White Center Now: The blog about White Center

As previously mentioned, the first pandemic-era North Highline Unincorporated Area Council is set for this Thursday, October 8th, online. Here’s the announcement with full details:

The Opportunity to Be Informed, Be Involved and Be Heard!

Where? North Highline Unincorporated Area Council Meeting

When? Thursday, October 8, 2020 at 7 pm

How? (Here’s the link)
Meeting ID: 946 9398 2872
Passcode: 179306

Dial-in: 253 215 8782
Meeting ID: 946 9398 2872
Passcode: 179306

NHUAC Is Baaaack!!! NHUAC’s first meeting since February will be held Thursday, October 8th at 7 pm. It is going to be a virtual meeting via Zoom so it will be different, but the goal will be the same: To provide an opportunity to be informed, involved, and heard about issues affecting North Highline.

COVID-19 has changed our lives. We have been staying home to stay safe. Meanwhile, what has been happening in White Center, Top Hat, Boulevard Park, other North Highline neighborhoods? What is about to happen? To help us catch up and prepare, NHUAC’s October 8th meeting will focus on our first responders.

Have you ever called 911 because of a fire or medical emergency? If so, you know how important the North Highline Fire District is to our community. Assistant Chief Ray Pettigrew will discuss NHFD and ballot measure NHFD Proposition No. 1 to continue the Benefit Charge.

The climate around policing has gotten intense. King County’s response requires our serious consideration. If Charter Amendment No. 5 passes, voters will give up their right to vote for Sheriff. According to the King County Elections website, “The next sheriff would be appointed by the county executive and confirmed by the county council.” Charter Amendment No. 6 would transfer much of the Sheriff’s control over KCSO to the King County Executive (currently Dow Constantine) and the King County Council.

Sheriff Mitzi Johanknecht will discuss these issues and others specific to North Highline. We will also be joined by Chief Jesse Anderson, who recently left Precinct 4 to become head of the Patrol Operations Division. Major Jeffrey Flohr, Precinct 4’s new Commander; Manny Apostol, KCSO’s new Community Engagement Specialist; and last, but certainly not least, Deputy Bill Kennamer will also join us.

Knowledge is power.

Do not miss this chance to learn and help make North Highline a safer place!

October 8, 2020 at 7 pm – Tell a Neighbor

Should the King County Sheriff go back to being appointed rather than elected? That’s one of the proposed charter amendments going to voters this November, as announced:

With the approval of three more measures on Tuesday, the King County will now send seven county charter amendments to the November ballot for a public vote to approve or reject them. The Charter Review Commission recommended 11 amendments in its final report last year, though it wasn’t expected that all the amendments would be considered by voters in the same year.

The following amendments will now appear on the November ballot:

=Specify that inquests should be performed for deaths in the county’s jails and provide the family of the deceased with legal representation during the inquest process.
=Include subpoena power for the King County Office of Law Enforcement Oversight to aid in its investigations.
-Make the King County Sheriff an appointed rather than elected position.
-Remove the Charter impediment to the sale of county-owned property below market value for affordable housing purposes, in accordance with recent amendments to state law.
-Update the Charter to change references to “citizen” to “resident” or “public” depending on the circumstances. This change would address several references in the Charter to the concept of citizenship being necessary to access certain aspects of county government.
-Prohibit discrimination in county employment and contracting based on someone’s status as a family caregiver, military status, or status as a veteran who was honorably discharged or discharged solely as a result of sexual orientation or gender identity.

“I am pleased to give the voters the opportunity to decide on these amendments to the way our county is governed,” said Council Chair Claudia Balducci.

The seventh amendment set for a vote in the fall was not a recommendation of the Charter Review Commission, but instead was a council-proposed amendment. This amendment would allow the Council to establish the duties of the Sheriff’s Office. Those duties are currently set by the charter.

The sheriff was appointed until voters decided in 1996 to change that.

5:46 PM: King County Sheriff’s Office deputies are in the 10400 block of 2nd SW, investigating a shooting. They say the victim was shot in the hand by someone who fled and is still being sought. No other details so far.

6:20 PM: KCSO says the victim also had left the scene before investigators arrived; they are checking with area hospitals.

12:59 AM: For the second time in less than 7 hours, somebody’s been shot in White Center. Only very early information so far – deputies are out searching the area. The dispatch was to 16th/100th. No further details yet.

1:28 AM: The King County Sheriff’s Office confirms one person was shot, a male victim reported to be in stable condition and taken to Harborview Medical Center. No one’s in custody. The location is now descrbed as the 10600 block of 16th SW.

6:16 PM: 107th is blocked just east of the White Center Library as deputies investigate a deadly shooting. KCSO says the victim is a 20-tear-old man. No other details yet.

8:29 PM: We checked with KCSO spokesperson Sgt. Ryan Abbott, who says this is all they currently know:

5:20 PM, a deputy was in the area of SW 107 near the 1400 BLK on an unrelated call when he heard multiple gunshots. As he came around the corner on 14 AVE SW he saw a male running away from the scene and a second male lying on the ground. He lost sight of the suspect and put out the last known direction of travel and began life-saving measures on the victim. Medic 1 arrived on scene and continued life-saving measures but the victim died at the scene, a 20 year old male. Witnesses stated the suspect fled in a vehicle, unknown description. Major Crimes is on scene investigating.

Thanks for the tips. That was part of the scene at 16th/112th as a King County Sheriff’s Office search wrapped up early this morning. We asked KCSO spokesperson Sgt. Ryan Abbott for details:

The Ladybug Espresso at S. 126/ Des Moines Memorial Drive was robbed at gunpoint at 5:20 AM by two suspects who fled in a car. A short time later, the same suspect car crashed into a fence at SW 112/ 16 AVE SW; the suspects fled on foot. They were both caught a short time later by deputies and arrested. They were both booked into Jail for investigation of robbery.

We got a few questions about the Guardian One helicopter’s presence over east White Center/Top Hat this afternoon. That video shows what it was all about – assisting as King County Sheriff’s Deputies on the ground chased after an auto-theft suspect. The accompanying summary:

The suspect initially evaded police and then was relocated at a house. The suspect got into the passenger seat of a vehicle and then ran from police again when confronted. Guardian 1 tracked the suspect with the FLIR camera and he was taken into custody in a backyard shed.

(King County Sheriff’s Office photo)

The King County Sheriff’s Office suspects “alcohol (was) a factor” in this crash in unincorporated North Highline today. It happened in the 10400 block of 8th Avenue South and injured the two men in the car, both in their 20s. KCSO says the driver was taken to a hospital “in serious condition,” while the passenger had minor injuries. No other vehicles, or people, involved.

(WCN photo)

6:38 PM: Thanks for the tips (206-293-6302 text or voice any time). 16th is blocked north of 107th in White Center after a driver hit a pedestrian. Deputies told us at the scene that the male victim was taken to Harborview.

10:47 PM: KCSO spokesperson Sgt. Ryan Abbott tells us the man who was hit in a crosswalk is 50 years old. He was assessed as being in serious condition when taken to the hospital; the crash investigation continues, but the road has reopened.

ADDED MONDAY: As noted in a comment, the victim’s family says he is 66 years old and in critical condition. A crowdfunding campaign is under way to help.

We got some questions Monday afternoon about a Guardian One search over White Center. KCSO answered those questions with this update today:

On 11/4/2019, at about 2:50 PM, Deputy Hancock located an occupied stolen vehicle near the 9800 block of 13 Avenue SW in White Center. The driver of the vehicle got out and fled through an apartment complex.

Guardian 1 took to the air, and Deputy Gervacio grabbed his K9 partner “Paco” to assist in the hunt for the suspect. Guardian One noticed a suspicious hot spot, and K9 Paco found the suspect hiding at the bottom of a rock wall.

The 43 year old male, from White Center, was arrested without incident. The suspect denied he had driven the stolen car, but deputies were able to locate video of the suspect behind the wheel, wearing a beige jacket – which was found hidden inside the car.

KCSO adds that the suspect “was booked into King County jail on several outstanding warrants. The vehicle theft investigation remains open.”

(Also posted to partner site West Seattle Blog)

Took a while to get the details on this but for everyone who asked why the Guardian One helicopter was looping over White Center and South Delridge for a while – it was part of the search for someone who robbed an employee of Proletariat Pizza (9622 16th SW) in the alley behind the business, says King County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Sgt. Ryan Abbott. He says a robber armed with a handgun took the employee’s wallet and cell phone “and fled northbound into Seattle on a bike.”

7:06 PM: Got a few questions about helicopters just south of White Center. The King County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a shooting in North Burien, 2nd SW and SW 120th [map]. KCSO says a 27-year-old man was “shot in the face” and was taken to Harborview in serious condition. No other info yet.

11:35 PM: Update from KCSO: “Deputies were able to determine actual shooting took place in the Top Hat area of unincorporated King County and the victim fled to a house in Burien. This entire incident was over a vehicle. The suspect is still outstanding.”

(WCN photo from September 2018)

Got a crime/safety concern? Bring it to the Sheriff herself on Thursday (October 3rd) at the next meeting of the North Highline Unincorporated Area Council. Just announced:

North Highline Unincorporated Area Council Meeting

When: Thursday, October 3, 2019 at 7 pm
Where: North Highline Fire Station at 1243 SW 112th Street in White Center
(Parking and Entrance are in the Back of the Station)

The Opportunity to Be Informed, Be Involved and Be Heard!

Were you at last month’s North Highline Unincorporated Area Council meeting? If so, you know that our community is struggling. Fear, anger, and frustration are felt by many. Deputy Bill Kennamer and Major Jesse Anderson of the King County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) spent much of the meeting listening to concerns and responding with information about what is being done by KCSO to try to deal with chronic issues found in our community.

This month, we will be joined by the woman who puts Sheriff in KCSO. It’s been a little over a year since Sheriff Mitzi Johanknecht last joined us. Sheriff Mitzi has been with KCSO since 1985. Her history with KCSO includes being the first woman to command KCSO’s SWAT team and serving as the Commander of Precinct 4. She was elected in 2017. This will be a good opportunity to learn about her plans, challenges and goals. Do you have questions and thoughts you’d like to share with Sheriff Johanknecht? This is your chance!

The Comprehensive Plan is King County’s long-range policy for land use, regulations and regional services such as housing, transit, parks, trails and open space. After nearly two decades, King County has initiated a new subarea planning program for each of the county’s local service areas, including North Highline. This planning includes an assessment of the area’s land use goals, population changes, new development, and other demographic and socioeconomic indicators.

King County’s David Goodman and Mark Ellerbrook will share some of the plans King County has been working on for our community, including our Subarea Plan and a micro-housing project. This will be an opportunity to ask questions and make comments about the long-term, far-reaching plans, which are sure to mold our environment and future.

Once again. White Center Storefront Deputy Bill Kennamer will update us with news and crime statistics from KCSO.

Then , the floor will be open for announcements.

Knowledge is power. Learn, share and help make our community a better place!

Thursday, October 3, 2019 at 7 pm

Bring a Friend!

If you’re headed southbound, an FYI from KCSO:

The photo and update are via Twitter: “Collision investigation in Burien near S 128/ SB on-ramp 509. Suspect vehicle fleeing a shoplift struck a truck at a high rate of speed. Police were not involved prior to the collision. Suspect vehicle passenger critical injuries. EB S 128 will be closed while MARR investigates.”

More Night Out 2019 scenes, in photos and a report from Gill Loring:

Thanks to Ron Johnson on the block of 20th Ave. SW south of us we had a great August Night Out Against Crime. Some newcomers including a three week old baby.

The Sheriff’s Dept. showed up with Major Anderson, the new Precinct 4 commander, along with the new Community Engagement Specialist, Tierre Larose, who has been here a month, having moved from Ohio . He does like our weather!

Deputy Hancock can be seen addressing the well fed crowd telling them to call 911 any time you see something out of the ordinary. Of course, the first representative of the Sheriff’s Dept. to arrive was CSO, Peter Truong.

Great crowd, great food and perfect weather. What a great annual event.

Night Out is always the first Tuesday in August – you can start planning for next year now!

… we went out looking but Guardian One had moved on and we were unable to locate deputies on the ground. G-1 has since tweeted that it was assisting in the search for a hit-run suspect near 2nd SW and SW 102nd.

1:10 AM: From radio communication: King County deputies are investigating a shooting reported to have happened ear 4th SW and SW 106th. The victim is at the hospital and his injuries are not believed, so far, to be life-threatening. That’s all we’ve heard so far.

10:10 PM: We followed up with KCSO’s Sgt. Ryan Abbott, who tells us tonight:

On 7/5/19 at 12:45 AM, near the 10600 block of 4th Ave SW, a male was shot by a suspect in a vehicle who drove by a house. The male was shot on his side. He had a friend drive him to Highline Hospital prior to Police arrival at the scene. The victim was then transported to HMC; his injuries were not life threatening. People on scene were not very cooperative. This case is open and being followed up by Major Crimes.

From the King County Sheriff’s Office:

King County’s unincorporated communities will get assistance in keeping the Fourth of July holiday safe, with a $25,000 boost in Sheriff funding for increased patrols. Metropolitan King County Councilmembers Joe McDermott, Larry Gossett, and Reagan Dunn announced that funds for the King County Sheriff’s Office were prioritized in the King County Budget. These patrols will be on the lookout for illegal fireworks usage during the Fourth of July holiday.

“With growing concerns over public safety, these funds for the Sheriff are intended to ensure a safe 4th of July celebration for everyone,” said McDermott.

“It is important that residents of our unincorporated areas can celebrate our Independence Day, but do it in a safe and legal manner,” said Gossett. “These increased patrols will go a long way to ensure that.”

$25,000 was prioritized to cover 300 hours of extra emphasis which will be split between the three sheriff precincts; Northeast, Southeast, and Southwest King County. The intent of this action is to ensure deputies can better respond to 911 calls made in response to illegal fireworks.

“My first priority as folks celebrate Independence Day is to help ensure the safety of unincorporated residents,” said Dunn. “I worked hard with my colleagues to get the additional funding that the Sheriff’s Office needed in order to provide a heavier police presence leading up to and on the Fourth.”

“The additional funding that we received from the King County Council is being used to proactively respond to illegal firework calls,” said Sheriff Mitzi Johanknecht. “We want everyone to have a safe 4th of July.”

In unincorporated King County, fireworks may only be discharged on July 4 from 9 a.m. to midnight. Residents are encouraged to act responsibly when using fireworks. Examples of legal fireworks include cone fountains, smoke devices, mines/shells/cakes, wheels, parachutes, roman candles, ground spinners, cylindrical fountains, sparklers, and poppers.

There are a number of free fireworks shows located around King County. The cities of Bellevue, Auburn, Carnation, Des Moines, Federal Way, Kent, Kenmore, Maple Valley, Mercer Island, Newcastle, Mountlake Terrace, Renton, Sammamish, Seattle, and Tukwila are all hosting public fireworks displays on July 4th. (Here’s a list.)

For more information about how to use fireworks safely and legally, go here.

(WCN photo from Sunday)

From the King County Sheriff’s Office this afternoon:

After a series of shootings over the weekend, the Sheriff’s Office wants to assure our White Center residents and business owners that public safety is our top priority and we are taking action to combat violent crime in the area.

King County Sheriff Mitzi G. Johanknecht said, “We are aware that violent crime is trending up. We will be adding deputies for increased emphasis patrols targeting crimes of violence.”

“The patrols will be random and at different times of the day to increase visibility in areas where violent crime is likely to occur,” said Sheriff Johanknecht.

The two shootings this weekend are not related, and so far there is no indication either is gang-related. Here is an update on each shooting:

Outside Hookah Lounge on 17th Avenue SW

On Sunday Morning, 6/23/2019 at 5:30 AM, a 911 call came in with someone hearing shots in the area of SW Roxbury/ 17 AVE SW. A deputy responded but did not hear or see anything initially. After checking for about 30 minutes, he cleared the call.

At 6:13 AM, three males showed up at Harborview Medical Center, each with gunshot wounds. Just before 7 AM, it was determined that this incident had occurred at the 9800 BLK 17 AVE SW. Deputies arrived on scene and located numerous shell casings. King County Major Crimes responded to the scene and located over 40 shell casings. Detectives believe some type of disturbance occurred outside of an after-hours club located in the alley between 16 AVE SW and 17 AVE SW. The disturbance led to a shooting between multiple people. A 28-year-old male was shot in the leg and was treated and released from the hospital. A 30-year-old male remains in critical condition, and a 29-year-old male remains in serious condition. Major Crimes continues to investigate.

1st Avenue SW Shooting

Today, Monday 6/24/2019 at 7:55 AM, a 27-year-old male caller reported he had just been shot near his house at 10600 BLK 1 AVE SW. The male suspect, known to the victim, fled the scene. King County Medics treated the victim on scene for a gunshot wound to the shoulder. The medics transported him to Harborview Hospital; his condition was listed as serious. The victim was not very cooperative with Deputies about what had occurred. At this time it is unknown what led up to the shooting, but this case remains under investigation.

8:04 AM: From radio communication: Deputies are on the scene where a man is reported to have been shot at or near a house on SW 106th between 1st/1st SW. They’ve reported finding a shell casing. No word yet on the victim’s condition.

10:58 AM: KCSO says the victim’s injuries are not life-threatening. No suspect information yet.

5:22 PM: More followup info is here.