UPDATE: The King County Sheriff’s Office just Tweeted that the Amber Alert for the missing 6-year old Auburn boy has been canceled:

Amber Alert update: vehicle and mother found. Child located.

— KingcosoPIO (@kingcosoPIO) May 5, 2014

PREVIOUSLY:

AMBER ALERT: The King County Sheriff’s Office is looking for a child who was last seen at 39723 186 PL SE in Auburn, and is believed to be in danger:

VICTIM: Mason Bennatts-Miller (6) Sex: Male, Skin: White, Hair: Blonde, Eyes: Brown, Height: 3 FT, Weight: 50 LBS, Description: Gray Shirt bright lettering jeans

SUSPECT: Sandra June Bennatts, Age now: 34, Sex: Female, Skin: White

Non-custodial Mother forced entry into her mothers home at knife point tied her up and took autistic son after ransacking house.

May also have taken a hand gun.

Believed to be headed south possible to Mexico.

They may be traveling in a 2009 Grey ACURA RDX vehicle WA tag #787YZO.

If you have any information on the whereabouts of this child please contact 206-296-3311 immediately.

Mason Bennatts-Miller (6)

Vehicle:

• 2009 Acura RDX, Grey
• Washington license plate #787YZO

The Burien Police Department on Monday released the following warning about a telephone scam being perpetrated on area residents:

‘Tis the season’ for new and not so inventive scams to be attempted in our community. The latest is from a very astute resident who received the following phone call:

“Seattle City Light is going to install a GPS chip in the meter and they need a $500 deposit.”

This is just a reminder that there are scammers posing as legitimate companies and organizations trying to steal your money. A simple rule is to never provide personal or payment information over the phone. Ask for a name and phone number, then verify the company or organization through an internet search or published phone number. If a payment is due, they will have proper and secure ways to make those payments. If it is a scam, call the police and report it.

Here’s more from City Light:

Seattle City Light is warning its customers to guard against con artists pretending to be utility bill collectors.

City Light has received more than a dozen reports of attempted fraud this week alone.

Customers reported receiving phone calls from someone who claims to represent the utility. The caller fraudulently claims the customer’s account is overdue and threatens to cut off power unless payment is made immediately over the phone.

“Protect yourself against this scam,” Customer Care Director Kelly Enright said. “Seattle City Light will never demand immediate payment over the phone. If you get a call like this, try to get contact information from the caller, then hang up and call the police and City Light so we can try to put these con artists out of business.”

The recent rise in scam activity follows last month’s consumer alert from Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson warning against an email phishing scam that is disguised as a utility bill.

Here are some tips to avoid being scammed:

Never give out personal or financial information to anyone who emails or calls you.

Hover over the reply address or links in any email message without clicking to see if it includes Seattle City Light’s domain name.

If you are concerned about a phone call, an email notice or the status of your account, contact City Light directly for assistance at (206) 684-3000.

Additional internet safety tips are available from the Attorney General’s website.

A man in his 20s was killed in a fatal rollover accident that knocked power out to some homes in Burien early Thursday morning, May 8.

Police say that the driver was speeding near the intersection of SW 130th Street and 2nd Ave SW around 12:30 a.m. Thursday morning when he lost control, crashed into a parked truck and knocked down a utility pole.

The violent crash sent the car rolling and the driver – who was likely not wearing a seat belt – was thrown from the vehicle and killed.

Seattle City Light is on the scene, and is estimating power restoration around 10 a.m.

The identity of the victim has not been released.

Here are some Tweets sent out about this:

This parked truck was smashed during a violent fatal crash in Burien. The owner describes what he saw at 8 #Q13Fox pic.twitter.com/kHreyTt5a5

— Tom Yazwinski Q13Fox (@TomYazwinski) May 8, 2014

Seattle City Light crews replacing the power pole at the fatal rollover scene in Burien #SW 130 St/2 Ave SW @Q13FOX pic.twitter.com/Pz7krLZWmz

— Butch Henderson (@ButchQ13Fox) May 8, 2014

Car was just towed from the scene of a fatal accident in Burien. Car rolled after striking power pole. #Q13Fox pic.twitter.com/9fx5qShrtK

— Tom Yazwinski Q13Fox (@TomYazwinski) May 8, 2014

Deadly rollover crash in Burien. Driver thrown from car, power knocked out to a few houses. @KIRO7Seattle pic.twitter.com/Ne72Q5Mwg3

— Rob Munoz (@KIRO7Rob) May 8, 2014

Unbuckled or texting Drivers beware – the City of Burien will be participating in extra emphasis police patrols that will take place between May 19 and June 1.

“On the heels of the first-ever statewide distracted driving extra enforcement campaign, law enforcement officers will be out once again searching for not only unbuckled drivers but distracted drivers as part of the annual ‘Click it or Ticket’ patrols,” reads an announcement.

In King County, during the recent distracted driving campaign which took place between April 10th and 15th, 836 cell phone and texting violations were written.

The “Handheld Cell Phone Use” law became a primary law in Washington in June 2010. Prior to that law taking effect, on average, 700 drivers were cited for cell phone use per month statewide. After the law went into effect, the number of motorists cited for cell phone use increased and has stayed consistent at approximately 4,000 per month.

Likewise, after the primary seat belt law took effect in June 2002 seat belt violations initially increased and then the seat belt use rate increased. This model of high visibility enforcement has proven to change behaviors and is now being applied to distracted driving. Texting and cell phone usage is aggravating to so many motorists and it remains a growing public health and traffic safety issue.

That is why between May 19 and June 1, motorists in King County can expect to see extra seat belt AND distracted driving patrols.

Last year, during this same time period, officers on extra patrols statewide issued 2,963 seat belt violations amongst the 11,666 motorists who were stopped.

Also last year during this time period, 1,897 cell phone and texting violations were written. However, taking a historical look, in 2010, (when the primary law went into effect) only 63 drivers were cited statewide at this time.

In King County, the Auburn, Bellevue, Black Diamond, Burien, Covington, Federal Way, Issaquah, Kent, Kirkland, Lake Forest Park, Maple Valley, Mercer Island, Port of Seattle, Redmond, Renton, Sammamish, SeaTac, Seattle, Snoqualmie, Tukwila and Woodinville Police Departments as well as the Washington State Patrol will be teaming up and participating in these extra patrols, with the support of the King County Target Zero Task Force.

These and all extra patrols are part of Target Zero—striving to end traffic deaths and serious injuries in Washington by 2030. For more information, visit www.targetzero.com. Additional information on the Washington Traffic Safety Commission can be found on the website, www.wtsc.wa.gov.

Burien Police officers responded to investigate a report of a 14-year old boy showing a handgun off to fellow students at his school Tuesday, May 20.

“Another student did the right thing and told school staff about the weapon, and is a hero for doing so,” police said.

While the police did not reveal the school’s identity, according to numerous comments on their Facebook page, it appears that this happened at Sylvester Middle School.

Officers contacted the juvenile male and recovered an unloaded handgun within minutes of the call. There were no threats, the gun was never pointed at anyone or used in a threatening manner. The juvenile was taken to the Youth Center and booked for felony possession of a handgun. We will also be investigating where this gun was obtained and holding anyone else accountable if a crime occurred.

“Burien PD will not tolerate weapons or unsafe behavior in our schools. Schools must be safe in order for learning to occur,” police added. “We commend the school staff and students for their actions today.”

BTB Reader Lisa Bosques reports that there was a shooting in Burien Wednesday (May 21) in a parking lot located at 17730 Des Moines Memorial Drive South.

“My husband and son (who was holding the letter from Sylvester Middle School about the boy and his gun) were waiting for me in the parking lot, and a car drove by and fired at least 6 shots into the parking lot between my office and the My Goods Market convenience store (177th and Ambaum Blvd S),” Lisa said in a Comment. “We left but my coworker saw the police come to search the parking lot and put up crime tape. I am hoping to get more info about this incident and find out if these guys were caught.”

We contacted Capt. Bryan Howard of the Burien Police Department, who said:

“Yes there were shots fired there.

One male was hit, he drove himself to the hospital for treatment. It was not life-threatening.

Deputies are still working to sort out what happened but at this time it doesn’t appear this was random as the parties involved may know each other.”

Police were called for a welfare check on a home in Burien on 8th Ave South between SW 140th and SW 146th Thursday night (May 22), and upon discovering a suicidal man, called in a SWAT team and backup.

“We were called by a concerned friend that a male at the location was wanting to harm himself,” King County Sheriff Sgt. DB Gates told The B-Town Blog. “Patrol responded and the male declined to come out of the house – he was alone in the house.”

Police soon discovered that the man had an active warrant out for his arrest.

Deputies attempted to talk him out, but he continued to refuse so Hostage Negotiators, as well as KCSO TAC 30 deputies responded.

A search warrant was obtained and after further attempts to communicate failed, members of TAC 30 entered the house and found the male hiding in the crawl space of the home.

He was taken into custody and transported to King County Jail for the warrant. No weapons were located in a search of the house.

The involved male is a 49-year old Burien resident and the warrant was from Snohomish County for Eluding. Patrol arrived around 5:40 p.m. and he was in custody just before 10 p.m.

We received several calls from Readers (and appreciate the tips – our text/photo # is 206-659-8768), some of whom claimed there were “dozens of cops” all over the area.

Another caller said “there was an explosion and small arms fire” at one point as well.

Here are some photos sent in by Readers of the action (click images to see larger versions):

UPDATE MAY 24 12:20 p.m.: The Normandy Park Police Department says that they have found David Gooding, he has returned home and is safe.

He has been cleared as a missing person.

“Thank you for any assistance you may have provided the Normandy Park Police Department.”

PREVIOUSLY:

The Normandy Park Police Department is asking for the public’s help finding a missing man named David Gooding.

On Thursday (May 22), David Gooding’s wife took him to Sea-Tac Airport.

Gooding was scheduled to leave on a US Airways flight to Charlotte, North Carolina at 10:10 p.m.

On Friday (May 23), family members in Georgia advised that Gooding had not arrived as expected, and it was discovered that Gooding had not been on the flight that he was scheduled to be on.

Family members and co-workers have not heard from Gooding since he was dropped off at the airport, and his whereabouts are unknown at this time. He was last seen wearing a blue polo shirt and black jeans.

If you have any information about this missing person, please contact the Normandy Park Police Department at (206) 248-7600. This case is currently under investigation and we will release more information as it becomes available.

David S. Gooding

63 Years of Age

6’04”/180 lbs

Three members of the Burien Police Department received Police Service Awards at the City Council meeting Monday night (click image to see larger version):

Honored for their life-saving actions were (holding certificates below, from left) Officer Scott Fitchett, Detective Michael Glasgow, and Officer Jason Houck. Also pictured (far left) is King County Sheriff John Urquhart, (far right) Burien Captain Bryan Howard, and (second from right) Burien Chief Scott Kimerer. Photo courtesy City of Burien.

Officer Scott Fitchett received a Commander’s Award in recognition of his commitment and hard work involving a complex case of domestic violence, drug trafficking, prostitution, and witness tampering. The investigation lasted nearly one year, resulted in jail time for two dangerous felons, and saved five girls from a life of human trafficking.

Officer Jason Houck received a Lifesaver Award in recognition of his response to an unconscious 10-month old baby. His quick action in recognizing the baby’s symptoms and need for CPR led to the baby breathing again and may have very well saved her life.

Officer Michael Glasgow received a Lifesaver Award in recognition of his quick action in attending to the female victim of a hit-and-run accident. He administered CPR to the woman until paramedics arrived. Her continuing recovery from life-threatening injuries would not be possible without Officer Glasgow’s efforts that evening.

Burien’s Kennedy Catholic High School was put into lockdown Wednesday morning (June 4), due to a robbery at the Fred Meyer next door.

No injuries were reported, and the lockdown lasted nine minutes.

“Three possible suspects were spotted walking towards the school,” read a note sent out by the school. “Police intercepted them and determined they were not involved in the crime.”

“There was a shoplifter, that when stopped by security at the Fred Meyer, threatened to shoot the security officer,” said Sgt. DB Gates of the King County Sheriff’s Office. “The male walked away on foot in the direction of Kennedy and was arrested nearby without incident about 7 minutes later.”

Gates added that there was no gun, and the suspect was apprehended and cited for making threats.

“Per our normal practices and procedures, we were able to secure the students and building in less than a minute,” the school said. “All doors were secured; students and faculty remained safe. The lockdown lasted nine minutes.”

One student who was at school at the time said that during the lockdown procedure, classroom lights are turned out and students are asked to sit silently away from the windows.

A truck hit a child on a bicycle near Highline High School in Burien Thursday afternoon (June 12).

Sgt. DB Gates of the King County Sheriff’s Office told The B-Town Blog that the child suffered serious injuries, but they are not believed to be life-threatening.

The driver stayed on the scene and cooperated with police.

As we learn more, we’ll update this post.

Here are some Tweets:

15500 blk of 2 Ave So. Car/Ped accident. Serious injuries, not believed to be life-threatening. Major Traffic Response detectives enroute.

— KingcosoPIO (@kingcosoPIO) June 13, 2014

Deputies confirm a child on a bike was hit by a truck in Burien. .@kiro7chopper overhead now: http://t.co/Dr5JrNy2xi pic.twitter.com/b1fHBNyV1w

— KIRO 7 (@KIRO7Seattle) June 13, 2014

Here's another pic from the crash scene in Burien. Watch LIVE >> http://t.co/Dr5JrNy2xi pic.twitter.com/eBs0S7K16s

— KIRO 7 (@KIRO7Seattle) June 12, 2014

The Seattle P-I is reporting that Derek Bischoff, of Burien, stole $334,000 from his blind, nearly deaf grandmother’s life savings to pay for painkillers and prostitutes.

Bischoff now faces felony charges.

Read the full report here.

“This investigation began earlier this month and our Burien detectives made this a top priority,” Burien P.D. posted on its Facebook page. “Fraud investigations require a lot of effort and can be difficult to prove in court. Your detectives, led by Det. Glasgow conducted an excellent job and as a result, the suspect is in jail on serious charges.”

“Victimization of our elderly is not tolerated, and all our resources will be used to bring these criminals to justice.”

With the July 4th holiday fast approaching, the City of Burien wants to remind residents that the sale, possession or discharge of any fireworks is prohibited.

“Burien Police will have extra patrols out looking for violators, who can be fined up to $125,” according to the city’s website.

While public displays that you may see for free at Lake Burien or Three Tree Point are licensed and legal (both of which start around 10 p.m.), setting off your own firecrackers, bottle rockets, roman candles and other combustibles is strictly illegal.

No matter where you buy your fireworks – at an Indian reservation or local fireworks stand – if you set them off in Burien you’re running the risk of getting a ticket.

According to the city’s municipal code, doing so may result in a Class 2 civil infraction with a fine of $125.00, plus “applicable statutory assessments.”

Speaking of code, here’s the city’s exact wording on BMC 5.30:

5.30.020 Sale of fireworks unlawful.

It is unlawful for any person to offer for retail sale or sell any fireworks within the city. [Ord. 490 § 1, 2008; Ord. 267 § 4, 1999]
5.30.030 Permit required for public display of fireworks.

It is unlawful for any person to hold, conduct or engage in any public display of fireworks within the city without first having obtained and being the holder of a valid permit under the provisions of this chapter. [Ord. 267 § 5, 1999]
5.30.040 Discharge of fireworks prohibited.

Except as authorized by a state license and city permit granted by the local fire official pursuant to RCW 70.77.260(2) (public display) or RCW 70.77.311(2) (use by individual or group for religious or other specified purpose on approved date and at approved location), no person shall ignite, explode or discharge any fireworks within the city. [Ord. 490 § 2, 2008; Ord. 267 § 6, 1999]
5.30.045 Possession of fireworks unlawful.

Except as authorized by a state license and city permit granted by the local fire official pursuant to RCW 70.77.260(2) (public display) or RCW 70.77.311(2) (use by individual or group for religious or other specified purpose on approved date and at approved location), it shall be unlawful for any person to control or possess any fireworks within the city. [Ord. 491 § 1, 2008]
5.30.050 Permit fee.

The annual fee for a “public display” permit for the public display of fireworks shall be $100.00, and shall be payable to King County Fire Protection District No. 2 or the North Highline Fire District, as appropriate. [Ord. 267 § 7, 1999]
5.30.060 Issuance – Nontransferable – Voiding.

Each public display permit issued pursuant to this chapter shall be valid only for the specific authorized public display event, shall be used only by the designated permittee, and shall be nontransferable. Any transfer or unauthorized use of a permit is a violation of this chapter and shall void the permit in addition to all other sanctions provided in this code. [Ord. 267 § 8, 1999]
5.30.070 Application for public display permit.

Applications for a permit to hold, conduct or operate a public display of fireworks shall be made to King County Fire Protection District No. 2 or North Highline Fire District, as appropriate, at least 14 days prior to the scheduled event. Applicants shall meet all qualifications and requirements of state law regarding public display of fireworks and all fire and safety requirements in the standards for public display set forth below. [Ord. 267 § 9, 1999]

5.30.080 Standards for public fireworks displays.

All public fireworks displays shall conform to the following minimum standards and conditions:

(1) All public fireworks displays must be planned, organized and discharged by a state-licensed pyrotechnician;

(2) A permit must be obtained from the fire chief or designee prior to any display of public fireworks. The permit shall include the name of the applicant and his address; the name of the pyrotechnician and his address; the exact location, date and time of the proposed display; the number, type and class of fireworks to be displayed; the manner in which the fireworks are being stored prior to the public fireworks display; and shall include the name and address of the insurance company providing the bond required;

(3) A drawing shall be submitted to the fire chief or designee showing a plan view of the fireworks discharge site and the surrounding area within a 500-foot radius. The drawing shall include all structures, fences, barricades, streets, fields, streams and any other significant factors that may be subjected to ignition or that may inhibit firefighting capabilities;

(4) The fire chief or designee may require that a fire department pumper and a minimum of two trained firefighters shall be on site 30 minutes prior to and after the discharge of any fireworks;

(5) All combustible debris and trash shall be removed from the area of discharge for a distance of 300 feet in all directions;

(6) All unfired or undischarged fireworks shall be disposed of in a safe manner;

(7) A minimum of two 2A-rated pressurized water fire extinguishers and one fire blanket shall be required to be at the fireworks discharge site;

(8) The permit may be immediately revoked at any time deemed necessary by the fire marshal or designee due to any noncompliance, or weather conditions such as extremely low humidity or wind factor. The display may also be canceled by accidental ignition of any form of combustible or flammable material in the vicinity due to falling debris from the display; and

(9) Areas of public access shall be determined by the fire chief or designee and maintained in an approved manner. [Ord. 267 § 10, 1999]
5.30.090 Applicability.

The provisions of this chapter shall apply to the sale and use of all fireworks except “toy caps,” and as is otherwise exempt pursuant to RCW 70.77.311 as now stated or as may be amended. [Ord. 267 § 11, 1999]
5.30.100 Chapter in connection with state law.

This chapter is intended to implement Chapter 70.77 RCW, and shall be construed in connection with that law and any and all rules or regulations issued pursuant thereto. [Ord. 267 § 12, 1999]
5.30.110 Enforcement.

The fire chief, or designee, is authorized to enforce all provisions of this chapter and, in addition to criminal sanctions or civil remedies, he may revoke any permit issued pursuant to this chapter upon any failure or refusal of the permittee to comply with the orders and directives of the fire chief or designee, and/or to comply with any provisions of this chapter or other laws or regulations. [Ord. 267 § 13, 1999]
5.30.120 Penalty for violations.

(1) “Civil infraction” has the meaning given that term by Chapter 7.80 RCW, as now or hereafter amended, and the Infraction Rules for Courts of Limited Jurisdiction (“IRLJ”) and any local rule adopted thereto by the King County district court, as they may be now or hereafter amended.

(2) Except as provided below, any person violating or failing to comply with the provisions of this chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by imprisonment of up to 90 days or imposition of a fine of up to $1,000, or by both such fine and imprisonment.

(3) A violation of BMC 5.30.040 (Discharge of fireworks prohibited) shall be a Class 2 civil infraction and, upon a finding that a violation has been committed, the person committing such act shall be assessed an amount not to exceed $125.00, plus applicable statutory assessments. Such penalty is in addition to any other remedies or penalties specifically provided by law. For each act herein prohibited of a continuing nature, each day shall be considered a separate offense.

(4) A violation of BMC 5.30.045 (Possession of fireworks unlawful) shall be a Class 2 civil infraction and, upon a finding that a violation has been committed, the person committing such act shall be assessed an amount not to exceed $125.00, plus applicable statutory assessments. Such penalty is in addition to any other remedies or penalties specifically provided by law. For each act herein prohibited of a continuing nature, each day shall be considered a separate offense. [Ord. 491 § 2, 2008]

In unincorporated King County (ie: the White Center area):

• Fireworks may be discharged only on July 4 from 9 a.m. to midnight.
• Fireworks sales are legal beginning at noon on June 28 until 11 p.m. and then daily between the hours of 9 a.m. and 11 p.m. through July 4. No sales can occur after July 4.
• To purchase fireworks you must be at least 16 years of age with picture identification.

Here are some Fireworks safety tips from the county:

• Use only approved, legal, and common fireworks from reliable Washington State and King County Fire Marshal licensed retailers.
• Always have a responsible adult light all fireworks.
• Have a charged garden hose or a fire extinguisher handy.
• Use fireworks under outdoor conditions only, away from buildings, houses with wood shingles, trees, and dry fields.
• Avoid aerial type fireworks.
• Light one item at a time, move away quickly, and keep a safe distance away.
• Dispose of used fireworks by first soaking them in water.
• Ensure the safety of pets (see tips for keeping pets safe)
• Use eye protection.
• Remember your neighbors and clean up all debris.
• If a device does not light or fire, an adult should wait at least a minimum of five minutes before approaching the device.
• Remember, if it has a stick or fins and it goes up or if it blows up, it is illegal in Washington State.
• Rather than buying fireworks, attend a public fireworks display when available and make that a family tradition.

Here’s video from previous year’s LEGAL barge-launched fireworks display at Three Tree Point:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Here are some videos of some apparently-ILLEGAL fireworks launched by residents at Lake Burien:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Click here to view the embedded video.

BTB Writer/Humorist Shawn Underwood wasn’t laughing when she discovered the results of a serious accident on Maplewild Ave SW in Burien between 2 – 2:30 a.m. Monday morning, June 30.

“Ran up to crash and there NO PASSENGERS in one totally crunched car and same in other car,” Shawn told The B-Town Blog. “All windows broken out. Stuff everywhere in road. Music on in car LOUD.”

Shawn added that before she ran up to the road from her home, she heard a girl crying and screaming and then people running.

“One guy said ‘this way,’” she added. “They ran down the Indian trail or to the beach.”

Sgt. DB Gates of the King County Sheriff’s Office added:

“It’s a hit and run, unknown who was driving and since everyone ran from the vehicle we don’t know if there are any injuries, but presumably any injuries weren’t too bad as they were all able to flee.”

The registered owner was contacted and the vehicle was impounded.

The King County Sheriff’s Office is seeking information on a homicide that was discovered on Friday, June 27 in the city of SeaTac.

The victim is Mr. Robert O. Benson (pictured above), a 100-year old longtime resident of SeaTac. He was found dead in his home, and the cause at this time is undetermined.

Missing from the home is Mr. Benson’s wallet, which detectives would like to locate.

The wallet is described as brown in color, made of leather, and scuffed in appearance. It contained his driver’s license along with cards from Chase, Key Bank and a Discover credit card. Also in the wallet were miscellaneous items, to include an AARP card, his proof of car insurance, and his Medicare card.

Anyone with information on the wallet or the death of Mr. Benson is asked to call the King County Sheriff’s Office at (206) 296.3311.

The Burien Police Department is doing a Twitter “Ride Along” on Friday, July 4, and here are some of their Tweets (latest ones are first):

Units just responded to reported burglary in progress and found one adult trespassing in fenced area of business. He’s in custody!

— Burien Police (@BurienPD) July 4, 2014

2nd shift went right to work and we have no pendinng calls #TeamBurien

— Burien Police (@BurienPD) July 4, 2014

So far today (starting at midnight) we’ve only been dispatched to 6 fireworks complaints. Calm before the storm?

— Burien Police (@BurienPD) July 4, 2014

Yesterday we responded to 13 fireworks complaints catching one setting some off in the 12600 block of 14 Av So. He received a $255 ticket

— Burien Police (@BurienPD) July 4, 2014

Besides patrol, we have officers working the bike race, parade, and Three Tree Point public fireworks display. Lots of officers, all busy

— Burien Police (@BurienPD) July 4, 2014

Calls pending in Burien at shift change- Burglary report, trespass complaint, and only 1 fireworks complaint. Not bad…yet!

— Burien Police (@BurienPD) July 4, 2014

Let the virtual ride-a-long begin! Swing shift begins at 2 PM.Our uniform & gear weighs 27 lbs, donuts not included.

— Burien Police (@BurienPD) July 4, 2014

How about a virtual ride a long with the Burien Police on the 4th of July! I’ll be tweeting all afternoon and evening about our calls

— Burien Police (@BurienPD) July 3, 2014

by Ralph Nichols

Despite headlines from Seattle and some suburban cities, which render an illusion of violent crime rampant in King County, most serious crime in Burien declined in 2013.

This topped the good news that Chief Scott Kimerer recently delivered in the department’s annual report to the Burien City Council.

“In 2013, our overall crime rate in the city remained static with significant decreases [of over 30 percent] in violent crimes,” Kimerer told council members.

Major crimes against persons, classified as Part I crimes by the FBI, are murder, rape, aggravated assault, and robbery.

But, he added, “We did see an increase in property crimes, which remains a priority focus for our department. We will remain vigilant to keep Burien safe.”

Police crime prevention efforts include “reducing crime and fear of crime by using problem solving approaches that reduce calls to repeat locations, and involving the successful programs such as Block Watch and Citizen Patrol.”

Burien had 60 Part I crimes per 1,000 residents last year. This compares to 55 Part I crimes per 1,000 residents in 2009 – the year before the city annexed about half of the unincorporated North Highline area.

For the second time during this five-year period, there were no murders in the city in 2013. Two murders were recorded in 2009 and only one each in 2011 and 2012.

After peaking at 52 in 2010, the number of rapes dropped to 38 last year. Aggravated assaults declined from a high of 123 in 2012 to 73 last year. And robberies fell from 95 in 2010 to 66 in 2013.

Part I property crimes – arson, burglary, larceny, vehicle thefts, and thefts from vehicles – were a different story.

Arsons fell from a high of 14 in 2010 to only 5 in 2012, but jumped back up to 13 last year.

Burglaries have increase steadily from 359 in 2009 to 700 in 2013, as have larcenies [property thefts not involving illegal entry], which have climbed from 981 to 1,455 during this time.

Vehicle thefts declined slightly from 594 in 2012 to 529 last year, but thefts from vehicles continue to rise with 576 reported in 2013.

Traffic accidents in Burien have trended upward from 319 in 2009 to 412 last year.

There were 1,745 criminal cases closed by arrests in 2013 – described by Kimerer as a significant indicator of successful crime solving by the police. Those arrested included 1,264 adult offenders and 86 juveniles.

Kimerer emphasized that the increase in property crimes “clearly is not acceptable,” yet “trying to stop them is very difficult … burglaries have been on a steady rise ever since the economy tanked.”

However, “we’re not seeing large increases in crime, so we’re doing something that keeps crime down. We’re trying to arrest the right people, those who commit multiple offenses … we solve a lot of burglaries with one arrest.”

He added, “We are working very hard for a department our size.”

The chief also noted that 107 illegal guns were confiscated during investigations and arrests last year – 86 handguns, 19 rifles, and two shotguns. “We’re taking guns away from the bad guys. They won’t be able to use them in another crime.”

Before Kimerer made his presentation to council members, Sheriff John Urquhart told them that, as sheriff, “my goal is to reaffirm our commitment to our King County Sheriff’s Office partners” – the 12 cities, including Burien and SeaTac, that contract for police services with that agency.

The contract cities make the sheriff’s office “a better police department” as it saves them money through economies of scale while affording them “a higher degree of police professionalism.”

But, Urquhart continued, “The only way a police department can be effective is if it’s a mirror of the community it serves.”

Noting that South King County includes a diverse population that is far from all white, he said he successfully lobbied the county’s civil service commission to allow for fluency in other languages and experience beyond the military, including Peace Corps service, in selecting sheriff’s office recruits.

The Burien Police Department shared this report Tuesday (July 8) regarding how an alert resident helped them arrest a burglar this week:

Yesterday, an alert resident heard suspicious noises coming from his neighbor’s house. Knowing his neighbor was not at home, he went into the backyard and found the rear slider door ajar. He saw a man inside rummaging through items and yelled at him. The suspect ran from the home and fled in a vehicle, but only after two other neighbors got a good look at him. They even took video from their cell phone! Officers and detectives responded and recognized the suspect and vehicle description. After finding and detaining the suspect nearby, all three witnesses positively identified him as the burglar. He is now enjoying powdered egg mix and institutional oatmeal at our local bed and breakfast for law breakers!

Do you know your neighbors as well as this hero resident? Wouldn’t you love to have him for a neighbor? If you see anything suspicious, don’t hesitate to call 911. Great job by our witnesses, officers, and detectives!

The Burien Police Department on Tuesday (July 22) launched a part-time Bike Patrol with a focus on businesses and parks, and in less than two hours, found five alcohol violations.

You’ll see them mostly in the downtown core, particularly around Town Square Park and the Library/City Hall on SW 152nd Street, looking for aggressive begging, public drinking and vehicle prowls, besides other illegal activities.

The officers believe their presence should make a difference downtown.

“It’s a quality of life issue,” says Officer Troy Smithmeyer, pictured below (left) with Officer Paul Mulligan (click image to see larger version):

Photo courtesy City of Burien.

A charge of ‘Murder in the Second Degree’ was filed Wednesday (July 23) against a 41-year-old Burien man who is accused of killing his ex-wife on July 20 in Kent, the King County Prosecutor’s Office reported.

The defendant, Telesforo Hernandez-Roa, remains in jail with bail set at $2 million.

The defendant is accused in the murder of Ruth Castillo-Yanez, who died from multiple stab wounds.

Arraignment is scheduled for Aug. 4 at the Maleng Regional Justice Center.