By MIMI JUNG / KING 5 News
FEDERAL WAY, Wash. – A one man crime spree has hit more than a dozen convenience stores in south King County and has gotten away with thousands of dollars in cash.
The armed robber usually strikes between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. He’s hit 13 stores in three weeks in Auburn, Des Moines, Federal Way, Kent and Renton.
He’s been caught at least twice on surveillance video.
"He said 'I have gun, give me the money,'" said Kevin Nam. He was working behind the counter at a smoke shop when the robber struck.
"I said 'I have camera inside and outside. I know you. You are my customer.'"
Witnesses describe the robber as a white man, about 20-to-30-years-old, about 6 feet tall with short blond hair. In some cases the robber wears sunglasses but he also disguises himself with a mask and actually shows a weapon. He has a large tattoo on his left arm and drives an older, light blue sedan. He also appears to wear the same white sneakers with blue stripes.
No one has been hurt yet, but police fear his brazen robberies could get violent. If you know him, police want to hear from you.
Experienced legal counsel to cannabis businesses, entrepreneurs, and patients.
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Saturday, September 13, 2008
Friday, September 12, 2008
Fewer arrests in summer DUI crackdown
P-I STAFF
Law enforcement officers across the state busted nearly 1,800 drivers for drunken driving during a summer-long crackdown.
Thursday, the state's Traffic Safety Commission released the results of the Drive Hammered, Get Nailed crackdown, which began Aug. 15 and ended Sept. 1. Statewide, 268 law enforcement agencies participated in the effort, the agency reported.
Of the 1,797 motorists arrested for driving under the influence during the period, 351 were in King County. Pierce County had the next highest number of arrests with 254.
Drugs and alcohol use are the primary factor in traffic deaths. Last year, 517 people died in traffic crashes in the state. Of those deaths, 263 involved an impaired driver.
Officials said the extra patrols that are part of the crackdown have helped reduce traffic deaths.
As of Sept. 2, there have been 319 traffic deaths statewide. In the same time period last year, there were 364 deaths.
Over the Labor Day weekend, of the four fatalities that took place on state highways, none involved alcohol or drugs.
"It has been six years since a Labor Day holiday was free from a traffic death due to alcohol," said Lowell Porter, director of the traffic safety commission.
Law enforcement officers across the state busted nearly 1,800 drivers for drunken driving during a summer-long crackdown.
Thursday, the state's Traffic Safety Commission released the results of the Drive Hammered, Get Nailed crackdown, which began Aug. 15 and ended Sept. 1. Statewide, 268 law enforcement agencies participated in the effort, the agency reported.
Of the 1,797 motorists arrested for driving under the influence during the period, 351 were in King County. Pierce County had the next highest number of arrests with 254.
Drugs and alcohol use are the primary factor in traffic deaths. Last year, 517 people died in traffic crashes in the state. Of those deaths, 263 involved an impaired driver.
Officials said the extra patrols that are part of the crackdown have helped reduce traffic deaths.
As of Sept. 2, there have been 319 traffic deaths statewide. In the same time period last year, there were 364 deaths.
Over the Labor Day weekend, of the four fatalities that took place on state highways, none involved alcohol or drugs.
"It has been six years since a Labor Day holiday was free from a traffic death due to alcohol," said Lowell Porter, director of the traffic safety commission.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Federal Judge Sentences Farmers Linked to E. coli Outbreak to No Time, No Fine, No Probation
Tacoma, Washington -- September 5, 2008. Dairy farmers Michael Puckett and Anita Puckett, owners of Dee Creek Farm in Woodland, were sentenced in Federal Court Friday on charges stemming from an E. coli outbreak in 2005, but received only a $25 mandatory court assessment fee.
United States Magistrate Judge Strombom disregarded the recommendation of the Probation Office when she ruled against the proposed $250 fine and one-year probation for each defendant.
"I frankly don't see what benefit anybody gets from putting these people on probation," Strombom told the court. "I realize everybody here has come to this court agreeing to that, but I don't agree with it."
Both defense and prosecuting attorneys had argued for one year probation, and the probation office requested a $250 fine. The maximum sentence for the misdemeanor charge is one year in prison and a $100,000 fine.
"The fact that they pled guilty to this Class A misdemeanor is sufficient punishment for these two individuals," Strombom said.
Though she gave the couple six months to pay the mandatory assessment fee, they paid it before they left the courthouse.
Anita Puckett said, "We are humbled by Judge Strombom's decision. We're very happy to move past this, and are looking forward to the future."
She added, "We couldn't have made it through these last three years without all the help we were given from family, friends and supporters all over the country. We are so thankful for them."
More than 20 friends and family members attended the hearing in support of the Pucketts, and several of them began to cry as the judge pronounced the sentence.
The Pucketts pled guilty June 8 to misdemeanor charges of distributing adulterated food. The charges stemmed from cow-share participants crossing into Oregon with milk prepared under conditions where it may have contributed to injury, the plea agreement stated.
According to figures released by the Clark County Health Department, 18 people were sickened in December 2005 with a strain of E. coli that a Washington State Department of Agriculture investigation later linked to Dee Creek Farm. Five were hospitalized, and all have since fully recovered.
Dee Creek is a small, family-run farm, practicing organic methods and diversity, with offerings such as produce, grass-based meats, eggs and dairy products. The farm collectively holds several licenses through Washington State Department of Agriculture, including poultry processing and commercial kitchen for further food processing. Although the farm was licensed in May 2007 as a Grade A raw goat milk dairy, the only dairy products it now sells are raw aged and pasteurized cheeses, yogurt and other processed items.
United States Magistrate Judge Strombom disregarded the recommendation of the Probation Office when she ruled against the proposed $250 fine and one-year probation for each defendant.
"I frankly don't see what benefit anybody gets from putting these people on probation," Strombom told the court. "I realize everybody here has come to this court agreeing to that, but I don't agree with it."
Both defense and prosecuting attorneys had argued for one year probation, and the probation office requested a $250 fine. The maximum sentence for the misdemeanor charge is one year in prison and a $100,000 fine.
"The fact that they pled guilty to this Class A misdemeanor is sufficient punishment for these two individuals," Strombom said.
Though she gave the couple six months to pay the mandatory assessment fee, they paid it before they left the courthouse.
Anita Puckett said, "We are humbled by Judge Strombom's decision. We're very happy to move past this, and are looking forward to the future."
She added, "We couldn't have made it through these last three years without all the help we were given from family, friends and supporters all over the country. We are so thankful for them."
More than 20 friends and family members attended the hearing in support of the Pucketts, and several of them began to cry as the judge pronounced the sentence.
The Pucketts pled guilty June 8 to misdemeanor charges of distributing adulterated food. The charges stemmed from cow-share participants crossing into Oregon with milk prepared under conditions where it may have contributed to injury, the plea agreement stated.
According to figures released by the Clark County Health Department, 18 people were sickened in December 2005 with a strain of E. coli that a Washington State Department of Agriculture investigation later linked to Dee Creek Farm. Five were hospitalized, and all have since fully recovered.
Dee Creek is a small, family-run farm, practicing organic methods and diversity, with offerings such as produce, grass-based meats, eggs and dairy products. The farm collectively holds several licenses through Washington State Department of Agriculture, including poultry processing and commercial kitchen for further food processing. Although the farm was licensed in May 2007 as a Grade A raw goat milk dairy, the only dairy products it now sells are raw aged and pasteurized cheeses, yogurt and other processed items.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
A convicted felon sues over bad food in jail.
By LEVI PULKKINEN
P-I REPORTER
A 10-time felon is suing King County alleging a crime against good taste -- serving moldy snacks to inmates.
In court documents filed earlier this month, Moses Wiggins III, 41, said he bought and ate moldy Keefe Snack Legends Dunkin' Sticks while jailed at the Norm Maleng Justice Center.
Wiggins didn't notice the green growth until he became violently ill halfway through a bag of the cookies. He claims staff at the Kent jail ignored his pleas for medical help as he spent several days vomiting while suffering from diarrhea and stomach cramps.
Representing himself in the suit, Wiggins has asked that he be compensated for his "pain, suffering, mental and emotional distress" by King County and snack stick manufacturer Keefe Group. No response has been filed in King County Superior Court.
Currently serving a 3 ½ year sentence at Stafford Creek Corrections Center near Aberdeen, Wiggins has been in trouble with the law since he was convicted at age 17 of attempted burglary. He pleaded guilty to first-degree theft in 2007 for his role in a Kent robbery during which a man was shot.
P-I REPORTER
A 10-time felon is suing King County alleging a crime against good taste -- serving moldy snacks to inmates.
In court documents filed earlier this month, Moses Wiggins III, 41, said he bought and ate moldy Keefe Snack Legends Dunkin' Sticks while jailed at the Norm Maleng Justice Center.
Wiggins didn't notice the green growth until he became violently ill halfway through a bag of the cookies. He claims staff at the Kent jail ignored his pleas for medical help as he spent several days vomiting while suffering from diarrhea and stomach cramps.
Representing himself in the suit, Wiggins has asked that he be compensated for his "pain, suffering, mental and emotional distress" by King County and snack stick manufacturer Keefe Group. No response has been filed in King County Superior Court.
Currently serving a 3 ½ year sentence at Stafford Creek Corrections Center near Aberdeen, Wiggins has been in trouble with the law since he was convicted at age 17 of attempted burglary. He pleaded guilty to first-degree theft in 2007 for his role in a Kent robbery during which a man was shot.
Two teens arrested in North Seattle robberies
Seattle police have arrested two teenagers in connection with a string of robberies Monday night in North Seattle.
By Sonia Krishnan
Seattle Times staff reporter
Seattle police have arrested two teenagers in connection with a string of robberies Monday night in North Seattle.
The boys, 17 and 16, were arrested around 10 p.m. Monday by detectives using "good, old-fashioned police work," said department spokeswoman Reneé Witt.
According to police, around 8:20 p.m., a person who had been robbed on the street on the 2000 block of Northeast 73rd Street called authorities to report the incident, said department spokesman Mark Jamieson.
The robbers were described as two black men in their early 20s wearing black hoodies and black shorts and armed with a handgun, Jamieson said.
Thirty minutes later, police got word of a similar robbery on the 300 block of North 46th Street, near Woodland Park Zoo, "involving possibly the same two" men, he said.
Ten minutes after that, police got reports of gunfire in the 300 block of North 103rd Street. The shots came from a dark-colored car headed to Aurora Avenue, Jamieson said. Officers were unable to track the car down but got a partial license plate.
Then another report of a street robbery came in 20 minutes later in the 8700 block of Phinney Avenue North. The victim gave the same description of the robbers and provided information about their license plate and car — a black Chrysler, Witt said.
Officers working the case recognized the car and traced the registration to a house in Seattle, she said. They showed up and arrested one of the suspects. The other boy was found in Renton.
Witnesses were able to identify the teens and they were booked into the King County Youth Services Center, she said.
Sonia Krishnan: 206-515-5546 or skrishnan@seattletimes.com
By Sonia Krishnan
Seattle Times staff reporter
Seattle police have arrested two teenagers in connection with a string of robberies Monday night in North Seattle.
The boys, 17 and 16, were arrested around 10 p.m. Monday by detectives using "good, old-fashioned police work," said department spokeswoman Reneé Witt.
According to police, around 8:20 p.m., a person who had been robbed on the street on the 2000 block of Northeast 73rd Street called authorities to report the incident, said department spokesman Mark Jamieson.
The robbers were described as two black men in their early 20s wearing black hoodies and black shorts and armed with a handgun, Jamieson said.
Thirty minutes later, police got word of a similar robbery on the 300 block of North 46th Street, near Woodland Park Zoo, "involving possibly the same two" men, he said.
Ten minutes after that, police got reports of gunfire in the 300 block of North 103rd Street. The shots came from a dark-colored car headed to Aurora Avenue, Jamieson said. Officers were unable to track the car down but got a partial license plate.
Then another report of a street robbery came in 20 minutes later in the 8700 block of Phinney Avenue North. The victim gave the same description of the robbers and provided information about their license plate and car — a black Chrysler, Witt said.
Officers working the case recognized the car and traced the registration to a house in Seattle, she said. They showed up and arrested one of the suspects. The other boy was found in Renton.
Witnesses were able to identify the teens and they were booked into the King County Youth Services Center, she said.
Sonia Krishnan: 206-515-5546 or skrishnan@seattletimes.com
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Violence erupts near Seattle Center
By ERIC WILKINSON / KING 5 news
SEATTLE - It was violent night at Seattle Center on Saturday as gunshots were fired toward police officers and at least one person was badly beaten.
There were at least two, possibly three violent incidents around Seattle Center Sunday night involving gunshots and assaults in the hours after a high school football game and hip hop party let out.
Police, including Seattle gang units, swarmed the area around Seattle Center beginning around 1:30 a.m.
Policed said the first incident involved someone who had approached police and asked for an escort to their car because they were afraid they would be attacked.
As officers were walking with that person, someone fired shots in their direction, but no one was hurt.
Another incident happened a few blocks away where there were shots fired near 2nd and Roy. Again no one was hurt.
In a third incident at about 2:20 a.m., a man was badly beaten.
All this was going on as the crowd lingered after the Garfield - Franklin High football game and as a long running, upscale urban dance party was taking place.
The promoter of that event doesn't believe anyone from his "Virgo 2008" party was involved. Chukundi Salisbury said he's sick of events like his getting a bad reputation because of other members of the community.
"This is indicative of a larger problem in Seattle and in Washington and across the country. So yeah, I'm upset. I'm upset that I even have to come here and talk about it, quite frankly because I got in the phone this morning with people who went to the even and they had no idea that anything had happened," said Salisbury.
Police say at least one person was arrested overnight. That person is believed to have been involved in the shots fired toward police.
SPD had no more information to release about the incident.
SEATTLE - It was violent night at Seattle Center on Saturday as gunshots were fired toward police officers and at least one person was badly beaten.
There were at least two, possibly three violent incidents around Seattle Center Sunday night involving gunshots and assaults in the hours after a high school football game and hip hop party let out.
Police, including Seattle gang units, swarmed the area around Seattle Center beginning around 1:30 a.m.
Policed said the first incident involved someone who had approached police and asked for an escort to their car because they were afraid they would be attacked.
As officers were walking with that person, someone fired shots in their direction, but no one was hurt.
Another incident happened a few blocks away where there were shots fired near 2nd and Roy. Again no one was hurt.
In a third incident at about 2:20 a.m., a man was badly beaten.
All this was going on as the crowd lingered after the Garfield - Franklin High football game and as a long running, upscale urban dance party was taking place.
The promoter of that event doesn't believe anyone from his "Virgo 2008" party was involved. Chukundi Salisbury said he's sick of events like his getting a bad reputation because of other members of the community.
"This is indicative of a larger problem in Seattle and in Washington and across the country. So yeah, I'm upset. I'm upset that I even have to come here and talk about it, quite frankly because I got in the phone this morning with people who went to the even and they had no idea that anything had happened," said Salisbury.
Police say at least one person was arrested overnight. That person is believed to have been involved in the shots fired toward police.
SPD had no more information to release about the incident.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Man gets 12 years for wife's attempted hanging: He told her noose was part of haunted house
Sean A. Jennings, 38, will spend 12 years in prison for the attempted hanging of his wife in October 2007, according to a plea agreement filed Tuesday.
By Meghann M. Cuniff
The Spokesman-Review
SPOKANE — It wasn't actually a haunted house. Her husband just told her that to get her to the garage.
Now, nearly a year later, Sean A. Jennings, 38, will spend 12 years in prison for the attempted hanging of his wife in October 2007, according to a plea agreement filed Tuesday.
Along with probation and fines, Jennings can have no contact with his ex-wife, who called police from a Wal-Mart two days after her husband lured her into a noose in the garage by telling her he'd set up a haunted house for Halloween.
Jennings pleaded guilty to second-degree attempted murder, according to Spokane Superior Court documents. He originally faced a first-degree attempted murder charge.
"He just felt horrible about the whole thing," said his public defender, Anna Nordtvedt. "He thought that the offer and the amended charge reflected what happened."
Nordtvedt said Jennings apologized to a judge and has shown only remorse during the time she's spent with him. Neither side would have benefited from a jury trial, she said.
"There were a lot of issues happening with both of them," she said. "It's just a really bad situation, but I think that there were some contributing factors."
Spokane County Deputy Prosecutor Mark Lindsey did not return a phone message left late Tuesday afternoon.
The woman said she was working on a computer at the couple's home on North Audubon Street on Oct. 7 when Jennings called her to the garage to see a haunted house. Saying he wanted to surprise her, Jennings blindfolded his wife, then handcuffed her and slipped a noose around her neck after she stepped up on a ladder, according to a Spokane police report.
The two struggled, and Jennings released his wife of a year and a half just as she lost consciousness, according to the report. The woman told police Jennings had told her hanging her was "better than getting a divorce," according to the report.
After his wife regained consciousness, Jennings told her to put aloe vera on the rope burn and then hide it with a neck brace, according to police.
The couple's divorce was finalized a month later, according to newspaper records.
"I think even (she) was just astounded," Nordtvedt said. "Both Sean and I hope that she can get on with things."
Jennings' two children who lived with the couple are being cared for by his parents, Nordtvedt said.
By Meghann M. Cuniff
The Spokesman-Review
SPOKANE — It wasn't actually a haunted house. Her husband just told her that to get her to the garage.
Now, nearly a year later, Sean A. Jennings, 38, will spend 12 years in prison for the attempted hanging of his wife in October 2007, according to a plea agreement filed Tuesday.
Along with probation and fines, Jennings can have no contact with his ex-wife, who called police from a Wal-Mart two days after her husband lured her into a noose in the garage by telling her he'd set up a haunted house for Halloween.
Jennings pleaded guilty to second-degree attempted murder, according to Spokane Superior Court documents. He originally faced a first-degree attempted murder charge.
"He just felt horrible about the whole thing," said his public defender, Anna Nordtvedt. "He thought that the offer and the amended charge reflected what happened."
Nordtvedt said Jennings apologized to a judge and has shown only remorse during the time she's spent with him. Neither side would have benefited from a jury trial, she said.
"There were a lot of issues happening with both of them," she said. "It's just a really bad situation, but I think that there were some contributing factors."
Spokane County Deputy Prosecutor Mark Lindsey did not return a phone message left late Tuesday afternoon.
The woman said she was working on a computer at the couple's home on North Audubon Street on Oct. 7 when Jennings called her to the garage to see a haunted house. Saying he wanted to surprise her, Jennings blindfolded his wife, then handcuffed her and slipped a noose around her neck after she stepped up on a ladder, according to a Spokane police report.
The two struggled, and Jennings released his wife of a year and a half just as she lost consciousness, according to the report. The woman told police Jennings had told her hanging her was "better than getting a divorce," according to the report.
After his wife regained consciousness, Jennings told her to put aloe vera on the rope burn and then hide it with a neck brace, according to police.
The couple's divorce was finalized a month later, according to newspaper records.
"I think even (she) was just astounded," Nordtvedt said. "Both Sean and I hope that she can get on with things."
Jennings' two children who lived with the couple are being cared for by his parents, Nordtvedt said.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Cars vandalized at Lynnwood park-and-ride
By GARY CHITTIM / KING 5 News
LYNNWOOD, Wash. - Imagine getting off the bus after a long shift at work over the holiday weekend only to find your car windows smashed out. That's what is happening to nearly a couple dozen people at a Lynnwood park-and-ride.
The normally packed lot at the Ash Way Park-and-Ride was nearly empty over the holiday weekend. But there were enough cars to interest some vandals who seemed more interested in causing damage than ripping people off.
The calls started coming in about 6:00 a.m. Monday from park-and-ride users who returned to very little left of the car windows.
"I'm just trying to get home without getting injured by all this glass," said Christine Booth, park-and-ride commuter.
Booth is a nurse who parked at the Ash Way Park-and-Ride Sunday night. She is a regular commuter who thinks having one window smashed out to get to her valuables but three smashed out for no reason is just hard to understand.
"I mean, why would they not take anything?" she said. "I have stuff here that's worth quite a bit of money. And they didn't take any of it."
"We heard that about 20 vehicles were broken into," said Tom Pearce, Community Transit spokesman.
Community Transit officials who should be celebrating their largest ridership ever in July with over a million passengers are not happy to find their park and ride filled with glass, strewn personal belongings and having to reassure some angry customers.
"Crime in our park and rides has been down significantly over the last several years and that is due a large part due to our work the Snohomish County Sheriffs," said Pearce.
The Snohomish County Sheriff's Department has some good evidence to view. Whoever decided to trash the cars must not have looked up or they would have seen one of dozens of surveillance cameras spraying every nook and cranny of the parking lot.
And solving this crime just might clear up another recent one at another park and ride. Just up the road in Mukilteo, someone pulled off the same kind of crime in the Sounder Park-and-Ride, causing lots of damage but not taking much.
There were some items stolen. Deputies aren't saying much, but that will just add to the list of crimes against the people who did this. It's just a matter of time until deputies find them on the surveillance tapes and put their pictures on the air.
LYNNWOOD, Wash. - Imagine getting off the bus after a long shift at work over the holiday weekend only to find your car windows smashed out. That's what is happening to nearly a couple dozen people at a Lynnwood park-and-ride.
The normally packed lot at the Ash Way Park-and-Ride was nearly empty over the holiday weekend. But there were enough cars to interest some vandals who seemed more interested in causing damage than ripping people off.
The calls started coming in about 6:00 a.m. Monday from park-and-ride users who returned to very little left of the car windows.
"I'm just trying to get home without getting injured by all this glass," said Christine Booth, park-and-ride commuter.
Booth is a nurse who parked at the Ash Way Park-and-Ride Sunday night. She is a regular commuter who thinks having one window smashed out to get to her valuables but three smashed out for no reason is just hard to understand.
"I mean, why would they not take anything?" she said. "I have stuff here that's worth quite a bit of money. And they didn't take any of it."
"We heard that about 20 vehicles were broken into," said Tom Pearce, Community Transit spokesman.
Community Transit officials who should be celebrating their largest ridership ever in July with over a million passengers are not happy to find their park and ride filled with glass, strewn personal belongings and having to reassure some angry customers.
"Crime in our park and rides has been down significantly over the last several years and that is due a large part due to our work the Snohomish County Sheriffs," said Pearce.
The Snohomish County Sheriff's Department has some good evidence to view. Whoever decided to trash the cars must not have looked up or they would have seen one of dozens of surveillance cameras spraying every nook and cranny of the parking lot.
And solving this crime just might clear up another recent one at another park and ride. Just up the road in Mukilteo, someone pulled off the same kind of crime in the Sounder Park-and-Ride, causing lots of damage but not taking much.
There were some items stolen. Deputies aren't saying much, but that will just add to the list of crimes against the people who did this. It's just a matter of time until deputies find them on the surveillance tapes and put their pictures on the air.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
20,000 marijuana plants seized in Klickitat County
Authorities have reported the seizure of 20,000 mature marijuana plants in Klickitat County.
GOLDENDALE, Wash. —
Authorities have reported the seizure of 20,000 mature marijuana plants in Klickitat County.
Sheriff's deputies also say four armed people were arrested Wednesday and Thursday and are now in federal custody.
Deputies say 15,000 pot plants were found and two people were arrested Thursday on public land about eight miles north of White Salmon.
Two arrests also were made Wednesday as 5,000 marijuana plants were removed from rangeland about 10 miles east of Goldendale.
Also participating in the raids were the Drug Enforcement Administration and Washington State Patrol.
---
Information from: Yakima Herald-Republic, http://www.yakima-herald.com
GOLDENDALE, Wash. —
Authorities have reported the seizure of 20,000 mature marijuana plants in Klickitat County.
Sheriff's deputies also say four armed people were arrested Wednesday and Thursday and are now in federal custody.
Deputies say 15,000 pot plants were found and two people were arrested Thursday on public land about eight miles north of White Salmon.
Two arrests also were made Wednesday as 5,000 marijuana plants were removed from rangeland about 10 miles east of Goldendale.
Also participating in the raids were the Drug Enforcement Administration and Washington State Patrol.
---
Information from: Yakima Herald-Republic, http://www.yakima-herald.com
Friday, August 29, 2008
Man dies after being pushed from car; Shoreline resident arrested
Seattle police have arrested a 27-year-old Shoreline man for investigation of homicide after he reportedly pushed a man out of a vehicle in South Seattle on Thursday morning.
By Jennifer Sullivan
Seattle Times staff reporter
Seattle police have arrested a 27-year-old Shoreline man in the investigation of a homicide after he reportedly pushed a man out of a vehicle in South Seattle on Thursday morning.
Police initially looked at the case as possibly being a medically related death after finding the victim, who had some type of medical equipment attached to his body. But around 9 p.m. Thursday, homicide investigators arrested the Shoreline man outside of Seattle, said police spokeswoman Reneé Witt.
"It's not a random situation. These two gentlemen were acquaintances," Witt said.
Witt declined to say how officers found the suspect or what linked him to the case.
Officers were called to Ninth Avenue South and South Dakota Street at 7:30 a.m. Thursday after a witness reported seeing someone push the a person with a belt around his neck from a 2005 Kia Rio. The 61-year-old victim was dead when police arrived. The victim appeared to have been dead for a while, police said.
The driver was last seen traveling south on Airport Way South, Witt said.
The man arrested has no prior felony history in Washington state.
Jennifer Sullivan: 206-464-8294 or jensullivan@seattletimes.com
By Jennifer Sullivan
Seattle Times staff reporter
Seattle police have arrested a 27-year-old Shoreline man in the investigation of a homicide after he reportedly pushed a man out of a vehicle in South Seattle on Thursday morning.
Police initially looked at the case as possibly being a medically related death after finding the victim, who had some type of medical equipment attached to his body. But around 9 p.m. Thursday, homicide investigators arrested the Shoreline man outside of Seattle, said police spokeswoman Reneé Witt.
"It's not a random situation. These two gentlemen were acquaintances," Witt said.
Witt declined to say how officers found the suspect or what linked him to the case.
Officers were called to Ninth Avenue South and South Dakota Street at 7:30 a.m. Thursday after a witness reported seeing someone push the a person with a belt around his neck from a 2005 Kia Rio. The 61-year-old victim was dead when police arrived. The victim appeared to have been dead for a while, police said.
The driver was last seen traveling south on Airport Way South, Witt said.
The man arrested has no prior felony history in Washington state.
Jennifer Sullivan: 206-464-8294 or jensullivan@seattletimes.com
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Body dumped from car; police investigating
By MIKE BARBER
P-I REPORTER
Seattle police are investigating a body that was pushed from a car at Ninth Avenue South and South Dakota Street early Thursday.
A witness around 7:30 a.m. saw a black or dark colored Kia drive into the area and dump the body then drive away. A witness tried to follow the car but lost sight of it on Airport Way, police said.
Police spokesman Renee Witt said the victim, a male of unknown age, did not move or breathe and is believed to have already been dead when pushed from the car.
Police have cordoned off the area, located just west of Interstate 5, and are searching for the car, a 2005 Kia Rio, Washington license 549-UXG.
P-I REPORTER
Seattle police are investigating a body that was pushed from a car at Ninth Avenue South and South Dakota Street early Thursday.
A witness around 7:30 a.m. saw a black or dark colored Kia drive into the area and dump the body then drive away. A witness tried to follow the car but lost sight of it on Airport Way, police said.
Police spokesman Renee Witt said the victim, a male of unknown age, did not move or breathe and is believed to have already been dead when pushed from the car.
Police have cordoned off the area, located just west of Interstate 5, and are searching for the car, a 2005 Kia Rio, Washington license 549-UXG.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Border agents arrest Federal Way fugitive
By PAUL SHUKOVSKY
P-I REPORTER
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers arrested a Federal Way fugitive Monday at the Peace Arch border crossing who is wanted by King County for failure to appear in court on a narcotics violation.
Officers turned Daniel Hildreth, 47, over to Whatcom County Sheriff's deputies after a digital name check revealed a warrant in the FBI's National Criminal Information Center database.
"The arrest of fugitives attempting to re-enter the US through our ports of entry is a critical element of our border security mission", said Service Port Director Margaret Fearon "and represents CBP's commitment to protect our local communities."
P-I REPORTER
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers arrested a Federal Way fugitive Monday at the Peace Arch border crossing who is wanted by King County for failure to appear in court on a narcotics violation.
Officers turned Daniel Hildreth, 47, over to Whatcom County Sheriff's deputies after a digital name check revealed a warrant in the FBI's National Criminal Information Center database.
"The arrest of fugitives attempting to re-enter the US through our ports of entry is a critical element of our border security mission", said Service Port Director Margaret Fearon "and represents CBP's commitment to protect our local communities."
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Patrol car windshield shattered at Shelton
Juveniles accused of shattering the windshield on a Washington State Patrol car under a Shelton overpass told police they thought it would be funny to see a car get hit with a rock.
SHELTON, Wash. —
Juveniles accused of shattering the windshield on a Washington State Patrol car under a Shelton overpass told police they thought it would be funny to see a car get hit with a rock.
They didn't realize the car that was hit early Monday on Highway 101 was a patrol car.
The patrol says the trooper was not injured. He was able describe a car on the overpass to dispatchers. Police found it and arrested a 22-year-old Shelton man and two 14-year-olds from Shelton.
The man was booked into the Mason County Jail for investigation of charges that including furnishing liquor to a minor. The teens were booked into juvenile detention for consumption of alcohol, malicious mischief and reckless endangerment.
SHELTON, Wash. —
Juveniles accused of shattering the windshield on a Washington State Patrol car under a Shelton overpass told police they thought it would be funny to see a car get hit with a rock.
They didn't realize the car that was hit early Monday on Highway 101 was a patrol car.
The patrol says the trooper was not injured. He was able describe a car on the overpass to dispatchers. Police found it and arrested a 22-year-old Shelton man and two 14-year-olds from Shelton.
The man was booked into the Mason County Jail for investigation of charges that including furnishing liquor to a minor. The teens were booked into juvenile detention for consumption of alcohol, malicious mischief and reckless endangerment.
Thieves get away with five purebred puppies
By TRICIA MANNING-SMITH / KING 5 News
DES MOINES, Wash. – Dognappers stole an entire litter of purebred miniature Australian shepherd puppies from a Des Moines dog breeder.
Sue McCullough tears up when she looks at the puppies' empty kennel.
It didn't take her long to gather evidence Saturday morning.
"I'm assuming they moved the barrel under the window," she said. "Someone was standing on here as they passed the puppies out the window, out to someone out here, then over the fence."
She pointed to a newly made trail over the fence, into her neighbor's empty yard where she believes the thieves escaped with the dogs.
"They were part of the family and we wanted them to go to good homes. Now we don't know where they are," she said.
Bu McCullough believes she knows who took the five 10-week-old puppies: Two men who came to her certified Des Moines kennel the night before to look at the dogs.
She said the men looked around the property and didn't seem to know much about miniature Australian shepherds. They said they'd call back.
They never did call back, but the puppies disappeared.
McCullough never got their names or any identifying information, such as type of car or license plate number.
She urges others to be more careful as she hopes for the safety of the puppies.
The dogs are worth about $600 each.
The Des Moines Police are investigating.
DES MOINES, Wash. – Dognappers stole an entire litter of purebred miniature Australian shepherd puppies from a Des Moines dog breeder.
Sue McCullough tears up when she looks at the puppies' empty kennel.
It didn't take her long to gather evidence Saturday morning.
"I'm assuming they moved the barrel under the window," she said. "Someone was standing on here as they passed the puppies out the window, out to someone out here, then over the fence."
She pointed to a newly made trail over the fence, into her neighbor's empty yard where she believes the thieves escaped with the dogs.
"They were part of the family and we wanted them to go to good homes. Now we don't know where they are," she said.
Bu McCullough believes she knows who took the five 10-week-old puppies: Two men who came to her certified Des Moines kennel the night before to look at the dogs.
She said the men looked around the property and didn't seem to know much about miniature Australian shepherds. They said they'd call back.
They never did call back, but the puppies disappeared.
McCullough never got their names or any identifying information, such as type of car or license plate number.
She urges others to be more careful as she hopes for the safety of the puppies.
The dogs are worth about $600 each.
The Des Moines Police are investigating.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Red light cameras come to Federal Way
By CHARLOTTE STARCK / KING 5 News
FEDERAL WAY, Wash. - A crackdown on red light runners begins this morning in Federal Way.
The city's new red light camera program aims to cut down on red light accidents at two of the city's busiest intersections: 320th and Pacific Hwy South and 348th and Enchanted Parkway.
"The risk is so great people are injured in such a staggering number across the country that we want people to know primarily that you're not going to get away with it anymore when you run the red light," said Stan McCall, Federal Way Police.
The casualties are not something to ignore. Statistics show that more than 800 people die each year due to red light runners, another 175,000 are injured nationwide, according to the National Campaign to Stop Red Light Running.
"Our officers can't be 24 hours a day in every single location," said Jeanne Burbidge, Federal Way City Councilmember.
None of the statistics take into account property damage, medical treatment and productivity losses.
Now Federal Way follows more than a dozen Puget Sound communities by placing cameras at South 320th Street at Pacific Highway South and South 348th Street at Enchanted Parkway.
"I see people all the time going through at the last second and, you know, that's when accidents happen," said Federal Way driver, Kay Jones.
Gary Poelstra, visiting Federal Way, got a ticket in the past.
"I'm telling you it made me far more alert from then on," he said.
The fine is $124, but Monday marks the beginning of a 30-day grace period, which runs through Sept.24. Starting Sept. 25, registered owners of the vehicles will get the actual ticket, which includes a photograph of their license plate and an online link to a video of their car going through the light.
FEDERAL WAY, Wash. - A crackdown on red light runners begins this morning in Federal Way.
The city's new red light camera program aims to cut down on red light accidents at two of the city's busiest intersections: 320th and Pacific Hwy South and 348th and Enchanted Parkway.
"The risk is so great people are injured in such a staggering number across the country that we want people to know primarily that you're not going to get away with it anymore when you run the red light," said Stan McCall, Federal Way Police.
The casualties are not something to ignore. Statistics show that more than 800 people die each year due to red light runners, another 175,000 are injured nationwide, according to the National Campaign to Stop Red Light Running.
"Our officers can't be 24 hours a day in every single location," said Jeanne Burbidge, Federal Way City Councilmember.
None of the statistics take into account property damage, medical treatment and productivity losses.
Now Federal Way follows more than a dozen Puget Sound communities by placing cameras at South 320th Street at Pacific Highway South and South 348th Street at Enchanted Parkway.
"I see people all the time going through at the last second and, you know, that's when accidents happen," said Federal Way driver, Kay Jones.
Gary Poelstra, visiting Federal Way, got a ticket in the past.
"I'm telling you it made me far more alert from then on," he said.
The fine is $124, but Monday marks the beginning of a 30-day grace period, which runs through Sept.24. Starting Sept. 25, registered owners of the vehicles will get the actual ticket, which includes a photograph of their license plate and an online link to a video of their car going through the light.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Parkland 'bikini barista' scalds flasher
By DREW MIKKELSEN / KING 5 News
PARKLAND, Wash. - A Parkland barista threw a cup of boiling water at a man who deputies said had repeatedly flashed the woman.
The woman wears a bikini while she serves coffee at "Java Girls."
Investigators say the man was wearing women's underwear and had come to the stand harassing baristas at least three times.
A surveillance camera at the coffee stand recorded the barista throwing the hot water at the man.
"I can't say there's a direct correlation between these places and these incidents," said Pierce County Det. Jerry Bates, "But it's something we're watching for out there."
PARKLAND, Wash. - A Parkland barista threw a cup of boiling water at a man who deputies said had repeatedly flashed the woman.
The woman wears a bikini while she serves coffee at "Java Girls."
Investigators say the man was wearing women's underwear and had come to the stand harassing baristas at least three times.
A surveillance camera at the coffee stand recorded the barista throwing the hot water at the man.
"I can't say there's a direct correlation between these places and these incidents," said Pierce County Det. Jerry Bates, "But it's something we're watching for out there."
Lawyer pleads guilty to murdering courtroom rival
By LEVI PULKKINEN
P-I REPORTER
A disgraced lawyer already convicted of shooting his opposing counsel has pleaded guilty to murder.
Nearly three years have passed since Mill Creek attorney William Joice was convicted of attempted murder for the Nov. 3, 2004, shooting of Kevin Jung.
Joice fired at Jung three times from close range striking his target once in the head. Joice then drove off planning to make a 10 a.m. court appearance in Everett.
In December 2005, a King County jury took barely 30 minutes to convict Joice of attempted murder in the first degree and 13 minutes more to decide it was an aggravated crime.
He was sentenced to 32 years in prison, an exceptionally long sentence for the charges against him.
Days after Joice was sentenced, Jung succumbed to the massive head trauma caused by the bullet Joice fired.
On Tuesday, Joice pleaded guilty to first-degree murder, according to court documents.
As part of a plea agreement, Joice, now 54, received the same sentence given to him under the earlier charge.
King County Prosecutor's Office spokesman Dan Donohoe said Joice also agreed to withdraw his appeal currently before the state Supreme Court.
Joice and Jung opposed each other in a commercial lawsuit filed in Snohomish County Superior Court.
At his earlier sentencing, Joice told the judge he'd fallen behind in his work and was losing his case to Jung.
P-I REPORTER
A disgraced lawyer already convicted of shooting his opposing counsel has pleaded guilty to murder.
Nearly three years have passed since Mill Creek attorney William Joice was convicted of attempted murder for the Nov. 3, 2004, shooting of Kevin Jung.
Joice fired at Jung three times from close range striking his target once in the head. Joice then drove off planning to make a 10 a.m. court appearance in Everett.
In December 2005, a King County jury took barely 30 minutes to convict Joice of attempted murder in the first degree and 13 minutes more to decide it was an aggravated crime.
He was sentenced to 32 years in prison, an exceptionally long sentence for the charges against him.
Days after Joice was sentenced, Jung succumbed to the massive head trauma caused by the bullet Joice fired.
On Tuesday, Joice pleaded guilty to first-degree murder, according to court documents.
As part of a plea agreement, Joice, now 54, received the same sentence given to him under the earlier charge.
King County Prosecutor's Office spokesman Dan Donohoe said Joice also agreed to withdraw his appeal currently before the state Supreme Court.
Joice and Jung opposed each other in a commercial lawsuit filed in Snohomish County Superior Court.
At his earlier sentencing, Joice told the judge he'd fallen behind in his work and was losing his case to Jung.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
DUI signs are message from grieving families
By CELESTE FLINT
P-I REPORTER
Along state highways, bold signs convey a simple plea, "PLEASE DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE."
They're a part of the Washington State Department of Transportation's DUI Memorial Sign Program to prevent drunken driving, but they also act as a memorial, bearing the names of people killed in drunken-driving accidents.
"I see all the signs as a voice. We need the laws changed, and the only way we can do that is for people to see what we're losing," said Caroline Clay, the mother of Cassandra Clay, who died in an accident Oct. 1, 2007.
On Tuesday, Caroline Clay participated in a sign dedication for her daughter and Shane Bender, who also was killed in a DUI-related accident at state Routh 7 and 159th Street Southeast in Spanaway.
"The weekend before Cassandra was killed, there was an article about a lady having 13 DUIs, and (Cassandra) said, 'Mom how does this happen?' And I had no answer for that," Clay said. "Hopefully people will see these signs and ask why were these people on the road."
The program to erect the DUI signs started in 1994 as a grass-roots effort by a Walla Walla family that lost a loved one in a drunken-driving accident. They wanted a way to set up a formal sign. Now there are 126 signs on state highways, said Pat O'Leary, DOT traffic regulation specialist.
"Since we established the program, there have been a number of local agencies in our state who have developed companion programs. They use very similar signs and program criteria," O'Leary said.
The signs cost $300 to $700, and the prices are about to go up. However, victims' panels and organizations like Mothers Against Drunk Driving find ways to help families pay for them, O'Leary said.
After her daughter's death, Clay decided to start speaking for the Pierce County DUI Victim Panel, which eventually decided to pay for her daughter's sign.
For the families, it's like a message in a bottle. They put it out there and hope it saves someone's life. The hope makes it worth working with these families on a daily basis, O'Leary said.
"It's a really tough position for us as well, when we go to these scenes and we see what it does to the families," State Patrol Trooper Brandy Kessler said.
In 2007, there were 231 alcohol-related car fatalities, according to the Washington State Traffic Safety Commission.
"We have more people killed in automobile accidents that way then we do by guns. So it's a very serious thing," Kessler said.
For Clay, she wanted to have her say.
"All of her (Cassandra's) friends and the people she knew just about take that road at some point. For me it's a reminder for them," Clay said. "I see this as a chance for Cassandra to keep talking."
P-I REPORTER
Along state highways, bold signs convey a simple plea, "PLEASE DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE."
They're a part of the Washington State Department of Transportation's DUI Memorial Sign Program to prevent drunken driving, but they also act as a memorial, bearing the names of people killed in drunken-driving accidents.
"I see all the signs as a voice. We need the laws changed, and the only way we can do that is for people to see what we're losing," said Caroline Clay, the mother of Cassandra Clay, who died in an accident Oct. 1, 2007.
On Tuesday, Caroline Clay participated in a sign dedication for her daughter and Shane Bender, who also was killed in a DUI-related accident at state Routh 7 and 159th Street Southeast in Spanaway.
"The weekend before Cassandra was killed, there was an article about a lady having 13 DUIs, and (Cassandra) said, 'Mom how does this happen?' And I had no answer for that," Clay said. "Hopefully people will see these signs and ask why were these people on the road."
The program to erect the DUI signs started in 1994 as a grass-roots effort by a Walla Walla family that lost a loved one in a drunken-driving accident. They wanted a way to set up a formal sign. Now there are 126 signs on state highways, said Pat O'Leary, DOT traffic regulation specialist.
"Since we established the program, there have been a number of local agencies in our state who have developed companion programs. They use very similar signs and program criteria," O'Leary said.
The signs cost $300 to $700, and the prices are about to go up. However, victims' panels and organizations like Mothers Against Drunk Driving find ways to help families pay for them, O'Leary said.
After her daughter's death, Clay decided to start speaking for the Pierce County DUI Victim Panel, which eventually decided to pay for her daughter's sign.
For the families, it's like a message in a bottle. They put it out there and hope it saves someone's life. The hope makes it worth working with these families on a daily basis, O'Leary said.
"It's a really tough position for us as well, when we go to these scenes and we see what it does to the families," State Patrol Trooper Brandy Kessler said.
In 2007, there were 231 alcohol-related car fatalities, according to the Washington State Traffic Safety Commission.
"We have more people killed in automobile accidents that way then we do by guns. So it's a very serious thing," Kessler said.
For Clay, she wanted to have her say.
"All of her (Cassandra's) friends and the people she knew just about take that road at some point. For me it's a reminder for them," Clay said. "I see this as a chance for Cassandra to keep talking."
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