Victim #1, a 51-year-old male, sustained a stab wound to the abdomen.  The specifics of victim #2′s injuries are unknown at this time.  Both victims were treated by SFD medics at the scene and subsequently transported to area hospitals for follow up treatment.

Preliminary investigation indicates that the assault actually occurred about one block south of where the victims were located, possibly in a park.  One victim had a speech disability preventing him from providing officers with any information and the other victim was uncooperative with investigating officers.  We therefore have no additional details and no suspect information.

This remains an active and on-going investigation.

With the theme, “Heroes Among Us”, the gala paid a fitting tribute to the men and women of the Seattle Police Department who protect our city every day and night.  Joining me at the event were Officers Joe Cepeda and Ryan Gallagher of Seattle Police Pipes and Drums, Detective Kim Bogucki of the “If Project”, Sergeant Kevin Grossman, Hostage Negotiator and Professional Standards supervisor and Sergeant Sean Whitcomb of Public Affairs.  They are just a select few of the heroes that have dedicated themselves to a career of public service – our department consists of hundreds of men and women just like them.  In fact, a number of department members – sworn and civilian, uniformed and plain-clothes – volunteered their time to attend this amazing event to ensure its success.

This event would not have been possible without the tireless effort of the members of the Seattle Hotel Association and Seattle Hotel Association President Howard Cohen.  I cannot begin to express the immense gratitude that I have for Howard, his board and those that worked closely with them to support their efforts. 

For the Seattle Police Foundation to have been selected as a beneficiary of the Seattle Hotel Association’s “Evening of Hope” fundraiser is truly an honor.  It is a great benefit to the Seattle Police Department and the communities that we serve.  Since 2002, the Seattle Police Foundation has raised more than five million dollars.  That money has been invested in community partnerships, employee development and specialized equipment and technology for our officers.  Many of you probably aren’t aware that department units like SWAT, CSI, Victim Support Team, K-9, and Patrol Operations are regular recipients of bi-annual grants funded by the Seattle Police Foundation.  Our Picnic in the Precinct program wouldn’t be possible without the Foundation and let’s not forget the horses!  In 2011, the Seattle Police Foundation stepped in to conduct a fundraising campaign to preserve our historic Mounted Patrol Unit, some of the most visible and beloved members of our department.

The work behind this year’s Evening of Hope has clearly been rewarded.  The Seattle Hotel Association successfully raised over $400,000.  Clearly, there is no shortage of generosity and goodwill in our community! 

As Chief of Police and on behalf of the men and women of the Seattle Police Department, I would like to offer my heartfelt thanks to those who sponsored the event, those that made the auction items possible and also those who purchased them!  Once more, special thanks to Howard Cohen and the members of the Seattle Hotel Association.  Also, thanks to the Seattle Police Foundation President and CEO Renee’ Hopkins and the Seattle Police Foundation Chairman of the Board of Directors Sam Baker.  Thank you for making our officers safer and our communities stronger. 

John Diaz, Chief of Police

Seattle, Washington — February 6, 2012 — This past Saturday, the Seattle Hotel Association hosted the 15th annual Evening of Hope Gala at the Olympic Fairmont Hotel. This year all net proceeds benefit the Seattle Police Foundation. Saturday’s honorees, Gil Kerlikowske and his wife Anna Laszlo, were recognized for all their hard work towards improving public safety. Gil is currently the Drug Czar for the Obama Administration and the former Seattle Police Chief (2001-2009). His wife Anna is a national leader in criminal justice research and programming. Both have had an amazing impact on the Seattle community, and it was under Gil’s leadership that the Seattle Police Foundation began.

The Seattle Police Foundation (SPF) was founded to assist the police department reach its mission of fighting crime, reducing fear and building strong communities. SPF specifically helps SPD enhance relationships with the community they serve, improve officer and employee development, and provide the latest in equipment and technology that would not be normally funded in the city’s budget to ensure their safety and enhance the service they provide our community every day. Proceeds from the Evening of Hope will go to fund projects in these areas. “This money will help us continue to make Seattle safer. The work we do changes and saves lives,” said Renée Hopkins, President of the Seattle Police Foundation. The event raised more than $400,000 with proceeds going to the SPF.

The partnership between the Seattle Hotel Association, the Seattle Police Foundation and the events sponsors, demonstrates the commitment we all have towards building a safe and vibrant Seattle to allow businesses and families to thrive. Again, the Seattle Police Foundation would like to thank the Seattle Hotel Association and the event sponsors for their support and ensuring the events success.

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 For more information, press only:

Abel Pacheco, (206) 733- 9372, abel.pacheco@seattle.gov

For more information on the Seattle Police Foundation and the Seattle Hotel Association:

http://www.seattlepolicefoundation.org

http://www.seattlehotelassociation.org/eoh.html

Officers surrounded the suspect’s apartment complex and attempted to contact the suspect at his apartment.  Shortly thereafter the suspect was observed sneaking out the back of his apartment.  When confronted by officers, the suspect ran back inside.  The suspect then tried to sneak out the front door of his apartment at which time he was taken into custody by officers lying in wait.

The 26-year-old male suspect was subsequently booked into the King County Jail for Investigation of Assault (felony assault) and Investigation of VUFA (being a felon in possession of a firearm).

This remains an active and on-going Homicide/Assault investigation.

Responding officers noted multiple bullet holes in a vehicle parked in front of the victim address. The officers recovered multiple shell casings and slugs.  There were no reported injuries, no apparent damage to the residence.

Officers responded to the suspect vehicle’s registered address and observed the vehicle parked/unoccupied outside, with one shell casing visible on the rear seat floorboards.  While watching the residence, another vehicle left the house.  Officers stopped this vehicle and detained the male matching the suspect description.  He was positively identified by the witness to the earlier shooting. The suspect was subsequently booked into King County Jail for Investigation of Drive-by shooting.  The suspect’s vehicle was impounded to the processing room. 

An officer arriving in the area observed two subjects fitting the description leaving the area of the construction site.  They were later detained in a nearby parking garage.  The caller/complainant responded to the scene and suspects were positively identified.  Through investigation officers later learned that the suspects may have been associated with a particular vehicle. 

They searched the area and found the vehicle with stolen property inside.  The vehicle was impounded with a hold for Burglary.  One suspect has an extensive history of property crimes.

The suspects were arrested and transported to the North Precinct. The two adult males were booked into the King County Jail  for Investigation of Burglary.   

At North 35th Street and Woodlawn Avenue North the suspect was spotted by patrol officers who attempted to initiate a traffic stop.  The suspect failed to yield to the officers and began driving recklessly northbound on Stone Avenue North.  The officers ceased following the suspect and broke contact.

At North 95th Street and Aurora Avenue North a King County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) patrol officer spotted the suspect and began following her into Shoreline.  After being joined by additional units in the 15000 block of Aurora Avenue North, the KCSO deputy initiated a traffic stop.  The suspect failed to yield to the deputy, turned around and fled southbound back into the City of Seattle on Aurora Avenue North with KCSO in pursuit.  At this time KCSO deputies were joined by Washington State Patrol (WSP) troopers and Seattle Police Department (SPD) officers.

The suspect drove into a store parking lot in the 11700 block of Aurora Avenue North and collided into the concrete base of a light pole.  The suspect exited the vehicle and was taken into custody without further incident by officers of the KCSO, WSP, and SPD.

There are no other collisions, injuries, or property damage that we are aware of at this time caused by the suspect’s actions.

The suspect was subsequently transported to Harborview Medical Center by ambulance for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries she sustained in the collision.

The suspect is currently being processed for suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

She is currently under hospital guard and will be booked into the King County Jail upon release from Harborview Medical Center. 

The suspect, a female in her 20′s, faces potential charges of Auto Theft, Felony Eluding, Property Damage, and Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol and/or Drugs. 

This remains an active and on-going Seattle Police Department investigation.

At that point a 26-year-old male suspect (the female suspect’s boyfriend) emerged from the apartment and confronted the taxicab driver.  The male suspect pointed a handgun at the taxicab driver’s head, retrieved the female suspect’s jacket and went back inside the apartment without paying the cab fare.  The victim (the adult male taxicab driver) called 911.

It is now believed that as patrol officers responded to the area and began setting up containment on the suspects’ apartment complex, the male suspect fled the apartment complex in an unknown direction.  At the time of the police response, indications were that both suspects were inside the residence.

Patrol officers set up containment on the apartment complex and the SWAT team and negotiators subsequently responded to the scene.  Officers had established cell phone contact with the suspect during the early stages of the incident but the suspect stopped answering his phone shortly thereafter.  Multiple attempts were made to get the suspects to surrender peacefully.  Eventually the female suspect came outside and surrendered to officers without further incident.  She was placed under arrest and subsequently booked into the King County Jail for misdemeanor theft. 

After numerous additional attempts to get the suspect to surrender were unsuccessful, the SWAT team made entry into the suspects’ apartment and determined that nobody else was inside.  The 26-year-old male suspect, who is known to officers from past dealings, remains at large. 

Homicide/Assault detectives continue to actively investigate.

Anyone with information about the suspect’s whereabouts is asked to call 911 or Seattle Police immediately and refer to this incident.  Anonymous tips are welcome.

Officers arrived and conducted an extensive area search, but the suspects were not located.  This remains an active and on going investigation.  Robbery Unit detectives will handle the follow up investigation.

The team will deliver more socks, gloves, scarves, hats, and blankets next week to other charities. A special thank you to Target, Northgate Community Center, Lake City Lions, University Masonic Temple, Members of the North Precinct Advisory Council and others.

Sergeant Dianne Newsom wrote, “I want to personally thank all the citizens in the precinct who gathered 4488 pairs of socks, 154 pairs of gloves, 285 hats, 19 scarves, 3 afgans, 2 knitted baby shoes, this is just another example of your greatness.”

N. Pct CPT. Sgt D. Newsom and Mary Larsen Mahar