A major police turnout in the Five Corners neighborhood of Burien – near Trader Joe’s on SW 160th – was reported to us late Friday afternoon, and Sgt. DB Gates of the King County Sheriff’s Office told The B-Town Blog that the action was “to recover a stolen car with a couple of people detained.”
No other details were available.
The Angle Lake Shore Club of SeaTac held their annual ‘Clean Sweep’ on Saturday, July 26th, and in addition to retrieving lots of trash and half a wooden boat, they also found a Browning 30 caliber machine gun!
Read the full story – with a pic – on our sister site The SeaTac Blog here.
An adult male transient had a probable drug overdose in the bathroom of the main Burien Library Thursday afternoon (July 31), according to the King County Sheriff’s Office.
He survived, and was apparently taken to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.
We were first alerted to this by these Tweets, sent out by Bernadette R:
Just walked downstairs after studying only to see emt’s doing cpr on a man. #library #burienlibrary #burien #cityhall #now #seattle #news
— Bernadette R. (@BJ_Rocha) August 1, 2014
Man nearly dies in bathroom from suspected drug abuse. #Burien #Library No drugs found, taken to Harborview, ventilation and barely a pulse. — Bernadette R. (@BJ_Rocha) August 1, 2014
No word on the man’s current condition.
The Burien Police Department sent out the following Tweet Sunday morning (Aug. 3), about recovering a gun, as well as finding four suspects of a drive-by shooting near Shorewood Elementary School Saturday night:
BPD recovers gun near Shorewood Elementary and identifies 4 suspects in drive by shooting late Saturday night. No injuries
— Burien Police (@BurienPD) August 3, 2014
Shorewood Elementary is located at 2725 SW 116th Street.
The annual ‘National Night Out’ event against crime is this Tuesday evening, Aug. 5, when city, police and emergency personnel will visit 30 neighborhood gatherings.
Police say that knowing your neighbors – “neighbors watching out for neighbors” – is a simple but effective crime-prevention measure.
Burien Police Chief Kimerer, Captain Bryan Howard, Sgt. Henry McLauchlan and a host of others will be visiting a total of 30 neighborhoods that have an organized event. The fire department, some City Council members, and new City Manager Kamuron Gurol will also be making the rounds.
“This is a great event and we very much look forward to seeing you!” the Burien Police Department said.
For more information, call Burien P.D. at (206) 477-2251.
Below are some photos from the 2013 event:
If you take any good photos at your event, please email editor@b-townblog.com and we’ll try to post the best ones…
Telesforo Hernandez-Roa, 41, plead ‘Not Guilty’ Monday (Aug. 4) to a second-degree murder charge in the stabbing death of his wife Ruth Castillo-Yanez in Kent, the King County Prosecutor’s Office reported.
Hernandez-Roa, of Burien, is accused in the murder of his wife, who died from multiple stab wounds on July 20.
If convicted, the suspect faces a minimum of 12–20+ years in prison.
Prosecutors say he stabbed his wife at least 25 times, and that wounds discovered during her autopsy indicates that she tried to defend herself.
Hernandez-Roa initially told police that he had an altercation with his wife earlier in the day July 20. He said he had learned she was having an affair, and the man she was seeing had recently sent naked photos of her to him. Police took him into custody after finding his wife’s body in the backseat of her Nissan Pathfinder.
He refused to answer any questions and asked for an attorney.
A case setting hearing is scheduled for Aug. 14 at the Maleng Regional Justice Center.
Read our previous coverage of this case here.
A body was found in Tub Lake in SeaTac Thursday night, Aug. 7, the King County Sheriff’s Office said.
“A body was found,” Sgt. DB Gates told our sister site The SeaTac Blog, “…it has probably been there for a bit, and nothing will be known further until an autopsy by the Medical Examiner.”
Reader Cara Sorensen added:
“Both sides were lined with police cars (maybe 6 or 7). Saw what looked like one news van with a crew setting up cameras facing the small view of the lake from the path there. The officials had a boat and possibly a dive team.”
Divers were seen at the lake, which is located on Des Moines Memorial Way near S. 140th Street, north of Sea-Tac Airport.
Late Sunday night (Aug. 10), police shot and killed a man who had barricaded himself inside his home after a domestic violence call in Burien’s Gregory Heights neighborhood.
The man – whose identity has not yet been released – died following a shootout with deputies from the King County Sheriff’s Office.
As we first reported, this all began with a domestic violence incident around 7 p.m. Sunday night in the 1200 block of SW 160th Street, then escalated into something much larger.
Neighbors reported that a SWAT team was called out, and a command center was established at Gregory Heights Elementary School (16201 16th Ave SW).
Here’s what the Burien Police Department posted on its Facebook page:
“Last night Burien officers responded to a domestic violence incident and attempted to arrest a man for assault in the 1200 block of SW 160. The man refused to come out of his house and brandished a gun while speaking with our officers. Officers backed away from the yard and called for extra assistance. The Sheriff’s Office SWAT team, Hostage Negotiations teams, and many others responded to the scene. After more than 4 hours of attempting to deescalate the situation and talk him into surrendering, he began shooting at our officers, forcing them to return fire. After shooting him, they were able to take him into custody, and immediately began treating his injuries. He was transported to Harborview and unfortunately, died while receiving treatment at the hospital.
Domestic violence calls are among scariest and most unpredictable incidents officers respond to. It’s always our goal to resolve the incident without incident and protect everyone involved. The officers are physically okay, and will be receiving counseling and support before returning back to work.”
Here are some Tweets sent out by the Sheriff’s office:
The suspect from the Burien incident that was transported to Harborview has died.
— KingcosoPIO (@kingcosoPIO) August 11, 2014
SW 160th scene in Burien. Detectives will be photographing and collecting evidence outside and then processing house. pic.twitter.com/WrRSypfKmu
— KingcosoPIO (@kingcosoPIO) August 11, 2014
Out on barricaded man call 1200 block of SW 160 St in Burien. There have been shots fired by both the male and deputies.
— KingcosoPIO (@kingcosoPIO) August 11, 2014
Photo courtesy Roger Gee.
Photo courtesy Angie Coy-Jackson shows apparent SWAT team members.
“A domestic violence suspect that doesn’t want to come out and be arrested,” Sgt. DB Gates of the King County Sheriff’s Office told The B-Town Blog. “He is the only one in the house and he is intoxicated.”
Police were attempting to talk him into coming out.
One Reader texted us this (to 206-659-8768):
“About 30 cops on our block surrounding a house on 160th right now. Guns drawn. Using a megaphone trying to get a guy named Tyrone out. Between 13th and 14th on 160th. Saying that they want to get ‘his side of the story and sort this mess out.’ 160th is completely closed off by police.”
Here’s another photo courtesy Amy Nevills, who says “Huge response tonight, tactical, medical, police…”
The King County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s help in finding Wilson Laray Smith, 19 (pictured above), wanted in connection to a July 29 burglary in SeaTac.
On July 29, deputies responded to the burglary of an occupied home in SeaTac. Two suspects entered the house where a female and child were inside. The woman called 9-1-1 and two deputies arrived within minutes.
Police say that the two suspects were now outside the house and when deputies attempted to stop them, there was a confrontation. One suspect was tased but it had no effect. Another deputy then shot this suspect. The second suspect fled the scene on foot and a K-9 unit and a police helicopter was used to search for him – but he escaped.
The at-large suspect has been identified as 19-year old Wilson Laray Smith, and there is probable cause to arrest him for burglary. Smith is a convicted felon, and he is likely to be aware that detectives are looking for him. Smith is described as a black male, 5’09”, 150 pounds, with brown eyes and brown hair.
Anyone with information on Smith’s whereabouts is urged to call the King County Sheriff’s Office Communications Center at (206) 296.3311. If anyone sees Smith they are asked to call 9-1-1.
The King County Medical Examiner’s Office on Tuesday identified the man who was killed after a shootout with police in Burien Sunday night (Aug. 10) as Tyrone “Ty” Bandy, 45.
Bandy died of gunshot wounds early Monday morning, after being shot by police at his home in the 1200 block of SW 160th Street.
As we previously reported, deputies responded to Bandy’s house around 7 p.m. Sunday night after his live-in girlfriend called 911 to report that he had assaulted her.
Police believed they had probable cause to arrest him, but Bandy refused and barricaded himself inside his home.
Hostage negotiators were called in, as was a SWAT team. Bandy, who police say was intoxicated at the time, told police he would shoot them if they tried to enter his house. Later in the evening, Bandy began firing from the front of the house toward the street. Police returned fire in the second round of gunshots, fatally wounding Bandy, who died after being taken to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.
Police involved in the shooting have been placed on administrative leave, as is custom.
On Monday (Aug. 19), Burien Police Department officers contacted two adults who were hanging out in some bushes near Burien City Hall (400 SW 152nd Street).
Turns out they were drinking beer and hanging out.
“Not the crime of the month, but we are committed to ensuring the library, City Hall, and park areas are inviting to everyone, including families and their children,” police said.
Burien P.D. added:
While speaking with the men, a computer check revealed one of them had an outstanding warrant. After he was arrested, he confessed to having a baggie of meth in his pocket (pictured, above). He and his drugs were taken to the station for processing. His friend was released with an agreement he would only hang out at the park if he was willing to behave himself.
Lessons for the day – Don’t lurk in bushes nearby where kids are playing, don’t drink booze in public, attend all of your court dates, drugs are illegal, parks are for those willing to behave themselves.
UPDATE 8/21/14: On Thursday (Aug. 21), a judge set bail at $2 million for Leland D. Russell, 29, a Burien man suspected in Wednesday’s double homicide in Kent.
The suspect was arrested on investigation of homicide for the fatal shooting of two men at a gas station in Kent.
Russell’s criminal record shows previous arrests for burglary and felony harassment, as well as a conviction for negligent driving.
He waived his appearance at a bail hearing Thursday afternoon.
A second appearance is scheduled for August 25 in the King County Jail.
PREVIOUSLY:
If you saw a lot of police activity near 14th Ave S. and S. 128th late Wednesday night (Aug. 20), it was because the Kent Police Department was following up on leads from a double homicide at a Shell station that morning.
We received reports that police had set up a command center in a church parking lot at 8th Ave South and S. 128th.
“Kent Detectives are following leads from this morning’s double homicide, which have led them to Burien,” Commander Jarod Kasner of the Kent P.D. told The B-Town Blog. “They are working to confirm information that was obtained and possibly serve a warrant on a residence in the area.”
Kent Police arrested one man and detained another in connection with the deadly shooting.
As we learn more about this incident, we’ll update this post.
Photo by Scott Schaefer. Click image to see larger version.
The City of Burien on Thursday (Aug. 21) issued a statement about an ongoing homeless problem in Annex Park, which is located at SW 146th and 4th Ave SW.
This location also hosts the Skate Park, with the area of concern being the grassy field located to the west and abutted by a hedge and fence. In addition, Burien Actor’s Theatre, Transform Burien and other organizations use the building to the north. A portable toilet is also located nearby.
Burien Evangelical Church – located on the other side of the fence at 500 SW 146th – apparently allows the homeless to sleep in their parking lot overnight, and during the day these same citizens spend time in the public park.
Over the last two to three months, The B-Town Blog has received numerous emails, phone calls, Facebook and text messages from Readers concerned about what’s been going on at this park. Publisher/Editor Scott Schaefer has personally visited the park many times, taken photos, observed and spoken with people present, but has never witnessed any illegal activities.
Burien Police are also well aware of this ongoing situation, and continue to monitor the scene.
“Burien is aware of community concerns regarding groups of apparently homeless adults and youth in local parks, and the City is taking actions to better ensure safe use for all,” reads a note on the city’s website. “Anyone who sees or suspects illegal behavior should call 911.”
As most every American should know, the First Amendment protects every citizen’s rights to “peaceably assemble” in public places like parks. Just because someone is homeless doesn’t – and shouldn’t – prevent them from enjoying the same rights as everyone else.
On a related note, the city’s recently-passed Ordinance 606 (read more here) will go into effect on Tuesday, Aug. 26. This new law will allow police to issue trespass violations, “which will serve as an additional tool to address problematic behavior on public lands and facilities,” according to the city. Here’s an excerpt that lists definitions of “disruptive” behavior:
Here’s the city’s statement, as written by City Manager Kamuron Gurol:
Annex Park – Homeless
The City of Burien is aware of neighborhood and community concerns regarding the Annex Park and other parks in the City where groups of apparently homeless adults and youth have been congregating. We are taking actions to ensure safe use of our public parks and facilities.
All visitors who are enjoying Burien’s park and recreational facilities are welcome, and all should feel welcome. The City recognizes the concerns we’re hearing, for example from families with children. All public uses of City parklands and facilities need to be consistent with City laws and rules. No one can camp or stay overnight, nor use illicit drugs, urinate or defecate on park grounds, damage facilities, or threaten others. Anyone who sees or suspects illegal behavior should call 911.
The City’s actions must also be consistent with constitutional rights and protections (speech, assembly), and we can’t ask someone to leave if no laws or rules are being broken. The situation at the Annex Park appears to have started with the church next door allowing overnight stays on their property. Overnighters at the church appear to have been climbing the fence and using the park during the day. City staff has spoken to church staff, and that conversation needs to continue.
This past Monday night, the City Council adopted a new trespass ordinance, effective next Tuesday, which will serve as an additional tool to address problematic behavior on public lands and facilities. Staff is already working on administrative rules to implement the ordinance. Our City Council wants our Police and City staff to implement our regulations fairly and incrementally, and, if needed, this tool can be employed to address behavior that is unsafe, dangerous, illegal, or against City rules.
We also know that the trespass ordinance is not the solution to homelessness, and the City Council has asked staff to schedule a study session in the coming weeks to learn more. We appreciate your patience as we work with the church and the people who are using the park. Again, please call 911 if you see or suspect illegal behavior.
– Kamuron Gurol
City Manager
On Friday night (Aug. 22), Burien police tried to stop a car for speeding when the driver took off; here’s how they explained it on their Facebook page:
Officers pursued the driver, and at one point, the suspect made a U-Turn and drove right at the pursuing officer. When he did this, the officer stopped and tried to back his car off the roadway, but the suspect still struck the front end of the police car causing minor damage. The suspect also turned his headlights off while driving at night, which is especially dangerous. The suspect eventually stopped his and ran away on foot near the SW 153 and Ambaum Blvd. A K9 unit attempted to locate the suspect but was unable to find him. We know who this guy is and will continue to look for him. He has several warrants for his arrest, including one for racing.
Pursuits are scary and dangerous. Officers have to constantly evaluate their decision to pursue or let the person go. The last thing we want is for anyone to get hurt by this guy who doesn’t care about anything except for himself. We are glad no one was hurt!
Leland Russell Jr., a 29-year-old Burien man, was charged Monday with two counts of Murder in the First Degree with Firearm Enhancements for last Wednesday’s double homicide at a gas station in Kent.
The defendant is accused in the shooting deaths of two employees of the gas station, David Christianson and Carlos Gonzalez.
According to the King County Prosecutors Office:
Prosecutors allege that Russell and another man arrived at the busy gas station during the morning commute and started arguments with several customers who were attempting to use the business’s services. Witnesses said the defendant and his friend were rude and combative toward customers and Shell Station employees before they were told to leave by the victims. After the defendant’s friend started to physically assault one of the victims, Russell allegedly retrieved his gun from his vehicle and shot the two unarmed victims multiple times at close range.
“This was an absolutely senseless and outrageous act of gun violence that claimed two innocent lives,” said King County Prosecuting Attorney Dan Satterberg. “The evidence shows that the defendant and his friend came to the gas station looking for trouble,” he said. “As his friend provoked a fist fight with a store clerk, the defendant retrieved his gun from his car and, without warning, fired multiple rounds, killing Mr. Gonzales, the store clerk, and Mr. Christianson, the store manager who was trying to break up the fist fight,” Satterberg said.
Bail was originally set at $2 million, but prosecutors requested and the court ordered that bail be denied for the defendant because of the danger he poses to the community. Russell will be arraigned on September 4 at 9 a.m. in courtroom GA of the Maleng Regional Justice Center. If convicted as charged, the sentence range is 50 to 63 years in prison. The case is being handled by Senior Deputy Prosecutors Jessica Berliner and Karissa Taylor.
The Burien Police Department is seeking the public’s help in finding the suspect pictured below, who they believe stole a tip jar from a local espresso stand:
“The photos aren’t great (they rarely are) but someone may recognize him!” Police said. “Feel free to share with your friends and message us if you know his name.”
Police did not say which espresso stand this happened at.
If you recognize this suspect, please email bryan.howard@kingcounty.gov.
Wednesday afternoon (Aug. 27) around 12:25 p.m., a female suspect robbed the Umpqua Bank in the 200 block of SW 152nd Street.
“Thanks to good suspect and a vehicle descriptions from witnesses, one of the Burien deputies stopped a car that matched the description and was occupied by one occupant, a female,” Sgt. DB Gates of the King County Sheriff’s Office told The B-Town Blog.
The suspect vehicle was detained minutes later – at 12:34 p.m. – and witnesses were brought to her location, where she was positively identified as the person who had robbed the bank. She was booked into jail on an investigation of robbery charge.
Police also became suspicious when they spotted a “pile of money on the passenger seat of the car.”
The suspected bank robber is a 24-year old female, last known to have lived in Auburn. Her car was impounded pending a search warrant and detectives will be following up with charges in the next few days.
No employees were hurt during the robbery and it is not believed that the suspect had a weapon.
The bank – which used to be Sterling Bank – re-opened shortly after the investigation.
Our sister site The White Center Blog is reporting that a carjacker stole an SUV with a 10-month baby still inside, then tried to elude police before finally being caught in White Center.
Read the full story here.
The King County Sheriff’s Office will be hosting a ‘9-1-1 Citizen’s Academy’ in Renton from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 27.
“The academy will educate citizens about the role 9-1-1 Communications Specialists play in the public safety system and will prepare them should they ever need to call 9-1-1,” reads an announcement.
This one day informational class will include everything from the history of 9-1-1 to how citizens can help 9-1-1 help them. A tour of the KCSO 9-1-1 Center is included, and optional “plug-in” time will be offered to academy attendees on follow-up dates for those interested.
The academy is open to anyone at least 18 years old with no felony convictions. Applicants must live or work in King County.
Applications to attend are now being accepted. Space is limited and completed applications should be turned in by Wednesday, September 24th, 2014.
Applications are available on the King County Sheriff’s Office website: http://www.kingcounty.gov/safety/sheriff/Enforcement/911Center/2012CitzensAcademy.aspx.
You can also request the applications by calling their Hotline at 206-205-6625, or by sending an email request to: KCSO911.FB@kingcounty.gov.
KCSO’s Regional Communications Center is located at 3511 NE 2nd Street in Renton.
King County Councilmember Dave Upthegrove is sponsoring a community meeting called ‘Can Ferguson Happen Here?’ from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 10 at the Tyee High School cafeteria, located at 4424 S. 188th Street in SeaTac.
Upthegrove will be joined by King County Sheriff John Urquhart, King County Prosecutor Dan Satterberg and a panel of community leaders for an “open conversation about race, culture and the community’s relationship with law enforcement.”
The panel will take questions from the audience and discuss:
TV Host Enrique Cerna will serve as moderator for the event.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the panel discussion will run from 7-8:30 p.m.
