-old Caleb Love and 25-year-old Joel Raymond. Seim said the two men, who “hang out together,” had sold both heroin and cocaine to an informant in controlled drug purchases.
On Friday, the investigators noticed Love driving away with Raymond, so they pulled them over. Seim said the officers saw a glass container with heroin in plain view in the car. Also, Love had a pouch that contained black tar heroin and a Visine bottle with liquid heroin, the detective indicated.
The police seized the 1996 Cadillac Deville and brought it to the police department to search. A stun gun and a laptop computer, possibly stolen, were found in the car, according to the police.
The detective said that the team also served a search warrant on Love’s residence and found more heroin, a loaded shotgun and a 9mm handgun. Love is a convicted felon, Seim said, and not allowed to possess firearms.
In all, the police reported they seized more than an ounce of heroin, which is worth around $800 on the street.
Both Love and Raymond were arrested on suspicion of possession of heroin with intent to deliver.
Finally, the team served a search warrant on the home of an 18-year-old man suspected of dealing pot to kids. The investigators had previously documented a confidential informant making controlled buys of pot from the suspect, Mark Delacruz, according to police.
“We received information from the high school that he was dealing to students outside the commissary on the Seaplane Base,” Seim said.
The investigators searched his home and found $640 in cash and drug paraphernalia. Seim said they arrested Delacruz on suspicion of possession of marijuana with intent to deliver based on the prior controlled buys.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
State trooper suspected of driving drunk and attempted cover-up
KOMO-TV STAFF
A veteran sergeant with the Washington State Patrol is accused of driving under the influence, then trying to get the help of a rookie trooper to cover it up.
WSP investigators said Sgt. Coy C. Clark was off duty early Saturday when he drove his car off the road in Puyallup along Canyon Road near 104th Street.
Clark, a 21-year veteran of the force, called his rookie trooper on duty.
"He called an on-duty trooper that works for him to respond, and assist him. And upon the trooper getting there, he got indications the off-duty sergeant may be possibly DUI," said Capt. Jason Berry.
Suspecting Clark was intoxicated, the young trooper called for backup.
Clark passed a breathalyzer test, but failed a field sobriety test and was placed under arrest.
The State Patrol said Clark's actions imply he wanted to cover up the fact he may have been drunk driving. The 22-year-old rookie had a tough decision to make, but ultimately decided to call in backup, officials said.
"Faced with a precarious situation of 'what do I do here with my sergeant that's called me to help?' he did the right thing reporting the potential misconduct," said Berry.
Clark has been placed on paid administrative leave. His case has been forwarded to the Pierce County Prosecutor's Office.
A veteran sergeant with the Washington State Patrol is accused of driving under the influence, then trying to get the help of a rookie trooper to cover it up.
WSP investigators said Sgt. Coy C. Clark was off duty early Saturday when he drove his car off the road in Puyallup along Canyon Road near 104th Street.
Clark, a 21-year veteran of the force, called his rookie trooper on duty.
"He called an on-duty trooper that works for him to respond, and assist him. And upon the trooper getting there, he got indications the off-duty sergeant may be possibly DUI," said Capt. Jason Berry.
Suspecting Clark was intoxicated, the young trooper called for backup.
Clark passed a breathalyzer test, but failed a field sobriety test and was placed under arrest.
The State Patrol said Clark's actions imply he wanted to cover up the fact he may have been drunk driving. The 22-year-old rookie had a tough decision to make, but ultimately decided to call in backup, officials said.
"Faced with a precarious situation of 'what do I do here with my sergeant that's called me to help?' he did the right thing reporting the potential misconduct," said Berry.
Clark has been placed on paid administrative leave. His case has been forwarded to the Pierce County Prosecutor's Office.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Investigators say drunken driver caused fatal I-5 crash
KOMO-TV
Investigators say a crash that killed a man on Interstate 5 in Everett early Monday was caused by a drunken driver.
Washington State Patrol Trooper Keith Leary said a man driving a pickup truck in the southbound lanes of the freeway drifted out of his lane about 2:30 a.m. and slammed into an empty flatbed truck that was parked on the shoulder of the highway.
The passenger in the pickup truck died at the scene, and the driver was taken to Providence Colby Hospital.
Leary said the driver was believed to be drunk at the time of the crash, and investigators found several open beer containers in the wrecked truck.
No one was inside the flatbed truck that was hit.
Troopers shut down two of the southbound lanes of I-5 at the crash scene near the Everett Mall for several hours while they collected evidence and worked to clear the vehicles.
Leary said the crash was one of 60 suspected drunken driving cases troopers dealt with over the weekend.
"This is why we're out here every single day, to get these folks out and off the road so something like this doesn't happen," he said.
The driver was expected to be booked into the Snohomish County Jail for investigation of vehicular homicide when he is released from the hospital.
The name of the man who was killed has not been released.
Investigators say a crash that killed a man on Interstate 5 in Everett early Monday was caused by a drunken driver.
Washington State Patrol Trooper Keith Leary said a man driving a pickup truck in the southbound lanes of the freeway drifted out of his lane about 2:30 a.m. and slammed into an empty flatbed truck that was parked on the shoulder of the highway.
The passenger in the pickup truck died at the scene, and the driver was taken to Providence Colby Hospital.
Leary said the driver was believed to be drunk at the time of the crash, and investigators found several open beer containers in the wrecked truck.
No one was inside the flatbed truck that was hit.
Troopers shut down two of the southbound lanes of I-5 at the crash scene near the Everett Mall for several hours while they collected evidence and worked to clear the vehicles.
Leary said the crash was one of 60 suspected drunken driving cases troopers dealt with over the weekend.
"This is why we're out here every single day, to get these folks out and off the road so something like this doesn't happen," he said.
The driver was expected to be booked into the Snohomish County Jail for investigation of vehicular homicide when he is released from the hospital.
The name of the man who was killed has not been released.
Federal Way police officer dies following incident with stolen vehicle
By FEDERAL WAY MIRROR
From the Federal Way Police Department:
At 1:15 a.m. March 21, Federal Way police were dispatched to a suspicious vehicle located in the 33300 Block of 26th Avenue SW in Federal Way. The vehicle was described as a dark colored Lincoln SUV with two persons sleeping in the back. The vehicle was backed up against an unoccupied residence.
Federal Way police officers responded to the area of the vehicle. Once officers were on-scene, it was determined the vehicle was reported as stolen by the King County Sheriff’s Office. As the officers approached, applied vehicle stopping devices, and initiated verbal commands, the driver of the vehicle started the engine and began to flee against the verbal commands of officers. As the vehicle left the area, it struck/rammed three Federal Way marked patrol vehicles. Two Federal Way police officers fired their weapons at the driver and the vehicle.
The vehicle was subsequently found nearby. The driver was found hiding in a carport area of a residence and was taken into custody without incident by Federal Way police officers. The suspect driver is a 17-year-old Hispanic male with an extensive criminal history and is a convicted felon. The suspect suffered a non-life threatening bullet wound to his arm and was transported to Harborview Medical Center for treatment. There is currently one suspect occupant from the stolen vehicle at large.
The two Federal Way Police Officers who discharged their weapons were not injured. They have been placed on paid administrative leave (standard procedure) pending the outcome of an investigation.
While this officer Involved shooting incident was being investigated, Federal Way police officers maintained a perimeter around the crime scene. At approximately 6:45 a.m., one of the perimeter officers was found collapsed in his patrol vehicle.
Federal Way police officers initiated CPR, which continued with the arrival of the King County Medic One unit. Officers and medics were unable to revive the officer and he was pronounced dead at approximately 7:21 a.m. Saturday. The cause of death is unknown at this time and the officer's name has not been released. An autopsy is scheduled for March 22. The officer was 35 years old and had been with the Federal Way police for four and a half years. He is survived by his wife, two children and extended family. The couple had a third child due in May.
Stay tuned for an updated report as more information becomes available.
From the Federal Way Police Department:
At 1:15 a.m. March 21, Federal Way police were dispatched to a suspicious vehicle located in the 33300 Block of 26th Avenue SW in Federal Way. The vehicle was described as a dark colored Lincoln SUV with two persons sleeping in the back. The vehicle was backed up against an unoccupied residence.
Federal Way police officers responded to the area of the vehicle. Once officers were on-scene, it was determined the vehicle was reported as stolen by the King County Sheriff’s Office. As the officers approached, applied vehicle stopping devices, and initiated verbal commands, the driver of the vehicle started the engine and began to flee against the verbal commands of officers. As the vehicle left the area, it struck/rammed three Federal Way marked patrol vehicles. Two Federal Way police officers fired their weapons at the driver and the vehicle.
The vehicle was subsequently found nearby. The driver was found hiding in a carport area of a residence and was taken into custody without incident by Federal Way police officers. The suspect driver is a 17-year-old Hispanic male with an extensive criminal history and is a convicted felon. The suspect suffered a non-life threatening bullet wound to his arm and was transported to Harborview Medical Center for treatment. There is currently one suspect occupant from the stolen vehicle at large.
The two Federal Way Police Officers who discharged their weapons were not injured. They have been placed on paid administrative leave (standard procedure) pending the outcome of an investigation.
While this officer Involved shooting incident was being investigated, Federal Way police officers maintained a perimeter around the crime scene. At approximately 6:45 a.m., one of the perimeter officers was found collapsed in his patrol vehicle.
Federal Way police officers initiated CPR, which continued with the arrival of the King County Medic One unit. Officers and medics were unable to revive the officer and he was pronounced dead at approximately 7:21 a.m. Saturday. The cause of death is unknown at this time and the officer's name has not been released. An autopsy is scheduled for March 22. The officer was 35 years old and had been with the Federal Way police for four and a half years. He is survived by his wife, two children and extended family. The couple had a third child due in May.
Stay tuned for an updated report as more information becomes available.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Alleged cop killer launches into tirade in court
KOMO-TV STAFF
The man accused of murdering Seattle police officer Timothy Brenton launched a verbal barrage in court Thursday afternoon, stunning spectators and apparently even his own lawyer.
Christopher Monfort, accused of killing Brenton in cold blood on Oct. 31, lashed out against Paul Schene, the former King County deputy accused in a well-publicized November 2008 holding cell beating incident.
In his outburst, Monfort compared Schene to Adolf Hitler, and then referred to "the savage beating of Malika Calhoun," the teenage girl who was beaten in the holding cell incident.
Investigators believe that the holding cell beating, which was captured on videotape and broadcast widely across TV and the Internet, prompted Monfort's attack on Officer Brenton and his partner.
Monfort then launched into a rambling rant about the founding fathers and "the price of freedom."
Monfort's defense attorney, Julie Lawry, urged him to keep quiet.
"Don't do this, don't do this," she repeated at the start of his nearly eight-minute outburst, but her pleas fell on deaf ears.
All of this happened before the judge walked in - and before court started. Once the judge entered the courtroom, Monfort did not speak again.
Meanwhile, the accused killer's mother sat in the King County courtroom with her head in her hands.
Monfort has been charged with one count of aggravated first-degree murder in connection with Brenton's shooting death on Halloween night as he sat in his patrol car with a junior officer.
He also faces three counts of attempted first-degree murder for allegedly shooting at the junior officer on the same night, and also taking aim at two other officers on the day of his arrest.
In addition, Monfort is charged with first-degree arson in connection with the Oct. 22 firebombing of four Seattle police vehicles at a city maintenance yard.
Monfort has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The man accused of murdering Seattle police officer Timothy Brenton launched a verbal barrage in court Thursday afternoon, stunning spectators and apparently even his own lawyer.
Christopher Monfort, accused of killing Brenton in cold blood on Oct. 31, lashed out against Paul Schene, the former King County deputy accused in a well-publicized November 2008 holding cell beating incident.
In his outburst, Monfort compared Schene to Adolf Hitler, and then referred to "the savage beating of Malika Calhoun," the teenage girl who was beaten in the holding cell incident.
Investigators believe that the holding cell beating, which was captured on videotape and broadcast widely across TV and the Internet, prompted Monfort's attack on Officer Brenton and his partner.
Monfort then launched into a rambling rant about the founding fathers and "the price of freedom."
Monfort's defense attorney, Julie Lawry, urged him to keep quiet.
"Don't do this, don't do this," she repeated at the start of his nearly eight-minute outburst, but her pleas fell on deaf ears.
All of this happened before the judge walked in - and before court started. Once the judge entered the courtroom, Monfort did not speak again.
Meanwhile, the accused killer's mother sat in the King County courtroom with her head in her hands.
Monfort has been charged with one count of aggravated first-degree murder in connection with Brenton's shooting death on Halloween night as he sat in his patrol car with a junior officer.
He also faces three counts of attempted first-degree murder for allegedly shooting at the junior officer on the same night, and also taking aim at two other officers on the day of his arrest.
In addition, Monfort is charged with first-degree arson in connection with the Oct. 22 firebombing of four Seattle police vehicles at a city maintenance yard.
Monfort has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Shotgun-toting man threatens father at school bus stop
KOMO-TV STAFF
A scary scene unfolded at a school bus stop on Fox Island when a man with a gun threatened a father as he dropped off his son and then tried to run him off, the father says.
And the father, Mark Fowler, has got the photo to back him up his account of what happened.
Fowler says he was on the public easement - well outside anyone's private property - when he parked his car at the bus stop to drop off his son.
That's when he says a neighbor came out and threatened him with a shotgun.
Despite the possible danger, Fowler snapped a photo of the man with his cell phone. The photo shows the man gripping the shotgun in his right hand.
Cell phone photo shows a man approaching the Fox Island school bus stop with a shotgun. Fowler says: "I ask him what he's going to do with it. And he tells me if I don't get off his property, he's going to show me what he's going to do with it. Now, that sounds like a threat to me."
Pierce County sheriff's detectives say the man in the photo is Kevin Wray, whose house is behind the bus stop.
Fowler says if he's going to be threatened - what could Wray do to his son or to the other children who wait at the stop for the school bus to come.
"Why would anybody in their right mind bring a shotgun to a bus stop if they're not planning on trying to intimidate somebody, or plan on using it?" says Fowler.
Deputies showed up and arrested Wray, who got out on bond later that day.
KOMO News tried to contact Wray but he didn't answer his door or return phone calls.
Wray's next-door neighbor, Hank Weber, thinks things just got out of hand.
"I don't think anybody around here condones that," Weber says. "And I'm sure, if you asked Kevin right now, I'm sure he would say that was a bad mistake."
Weber says parents dropping off their kids do a lot of damage along the private road where Wray lives.
He says they use front lawns as turnarounds, which rips up the grass and damages landscaping - and Wray has spent years trying to change it.
"I think Kevin has tried in the past to be as cordial as possible, and has in a lot of instances not gotten anywhere," says Weber.
Since the shotgun incident, the school district has created alternative bus stop locations so parents who don't feel safe using the one near Wray's house have somewhere else to go.
A scary scene unfolded at a school bus stop on Fox Island when a man with a gun threatened a father as he dropped off his son and then tried to run him off, the father says.
And the father, Mark Fowler, has got the photo to back him up his account of what happened.
Fowler says he was on the public easement - well outside anyone's private property - when he parked his car at the bus stop to drop off his son.
That's when he says a neighbor came out and threatened him with a shotgun.
Despite the possible danger, Fowler snapped a photo of the man with his cell phone. The photo shows the man gripping the shotgun in his right hand.
Cell phone photo shows a man approaching the Fox Island school bus stop with a shotgun. Fowler says: "I ask him what he's going to do with it. And he tells me if I don't get off his property, he's going to show me what he's going to do with it. Now, that sounds like a threat to me."
Pierce County sheriff's detectives say the man in the photo is Kevin Wray, whose house is behind the bus stop.
Fowler says if he's going to be threatened - what could Wray do to his son or to the other children who wait at the stop for the school bus to come.
"Why would anybody in their right mind bring a shotgun to a bus stop if they're not planning on trying to intimidate somebody, or plan on using it?" says Fowler.
Deputies showed up and arrested Wray, who got out on bond later that day.
KOMO News tried to contact Wray but he didn't answer his door or return phone calls.
Wray's next-door neighbor, Hank Weber, thinks things just got out of hand.
"I don't think anybody around here condones that," Weber says. "And I'm sure, if you asked Kevin right now, I'm sure he would say that was a bad mistake."
Weber says parents dropping off their kids do a lot of damage along the private road where Wray lives.
He says they use front lawns as turnarounds, which rips up the grass and damages landscaping - and Wray has spent years trying to change it.
"I think Kevin has tried in the past to be as cordial as possible, and has in a lot of instances not gotten anywhere," says Weber.
Since the shotgun incident, the school district has created alternative bus stop locations so parents who don't feel safe using the one near Wray's house have somewhere else to go.
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