Sheriff Sue Rahr has been sounding the alarm that proposed King County budget cuts are putting public safety "in peril". City council received a notice, sent to a wide range of city officials, on this topic last week.

Tonight, she is hosting a meeting in Skyway to discuss what these proposed cuts could mean to the Sheriff's office, and to citizens who rely on King County for local police protection (unincorporated areas). This is one of four "town-meeting" style forums she is planning on this topic.

The politics are interesting, since Sheriff is an elected position-- just like King County Council and King County Executive. Hence, Sheriff Rahr is on solid ground making a pitch to constituents that she needs more money or else they will see a cut in services. How this will play to the King County Council budget writers remains to be seen.

Renton City Council and Mayor Law continue to make local public safety our highest priority, and we do not anticipate any police policy shifts or noticeable service shifts as a result of the current economic downturn. Bad guys in Renton won't be getting any slack. But the county police issues can still affect us when we travel/work/shop/etc in unincorporated areas.

Tonight's meeting details are as follows:

October 22nd
7:00 - 8:30 pm
Skyway United
Methodist Church
11800 Renton Ave S
Seattle, WA 98178




Here is a King 5 Story with more information about the proposed cuts

Renton Police looking for suspect in sexual assault in the Highlands



The Renton Police Department is asking for the public's help in finding a black male in his early 20s who sexually assaulted a 45-year-old Renton woman on the night of Oct. 3.

The victim told police she was assaulted at about 11:30 p.m. in the 2800 block of Sunset Boulevard Northeast by a man who got into the passenger side of her car. She had just returned to her car from a local business.

She described the suspect as a black male, 20 to 25 years old, medium height, slender build and squinty eyes. He was wearing a hooded sweatshirt, dark puffy jacket and saggy blue jeans.

Read the full story here

News sources today reported on a very sad, and very unnecessary, post-script to a story I commented on in my journal entry Don't tase me bro! Tasers make news, but (thankfully) not in Renton . Today, it was reported that the officer killed himself in his grief over his decision to use a taser on a mentally ill man who then fell from a ledge.

While the officer made an error in common sense, and the department's new added training is a good idea, there was no reason in the world for the distraught officer to take his own life. This illustrates how conscientious New York's officers are. But it's terribly, terribly sad, and I wish the New York officer had received more post-incident counseling.

The Federal Way Mirror recently wrote an article on tasers which you can see here

Police tasers simply can not seem to stay of the news. Perhaps this is because they are the tool of choice in police cases where emotions, drugs, or violent mental illness have gotten the better of a suspect, and these cases are incendiary and confusing by their nature.

Today the New York Police Department took responsibility for using a taser incorrectly on a mentally ill man who was standing on a ledge, causing the man to fall to his death when he lost control of his muscles. (This appears to be an isolated case of an officer failing to use common sense, since New York Police handled 82,000 similar cases last year with no notable reports.)

Closer to home, the Tukwila Police Department has been answering public concerns about their use of tasers in a case which has made it into the federal court system.

I remember when we introduced tasers in Renton a dozen years ago. Council watched as an officer was shot by the taser in the council chambers, and the tough cop crumpled and fell onto a mattress that was positioned to break his fall. At that time, Then chief Al Wallis made a promise that if we agreed to fund the tasers for all our officers, he promised to make sure they were all properly trained on when and where to use them...and each officer that carried a taser would agree to be tased first, to see how it felt.

Our accredited police department made good on their training promise, and I can't remember a single incident that has come to councils attention alleging an improper use of a taser in all these years. A few years ago one of our sergeant explained to me that we treat the taser as a higher level of force than some departments do, which may explain why there are fewer uses of them, and fewer complaints.

With several fresh taser cases in mind, I phoned our own Chief Kevin Milosovich for a refresher on our taser policy.

The chief explained to me that when we introduced tasers, we recognized three levels of force in our department.

Level 1, the lowest, was the use of officers presence, voice commands, or light guiding touch.

Level 2, Arm holds, wrestling down to ground, hitting, tasers

level 3, Lethal force, firearms

In this system, Renton police treated tasers as a Level 2 device. But many other departments considered tasers a Level 1 device. Hence, our officers used them less than many other departments.

Our police have since moved from a system of distinct force levels to a continuum scale which responds to suspects behavior with appropriate response. But the taser is still toward the middle of this continuum... it is not the tactic of choice when just voice commands, reason, negotiation, or guiding will work safely.

In a severe conflict, tasers have many advantages for the police, and they are better for violent suspects than most of the alternatives. The taser can be fired from a 30 foot distance, which means the police can take down a suspect without putting themselves in harms way. This obviously benefits the police, but it is also an advantage to an out-of-control suspect; if they can be prevented from harming an officer they can be spared extra years in a criminal sentence.

Tasers are also better than nightsticks for avoiding long-term injury. Almost always, a suspect will recover from a taser on their own in minutes, where a hit from a nightstick can require medical attention and leaves scars or bruises. And of course tasers are obviously better than a gun when lethal force can be avoided; no police officer ever wants to shoot a gun if they can avoid it.

Incidentally, the title for this blog, "Don't tase me Bro" (which came from an incident a year ago during a John Kerry Speech)was determined to be the most memorable quote of 2007 according to the "Yale Book of Quotations"

Video of the incident became a viral video on youtube, and inspired several songs and amateur video remixes (like the one below).

As someone who has traveled with many "anxious" fliers, I hope the government does not waste too much money with this latest idea for screening for terrorists. The federal government is proposing to develop a machine that screens travelers for anxiety, using a remote camera system. I expect that even if this works to detect anxiety, screeners will find about one million people anxious because their flight is delayed, or they can't stand airports, or they are terrified to fly, or they are about to spend Christmas with their crazy uncle, or they feel their taxes are too high, or they don't like being scanned for anxiety-- for every one person that is anxious because he/she harbors ill intent. And even if someone is anxious because they have ill intent, we will still need to find a weapon on them, or documents out of order, to make an arrest...both things that we are already checking for. The human beings already checking documents and looking for weapons are also very good at detecting anxiety; perhaps they need more training to know what questions to ask when someone looks nervous, and how to discern common travel stress from terrorist behavior. That way, maybe we can avoid queuing up at the anxiety detector--we don't need one more line to stand in at the airport.

That's my initial reaction.

What do you all think? Am I wrong? Can a machine like this make us safer for a fair price?

Here is the story:

( Read more... )

In case you missed this story, here are the details


Woman arrested for two overdue library books

Councilman Rich Zwicker forwarded this today:

FYI. This is an e-mail I sent my North Renton e-mailing list.
----- Original Message -----
From: Rich Zwicker
Sent: Saturday, August 23, 2008 12:52 PM
Subject: Residential Burglaries on the Upswing

I spoke with Mayor Law this morning and he asked me to assist the City in getting the word out about a rash of residential burglaries that are taking place in the Benson/Cascade area and the Highlands. For reasons unknown, there have multiple burglaries throughout these areas and they are consisting of the usual MOs--occurring during the day; entry through open windows or smashing doors or windows to gain entry.

While this is not a North Renton problem, let's make sure it does not become one. And encourage your friends and neighbors in the impacted areas to be especially vigilant.

The best way to fight these burglaries is to keep an eye out for each other. So, please keep a sharp eye on your neighborhood and do not hesitate to contact 911 if you see anyone or anything out of the ordinary--strange vehicles; unknown youths, door-to-door salespeople, etc. If you notify the police, they can determine if someone has bad intentions, so just take a moment to report the out of the ordinary and we can help stop this disturbing trend.

- Rich.

What the.....! This is very tragic, and very strange.

Update: Email from our police department:

Just in case you get any calls regarding the fire last evening here is what we know:

Police are called to 654 NE 6th Place about 7:45 p.m.
Victim (22 year old female) and just arrived home with 4 year old boy
Suspect (52 year old female) starts chasing victim with a knife and machete. Victim suffers superficial scratches.
Victim goes to neighbors house and phones 911
Police arrive on scene, suspect is already inside the duplex
As police are attempting to negotiate with the suspect, the house erupts in flames
Fire is covering both exits from the house, so officers shoot bean bags through the windows in an attempt to create an escape route for the victim
Fire arrives, extinguishes fire
Suspect is found dead inside the duplex

At no time, did the police department deploy tear gas or any other form of chemical into the house
There were several vocal neighbors last night that spoke with the media indicating that we had set the house on fire, this is simply not true
Early reports from the fire department indicate that the probable cause of the fire was gasoline inside the home

We had responded to this residence before, the suspect was exhibiting signs of mental instability during those contacts


Here is the PI Story:_________________________________

Renton woman attacks neighbors with machete, burns to death
P-I STAFF AND NEWS SERVICES

RENTON – A 52-year-old woman threatened her neighbor with a knife and machete, then retreated to her own half of a duplex, which erupted in flames. She was found dead inside, police reported Monday.

Renton police spokeswoman Penny Bartley said police responded Monday night to a call for help from the woman who lives in one half of a Renton Highlands duplex. She said she had just arrived home shortly before 8 p.m. with a small child when her neighbor came at her with the weapons. The woman suffered some superficial wounds and fled to a neighbor's house to call for help.

The armed woman's half of the duplex erupted in flames as police arrived. Although they broke out a window with beanbag rounds, she did not attempt to leave.

Bartley says police had recently responded to other reports of the 52-year-old being armed with a knife.

The dead woman was not immediately identified. The exact cause of the fire is under investigation.

More on this story, with video of the fire, on King 5 News

Yesterday the Seattle PI reported on some prostitution arrests associated with a Renton business. An observer did not have to be a vice detective to see that the Red Dragon Spa in Renton looked suspicious. In addition to odd activity in the window and out front, their internet advertisements on Craigslist practically screamed "arrest us".

Here is an excerpt:

"In November, detectives began investigating the Red Dragon Spa at 352 Sunset Blvd. N. in Renton after seeing it advertised on a Web site for erotic services. The ad offered three Asian girls and one Hispanic girl and a "great full hour massage for $100," according to a search warrant affidavit filed in King County Superior Court."

And the article includes this seedy detail:

"In addition, a registered sex offender is believed to have helped get a business license for the Renton parlor. In a license application, the sex offender, who was convicted of child rape in King County and now living in Kirkland, is listed as one of three contacts for the business, police and court documents say."

The article includes a "sound-off" section, where many PI readers are responding to the article.

Like some of the other readers point out, the biggest problem with this type of business is the way it exploits the women and girls who get caught up in it. It's not an issue of trying to impose puritan definitions of chastity on other people. The real issue here is that far too often these businesses are engaged in human trafficking and virtual enslavement, and they put the women (and girls) in physical and emotional peril. That is the best reason for keeping this activity illegal, and breaking up prostitution rings.

Here is the link to the story

The Seattle Times ran a story this morning about the death of a beloved Renton man from a hit-and-run accident last week.

We need for the driver of the SUV to turn themself in, and give his/her account of what happened. The truth will eventually emerge in situations like this, and there is no statute of limitations on the taking of a life, even accidentally, in our state anymore. Meanwhile, if anyone else has information about this accident on Talbot Road South, please contact the Police at the numbers given below.

And everyone needs to remember to slow down, and concentrate while driving. Keep an eye out for motorcycles and other two-wheelers in particular, as their numbers are growing fast due to high fuel prices.

The loss of Mr. Dougan to his family, friends and our community is immeasurable. Here is the Seattle Times story from this morning:

___________________________________________________________________________

Renton man dies from injuries suffered in hit-and-run accident

Daren Dougan, a Renton man who was critically injured in a hit-and-run accident last week, died Wednesday evening at Harborview Medical Center.

By Christine Clarridge, Seattle Times staff reporter

Daren Dougan, 40, was hit by an SUV while riding his motorcycle June 26.
A Renton man who was critically injured in a hit-and-run accident last week died Wednesday evening at Harborview Medical Center.

Renton police are asking for help from anyone who knows of a light-colored sport-utility vehicle with recent damage to the passenger side or who might have witnessed the June 26 accident that occurred about 11 p.m. on Talbot Road South near South 45th Place.

Police and family members said the driver of the SUV left the scene after turning abruptly in front of a Harley-Davidson ridden by 40-year-old Daren Dougan, of Renton. Police said Dougan was unable to stop in time to avoid the accident.

Dougan's family members said he was taken off life support when physicians determined he was brain-dead. All of his organs, except his liver, which was catastrophically damaged in the accident, were harvested for donation, according to Dougan's stepmother, Guen Cornutt, of Salem, Ore.

Dougan was a music lover who sang, played guitar and the harmonica and "had a wit you wouldn't believe," Cornutt said. He was a devoted brother of three, an uncle of four and a steady worker, managing a Renton-area furniture store for more than 15 years.

"He was the nicest guy," she said. "He would literally give you the shirt off his back."

"We're just hoping that if people know what a wonderful man he was, they'll take a little more time to look harder at the cars around them" in the search for the hit-and-run driver, Cornutt said.

Anyone with information on the accident is asked to call the Renton Police Department, 425-430-7500 .

Christine Clarridge: 206-464-8983 or cclarridge@seattletimes.com

RENTON POLICE DEPARTMENT
MEDIA RELEASE
June 19, 2008
Contact: Penny Bartley
Rape Suspect Arrested Office: (425) 430-7565 Cell: (206) 930-8823



The Renton Police Department has arrested a suspect believed to be responsible for three rapes in the Renton area in the past seven months. The suspect was arrested as a result of evidence collected from an attempted rape that took place just over two weeks ago. The suspect was arrested at his home without incident on Wednesday, June 18th, and the suspect is currently being held at Renton Municipal Jail.

In all of the cases, the female victims were approached by the suspect when they were alone. The suspect was conversational and friendly. In one case the suspect asked for bus directions and in another case asked for a ride. In all of the cases the suspect either showed or implied that he had a weapon. In some cases the suspect used the victims to get money in order to obtain drugs after assaulting them.

All of the rapes have occurred in the area of SW Sunset Boulevard (which is known as Martin Luther King Way beyond the Renton city limits) and Rainier Avenue South. The suspect lived at a nearby apartment complex and the suspect is registered as a Level III sex offender. Renton Police had previously done a community notification meeting and circulated bulletins regarding the suspect.

Police are concerned that there may be additional victims either in Renton, or in the Rainier Valley area where the suspect previously lived. The suspect is described as a light skinned black male, thin build, 5’ 07” with a scruffy, unshaved face. In all of the cases the suspect was wearing some type of covering on his head, either a cap, a sweatshirt hood, or “doo rag” type cloth.

Anyone with information regarding any of the sexual assaults is asked to contact Renton Police at (425) 430-7500.

###

Denis Law sent this email to council today:

Our officers are continuing to do great work in the Cascade/Benson neighborhood. A recent traffic stop resulted in the arrest of a suspect wanted on warrants. And the alert action of one of our new officers may have prevented a tragic outcome.

Officer Scott Barfield made a stop on a car on Petrovitsky Road, and while waiting to confirm that the warrants were valid, Officer Steve Rice, who recently left Seattle Police to join RPD, observed the suspect reaching under the front seat. He quickly reached through the window of the car and grabbed the suspect's hand and removed him from the car. The suspect attempted to flee and was arrested following a struggle with several officers. A 9mm semi-automatic, loaded with 13 rounds, was found under the seat.

The suspect is a known gang member and convicted felon. All of the serial numbers on the gun had been filed off. Slowly, but surely, the bad guys are learning that this community is no longer free of police protection!

Denis

If I lived in an urban area outside of city limits, this kind of story would be of significant concern to me. Click here

According to the news report, it's almost as if the Sheriff's office is giving up in tracking down some classes of criminals. It sounds like burglars, check forgers, identity thieves, car prowlers, and even cold-case murderers will be getting a free pass if they initially escape the scene of the crime.

I'm happy to report that Renton police will still be going after all these crooks if the crime occurs within city limits.

Yep... there is an interesting archaeological dig going on a block from my house.

This story in the Renton Reporter covers the scene well. I'm hoping they can use the new clues to identify the BODIES (yep, there are two now), and hopefully research the extent of the family cemetery there.

Those of us in elected office in Renton are very aware of the extra effort Renton's police are making to add officers and patrol districts for Benson Hill, and to knock down some chronic problems we have had in our city.

Denis Law summarized our collective feeling in this letter today: ( Read more... )

A prominant citizen emailed me and asked:

Randy, did you hear about the human jaw bone found at the end of your street on Edmonds ave yesterday?

I think I saw all the police acton yesterday at a consturction site, but I did not know the reason. Has anyone else heard about this?

In the next day or two I'll ask around City Hall and see what the scoop is.

By KOMO Staff

RENTON, Wash. -- A teen was slashed in the face during a fight at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park on Friday evening, according to police.

Police said the incident happened around 6:30 p.m. during a fight between several teens. One of the teens pulled out a large knife or machete and slashed the face of the victim, they said.

The victim was transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. His name is not known.

Police did not have a suspect in custody and were interviewing witnesses for clues.

Our mayor and police chief are working hard to further tighten security at the Transit Center.

Right away we are modernizing the camera system (to give us much higher resolution images and better detail capture/recording), and streaming the images into more police work centers... including new higher-definition plasma displays right at the police sub-station at the Transit Center. The new system will allow police and other officials to monitor more details, including faces and weapons, rather than just general crowd movements and disturbances. We may also be soliciting volunteers to work with Renton PD to monitor these cameras at certain hours of the day... so watch for a city volunteer request if this is something you might be willing to help with.

Existing signage already warns visitors that they are being video monitored, so this should not be a surprise to anyone.

The mayor is also working with King County to see if we can put more King County/private security forces in place. Meanwhile, I am sure the police will maintain an emphasis on this area.

We will also be pursuing more long-term solutions as well, and everyone's suggestions are welcome and encouraged. If you have ideas on how we can make the Transit Center safer, please comment them below or send an email to the council this link here

From the comments on my blog entry yesterday, it sounds like some readers witnessed the transit center stabbing. In today's press release, the Police are asking you to please give them a call so that they can document your first-hand memories of the events.

______________________________________________

Press Release

Investigation Update – Renton Transit Center Stabbing

Renton Police Detectives are continuing to investigate last night’s stabbing by interviewing eye witnesses and reviewing the video tape from the city’s security system in the Transit Center.

It is believed that more than one person was armed with a knife at the time of the assault. It is also likely that our 73 year-old victim had a knife in his possession at one point.

Currently the 73 year-old victim is in stable condition. The second victim’s injuries were not life threatening.

If you witnessed this incident, we ask that you call Sergeant Tracy Merrill at 425-430-7527.

Kevin Milosevich
Chief of Police
425-430-7503

Correction to this story as of Friday 6:00 AM: See the third comment below for the account from a close friend of the victim...the news report below, from Thursday night, may be mistaken on the timing of the phone calls.

___________________________________

By KOMO Staff RENTON, Wash. -- A 73-year-old man was stabbed when he got involved in a fight between teenagers including his grandson, according to police.

Police said an alleged theft of a cell phone triggered the fight between two groups of teens at the Renton Transit Center on Thursday evening.

During the argument, one of the teens called home and told his father and grandfather what was happening. The two men arrived at the transit center several minutes later.

When the men got involved in the fight, the teen's grandfather was stabbed several times in the torso, police said. He was rushed to Harborview Medical Center in critical condition.

The victim's name has not been released.

Police have three suspects in custody, and said they're still looking for one or two more teens who may have been involved. The suspects are between 16 and 19 years of age, police said.

Click here to link to KOMO

Benson Hill residents should be encouraged by this email we just received from Mayor Law. This was some really great police work!

__________________________________________________________
Dear Council Members,

Renton Police Officer Eric Gordon did some great police work for our new
residents in the Benson Hill/Cascade neighborhood. He responded to a residential
burglary yesterday where thousands of dollars in jewelry and other items were
taken. Several hours later, he made a routine traffic stop on a van and noticed
items that were described in the earlier burglary. The victim of the burglary
was able to positively identify the merchandise, resulting in the arrest of two
suspects. And a follow-up interview by Sgt. Todd Frazier helped to recover more
stolen items that had been taken from a neighboring home.

Another huge benefit for our new residents who are now receiving quality police
service!

Hope you have a nice weekend.
Denis

The victim remains in critical care on a ventilator. Renton Police could use your help in finding the assailants. Here is the Story

Can any of you Rentonites think of a reason for headphone jacks to be taped to a can of spray paint, other than someone trying to create a suspicious looking object?

Here is an email I received today:

>>> Susan Campbell 04/01/08 10:32 AM >>>

The Renton Police Dept was called to the Airport this morning to investigate a suspicious looking object which had been found in the Boeing Employee Flying Club parking lot late yesterday. After x-raying the object, the Port of Seattle determined the object to be non-threatening, and dismantled it. It turned out to be a full spray paint can with headphone jacks taped to the outside with duct tape.

If I receive any more information on this, I will forward it to you.

Thanks,
Susan

Here is the story Click Here

Note: This is a different incident than the double-shooting at the Jack in the Box described in the blog below

RENTON, Wash. -- A man was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries after being shot during a robbery attempt on Monday night.

Police spokesman Penny Bartley said a 911 call led police to the 3000 block of Royal Hills Drive SE around 7:20 p.m.

They arrived to find the 39-year-old Seattle man, whose name has not been released, shot in the back and lying near his car.

An officer on the scene said the man was conscious when police arrived; however, he was taken to Harborview Medical Center in dire condition.

It is not known what the thief or thieves were after. Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

They searching for three men whom they believe fled on foot from the scene of the shooting. Detectives are working to determine their relationship to the victim. A description of the men was not available.

Link to KOMO here

We must bring the criminal activity under control in this area. We are already doing emphasis patrols (we budgeted an extra $150,000 in 2007 for Highlands police overtime, and revised our police patrol districts in 2008). Obviously, this threat will be a priority for our police department, given the shooting we had last month on Index.

(I don't know if the perpetrators were motivated by drug or gang ties, but I would not be surprised. Much of the violence our community suffers is a result of offenders wanting money for drugs, or being impaired by drugs, or both.)

Here is the press release: ( Read more... )

From: "Denis Law" <dlaw@ci.renton.wa.us>
Date: February 26, 2008 3:57:37 PM PST
To: "Don Persson" <dpersson@ci.renton.wa.us>, "Greg Taylor" <gtaylor@ci.renton.wa.us>, "King Parker" <kparker@ci.renton.wa.us>, "Marcie Palmer" <mpalmer@ci.renton.wa.us>, "Randy Corman" <rcorman@ci.renton.wa.us>, "Rich Zwicker" <rzwicker@ci.renton.wa.us>, "Terri Briere" <tbriere@ci.renton.wa.us>
Cc: "Jay Covington" <jcovington@ci.renton.wa.us>, "Julia Medzegian" <jmedzegian@ci.renton.wa.us>, "Kevin Milosevich" <kmilosevich@ci.renton.wa.us>
Subject: Fwd: Homicide Arrest


Dear Councilmembers.
A suspect has been arrested in the homicide case, thanks to the great work by our detectives. They have recovered a gun and gathered other vital evidence that will help with the prosecution of this case. The suspect was known to the victim and is well known by our officers.

Denis

Milosevich, Kevin(Kevin Milosevich) 2/26/2008 11:18 AM >>>

We arrested our suspect in Tacoma this morning. I will provide the details at staff.

RENTON POLICE DEPARTMENT
MEDIA RELEASE
February 24, 2008
Contact: Renton Police
Office: 425-430-7500
Case 08-1827





At approximately 5:22pm on February 24, 2008 Renton Fire Department responded to an aid call in the 600 block of Index Ave. NE. The subject a 20 year old male was laying in an alley/right of way face down and was unresponsive. Fire Department personnel determined that the subject had died and the Renton Police Department Patrol, Investigations and Traffic personnel responded to the scene. It appears the man died as a result of a gunshot. The police department is investigating this case as a homicide. There are no suspects in custody at this time.

9:00 pm 2-24-08


Floyd Eldridge Commander,
Investigations Division
Renton Police Department