The purpose of this program is for Seattle residents to have an opportunity to talk to Seattle Police officers who patrol their neighborhood.  Residents get to chat with these officers in an informal setting and discuss neighborhood concerns, personal safety and crime prevention.  Officers hope that these efforts will forge lasting partnerships when it comes to fighting crime in Seattle’s neighborhoods. 

For more information about how to host a ‘living room conversation’ in your neighborhood, please click here.

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 located three adult male victims: Victim #1, a 25-year-old male, had a gunshot wound to the front, lower torso.  SFD medics responded to the scene and transported victim #1 to Harborview Medical Center with life-threatening injuries.  He has since died as a result of his injuries. 

Victim #2 and Victim #3 both sustained head injuries (contusions, cuts, etc.) from being assaulted.  Victim #2 was transported to Harborview Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries and victim #3 was treated and released at the scene.  Victims #2 and #3 are both males in their 20′s. 

Preliminary investigation indicates that a fight broke out among a crowd of people that were leaving a nearby nightclub and walking to their cars.  The physical altercation escalated into gunfire.

Investigating officers and detectives had a difficult time ascertaining what had occurred, as those at the scene were less than forthcoming with information.  No suspect information is available at this time. 

Homicide detectives have assumed responsibility for the active and on-going investigation.

Anyone with information about this incident or who may know the identities or whereabouts of the suspect(s) is asked to call 911 or the Seattle Police Homicide Tip Line at (206) 233-5000.  Anonymous tips are welcome.

Officers conducted an area search but were unable to locate the suspect.  The victim was not injured.

This remains an active and on-going investigation.

SFD medics responded to the scene and transported the female pedestrian to Harborview Medical Center with life-threatening injuries. 

The driver of the SUV was processed for suspicion of being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.  She was subsequently interviewed and released pending the results of laboratory examinations.  

Traffic Collision Investigation Squad detectives responded to the scene and continue to actively investigate.

There were no citations issued at the scene, which is standard procedure in traffic collisions involving serious injuries and requiring extensive follow up investigation and collision reconstruction.

The adult female of the Mazda was transported by medics to Harborview Medical Center for treatment of life threatening injuries.  The adult male driver of the first garbage truck was not injured.  The adult male driver of the second garbage truck was transported by ambulance to Harborview Medical Center for treatment of non life threatening injuries.  None of the involved vehicles had passengers. 

Traffic Collision Investigation Squad detectives have responded to process the collision scene and search for evidence.  They will be responsible for completing the investigation. 

The information in this post is preliminary and subject to change as the investigation proceeds.

On January 26th, the suspect from Snohomish County was transported to the King County Jail.  Prior to that, he was interviewed by Robbery detectives.  Information was developed during the interview about a third suspect, a female, who was present during the robbery.

A few days later, the adult female suspect was arrested and booked into the King County Jail.  All three of the suspects are now in custody.

On January 29^th at approximately 3:30 a.m., the victim heard a knock on the front door of her home in the 5800 block of Renton Av S. She peeked out a window and asked who it was. The subject asked for Ricky. The victim told him to leave and called her husband who was at work.

Several minutes later, the victim heard noises at the back door. She went to look and observed two suspects huddled near the back door. One suspect pointed a handgun towards her and she immediately ran to the front of the house and called 911. At the same time, the victim’s husband arrived home.

The victim heard commotion outside and observed her husband being chased by one of the suspects. She then heard a loud crash at the back door and was confronted by the other suspect. He was armed with a handgun demanded money and drugs. The victim gave the suspect an undisclosed amount of cash. The suspect fled the scene. He was described as a white male, 20’s, mustache, tall/slender, wearing a hooded sweatshirt and gloves.

The only description given on the other suspect was an unknown race male, mid 20’s, shorter, wearing a hooded sweatshirt and bandanna over his face. The victim’s husband  was chased down and caught by one of the suspects near the corner of S. Juneau & Renton Avenue S. He was pistol-whipped and beaten. The victim sustained lacerations to his face and was transported to Harborview Medical Center (HMC) by AMR.

The Robbery Unit responded to process the scene and interview the victims. Detectives responded to HMC to interview the victim but he was hostile and argumentative and refused to provide any information.

This is an open and active investigation.