An officer responded to a homeowner’s call for assistance when the resident could not locate the source of an obnoxious persistent buzzing noise inside her house. Together they were able to narrow the list of potential culprits down to a single misbehaving appliance. Once again it turned out that the guilty party was the normally quiet one that you’d least suspect.
Police responded to a report of an occupied suspicious vehicle parked near a business late at night. The occupant was contacted and he explained he was living in his van and planned to be in the area for just a little while. He said he had been hiding from outlaws for years and years, and this town seemed to be a safe haven for the moment. The man agreed to change locations so the business nearby could enjoy the same feeling of safety.
An officer contacted a man in front of the police station, where he was asking for help getting to the next big town, after being deported from Canada. The gentleman turned out to be wanted by the state of Oregon Parole Board on a felony warrant for parole violation. He was provided a ride to said town and a safe warm room in jail, quadruple occupancy.
Police received a report of a suspicious vehicle parked just off the road at a business. The arriving officers contacted a young adult motorist who had driven off the road, damaging his car as he crashed into the nearby landscaping rocks and shrubs. In the process the driver suffered substantial distain and numerous disparaging remarks from his carload of young friends. His wounds were dressed by traffic citations and a collision report.
Showing posts with label small town crime. Show all posts
Showing posts with label small town crime. Show all posts
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Saturday, September 26, 2009
true crime -- small town beat
September 10: Officers were dispatched to a report of a person trapped in a mudslide between Peace Portal Drive and the railroad. They arrived to find the victim homeowner in a berry dire predicament. A few minutes earlier he had been trimming the blackberries behind his house, blissfully unaware that the large bushes hid a slippery edge between his property and a steep embankment. He took one final step, and the gravity of his situation became suddenly clear. After a several yard fall through the mud and shrubs, the blackberry thorns dragged him to a halt. It took a bunker-geared fire crew with ladders to extract the gentlemen. Aside from obvious scratches and a berry stained ego, he was unharmed. Officers are recommending him for a new Deadly Yard of Week Award.
September 11: A resident called to report a theft from the Night Heron Drive area in Semiahmoo. Sometime between 4 p.m. and 8 a.m. a three-foot tall steel heron sculpture was stolen from the victim's front yard. No witnesses have yet been identified. Officers are looking for a thief with better taste than morals.
September 16: A man left municipal court after speaking with the judge about his driving while suspended offense. A public safety department employee then watched him climb into his vehicle and drive away. Police confirmed that the man's driving suspension is still in effect. He will be receiving a summons by mail for the new offense.
September 20: Multiple motorists called 911 to report a possibly suicidal female perched atop the SR 543 bridge over the I-5 freeway traffic lanes. Police contacted the young woman. She was not self-destructive, just enthusiastic about taking photos for a school project. An officer transported the teenager off the bridge and to her house.
September 21: Officers responded to a landlord-tenant dispute. The reporting person stated that her landlord was on the front porch, would not let her shut the door, and was refusing to leave. Officers arrived and found that the dispute was entirely civil, and the property owner was the renter's father. Officers mediated an agreement and the parties separated peacefully.
September 11: A resident called to report a theft from the Night Heron Drive area in Semiahmoo. Sometime between 4 p.m. and 8 a.m. a three-foot tall steel heron sculpture was stolen from the victim's front yard. No witnesses have yet been identified. Officers are looking for a thief with better taste than morals.
September 16: A man left municipal court after speaking with the judge about his driving while suspended offense. A public safety department employee then watched him climb into his vehicle and drive away. Police confirmed that the man's driving suspension is still in effect. He will be receiving a summons by mail for the new offense.
September 20: Multiple motorists called 911 to report a possibly suicidal female perched atop the SR 543 bridge over the I-5 freeway traffic lanes. Police contacted the young woman. She was not self-destructive, just enthusiastic about taking photos for a school project. An officer transported the teenager off the bridge and to her house.
September 21: Officers responded to a landlord-tenant dispute. The reporting person stated that her landlord was on the front porch, would not let her shut the door, and was refusing to leave. Officers arrived and found that the dispute was entirely civil, and the property owner was the renter's father. Officers mediated an agreement and the parties separated peacefully.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
true crime -- small town beat
May 21: A prior deportee from the U.S. re-entered the country illegally again along the railroad tracks. He was immediately intercepted by U.S. Border Patrol agents who were assisted by police officers. He was arrested and transported to Border Patrol for processing.
May 21: A long-term care facility called police when an elderly resident attempted to flee from her caregivers. The lady was ignoring the pleas and instructions of the caregivers around her. She only gave up her escape attempt when she was unable to push the wheels of her walker over the tops of the arriving police officer’s uniform shoes out on the sidewalk. Facility staff coordinated with the hospital’s mental health unit to have the lady admitted to the hospital for her own safety. Officers gave her a courtesy ride to the hospital, and into the hands of caregivers there.
May 21: A resident called police to report that her car had been vandalized. Officers responded and investigated. They discovered that what looked like scratches on the car’s hood were actually the collision skid marks from high velocity bees slip-sliding through the pollen dust on the car’s finish. The pollen was removed, and with it the offending skid marks.
May 21: A long-term care facility called police when an elderly resident attempted to flee from her caregivers. The lady was ignoring the pleas and instructions of the caregivers around her. She only gave up her escape attempt when she was unable to push the wheels of her walker over the tops of the arriving police officer’s uniform shoes out on the sidewalk. Facility staff coordinated with the hospital’s mental health unit to have the lady admitted to the hospital for her own safety. Officers gave her a courtesy ride to the hospital, and into the hands of caregivers there.
May 21: A resident called police to report that her car had been vandalized. Officers responded and investigated. They discovered that what looked like scratches on the car’s hood were actually the collision skid marks from high velocity bees slip-sliding through the pollen dust on the car’s finish. The pollen was removed, and with it the offending skid marks.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
true crime -- small town beat
February 27: Police patrolling the school zone came upon a fowl incident. Evidence indicated that a large voracious seagull had broken into a street-side garbage container, purloined a piece of bread, and dragged the pilfered pastry into the street. J. Livingston's intent to ingest apparently averted all his avian attention from approaching autos, as he was summarily executed by same. Amid a chorus of cries and caws from his compadres, officers sealed Mr. Gull's fate and feathers into the bin, which bore the bread of his karmic encounter.
February 26: A concerned mother contacted police upon learning her teenage son had run away with a ne'er-do-well friend of his. Officers searched for the boys, and found them a few hours later. The sensible runaway was taken home by police officers. His sweaty not-so-sensible friend was re-contacted a short time later when he ran out of breath and stopped running, and he too was turned over to his mom.
February 18: Residents at a trailer park reported an intoxicated man sitting on their porch, refusing to leave. Officers located the inebriate several porches away. He was determined to find which home was his through the process of elimination. Officers helped him find the door that fit his key so he could pour himself to bed.
February 14: A police officer specialist observed a man walking in front of the police department who was wanted on a warrant. Police officers contacted the 21-year-old resident nearby and arrested him for the warrant.
February 14: Police were called to assist U.S. Customs with a driver who had been denied entry to Canada. Although the 14-year-old Montana motorist's sense of adventure was compelling and Canadian authorities were impressed with the fact that the car she was driving had been reported stolen in Missoula, they still decided not to allow her to immigrate to the Great White North. The young cowgirl was arrested and the 1979 Buick she'd rustled was towed to the corral.
February 26: A concerned mother contacted police upon learning her teenage son had run away with a ne'er-do-well friend of his. Officers searched for the boys, and found them a few hours later. The sensible runaway was taken home by police officers. His sweaty not-so-sensible friend was re-contacted a short time later when he ran out of breath and stopped running, and he too was turned over to his mom.
February 18: Residents at a trailer park reported an intoxicated man sitting on their porch, refusing to leave. Officers located the inebriate several porches away. He was determined to find which home was his through the process of elimination. Officers helped him find the door that fit his key so he could pour himself to bed.
February 14: A police officer specialist observed a man walking in front of the police department who was wanted on a warrant. Police officers contacted the 21-year-old resident nearby and arrested him for the warrant.
February 14: Police were called to assist U.S. Customs with a driver who had been denied entry to Canada. Although the 14-year-old Montana motorist's sense of adventure was compelling and Canadian authorities were impressed with the fact that the car she was driving had been reported stolen in Missoula, they still decided not to allow her to immigrate to the Great White North. The young cowgirl was arrested and the 1979 Buick she'd rustled was towed to the corral.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
true crime -- small town beat
January 8: While on patrol an officer's attention was attracted to a column of smoke and the three kids running away from it. The trio was rounded up. In their haste to depart one of the boys had forgotten about the handful of fireworks sticking out of his pocket. He was taken into custody for possession of illegal fireworks and illegally discharging them within the city limits. The 14-year-old was released to his parent, sans explosives.
January 6: A person visiting a business at Semiahmoo called police to report men wearing camouflaged clothing hiding in a boat offshore, luring passersby and then attacking them with rifles. Responding officers determined that no crime was being committed. The aghast visitor was advised that ducks are in season. No crime.
January 5: Police were dispatched to a business' report of a large scary man yelling at their customers. Officers arrived and contacted the transient standing across the street. He explained that he had just been trying to pick up an employment application. Officers explained to him that his recent experience qualified him for a position as a jail inmate and offered him a ride out of the area. He declined the ride but agreed to work on his interviewing skills elsewhere.
January 6: A person visiting a business at Semiahmoo called police to report men wearing camouflaged clothing hiding in a boat offshore, luring passersby and then attacking them with rifles. Responding officers determined that no crime was being committed. The aghast visitor was advised that ducks are in season. No crime.
January 5: Police were dispatched to a business' report of a large scary man yelling at their customers. Officers arrived and contacted the transient standing across the street. He explained that he had just been trying to pick up an employment application. Officers explained to him that his recent experience qualified him for a position as a jail inmate and offered him a ride out of the area. He declined the ride but agreed to work on his interviewing skills elsewhere.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
true crime -- small town beat
October 17: Police officers responded to assist a resident who was locked out of her home. The problem was of some importance, as her lunch was in flames on her stove inside. Officers and responding fire apparatus made entry. The caged Cajun chicken was pronounced dead at the scene.
October 17: Police observed a teenage boy on the school campus after having been expelled and trespassed from the property. Officers contacted the teen, who thought his transgression was pretty funny. Officers forwarded a trespassing complaint to the prosecutor to get a judge's opinion on the hilarity of the situation.
October 16: A woman called to report that her husband had been missing from their home for over four days. A report was taken and investigation initiated. Officers located the man safe at a friend's place where he had been staying. He did not want to return home. His wife was advised by police that he was safe -- at least for the time being.
October 15: A resident called 911 to report there four people in her back yard with weapons, trying to break into her house to kill her. She also thought they had broken into her car and put an animal inside. Responding police found that there were no criminals in the area and no critters in her car.
October 15: A resident reported two men and a woman were trying to break into vehicles and her house. An officer and four Border Patrol agents responded within 60 seconds and no suspects were located. The officer investigated the incident and discovered no evidence of prowling. The suspects left no footprints in the wet grass or on her dry wooden porch. The resident called in a second report a few minutes later that six suspects had just broken into her neighbors residence and fled in a flatbed truck. Officers helped the resident realize that she had been hallucinating.
October 17: Police observed a teenage boy on the school campus after having been expelled and trespassed from the property. Officers contacted the teen, who thought his transgression was pretty funny. Officers forwarded a trespassing complaint to the prosecutor to get a judge's opinion on the hilarity of the situation.
October 16: A woman called to report that her husband had been missing from their home for over four days. A report was taken and investigation initiated. Officers located the man safe at a friend's place where he had been staying. He did not want to return home. His wife was advised by police that he was safe -- at least for the time being.
October 15: A resident called 911 to report there four people in her back yard with weapons, trying to break into her house to kill her. She also thought they had broken into her car and put an animal inside. Responding police found that there were no criminals in the area and no critters in her car.
October 15: A resident reported two men and a woman were trying to break into vehicles and her house. An officer and four Border Patrol agents responded within 60 seconds and no suspects were located. The officer investigated the incident and discovered no evidence of prowling. The suspects left no footprints in the wet grass or on her dry wooden porch. The resident called in a second report a few minutes later that six suspects had just broken into her neighbors residence and fled in a flatbed truck. Officers helped the resident realize that she had been hallucinating.
Saturday, September 08, 2007
true crime -- small town beat
September 3: A 16-year-old area youth who had warrants for his arrest turned himself in at the police department. The warrants were confirmed and the juvenile arrestee was placed into detention.
September 1: An officer investigated several 911 hang-ups coming from an apartment complex. Contact was made with two residents. The caller was surprised to learn that punching the numbers on 911 on your phone works even when you think your telephone service is disconnected.
August 31: A citizen reported a possibly intoxicated man with facial injuries was waiting for a bus in front of city hall. Officers and fire personnel contacted the victim. He described himself as a clumsy alcoholic who falls all the time. The man had a fresh bandage on his cut and refused treatment.
August 31: Customs and Border Protection called to report a motorist backing south on I-5 in the northbound lanes. An officer contacted the driver who admitted to the offense because he had forgotten his passport at home. The driver was trying to find a place to turn around, as he was afraid to approach Canada Customs without proper documentation.
September 1: An officer investigated several 911 hang-ups coming from an apartment complex. Contact was made with two residents. The caller was surprised to learn that punching the numbers on 911 on your phone works even when you think your telephone service is disconnected.
August 31: A citizen reported a possibly intoxicated man with facial injuries was waiting for a bus in front of city hall. Officers and fire personnel contacted the victim. He described himself as a clumsy alcoholic who falls all the time. The man had a fresh bandage on his cut and refused treatment.
August 31: Customs and Border Protection called to report a motorist backing south on I-5 in the northbound lanes. An officer contacted the driver who admitted to the offense because he had forgotten his passport at home. The driver was trying to find a place to turn around, as he was afraid to approach Canada Customs without proper documentation.
Sunday, August 12, 2007
true crime -- small town beat
July 31: Police were dispatched to a possible fight in progress in the parking lot of a business. Officers arrived and contacted the one person who had not fled the area when it became apparent the police were enroute. The remaining person was blissfully unaware of what had started the commotion, and there were no suspects or victims left to interview. Extra patrol was provided.
July 31: A woman provided an informational statement to police regarding issues she felt were of importance, including little people, satellite mind control, other populated planets, and other pressing matters of global security. No crimes were identified in the information supplied. Case closed with a report.
July 30: A person reported that someone had left an empty pack of cigarettes in her mailbox. The box was dusted for fingerprints at the complainant's request. There are no known suspects or witnesses to the littering crime. Case closed pending further information.
July 29: A citizen brought a wallet into the office that they found. The wallet and its contents were booked into evidence for safekeeping until the owner can be reached to retrieve it.
July 31: A woman provided an informational statement to police regarding issues she felt were of importance, including little people, satellite mind control, other populated planets, and other pressing matters of global security. No crimes were identified in the information supplied. Case closed with a report.
July 30: A person reported that someone had left an empty pack of cigarettes in her mailbox. The box was dusted for fingerprints at the complainant's request. There are no known suspects or witnesses to the littering crime. Case closed pending further information.
July 29: A citizen brought a wallet into the office that they found. The wallet and its contents were booked into evidence for safekeeping until the owner can be reached to retrieve it.
Sunday, July 29, 2007
true crime -- small town beat
July 24: A citizen reported hearing the front door open and hearing footsteps. A search of the house and the neighborhood proved negative for anyone out and about. The citizen was advised to keep their doors locked at night and keep their security light turned on.
July 22: A 17-year-old driver was cited for negligent driving after knocking over two mailboxes and causing damage to a parked vehicle. The driver admitted that he was "playing around" and said that he did not see the mailboxes or the vehicle while backing out of a driveway at high speed. Damage was estimated at several hundred dollars.
July 18: Officers responded to a call from a resident who reported his dogs barking at something in the night. Officers checked the area and found no one. A few minutes later the person re-contacted 911 to report that he had now armed himself to search for the intruders and was laying on the ground outside his home. Officers located the man splayed in the gravel near his house. He was not armed, but appeared very intoxicated, at times incoherent, and had injured himself falling down. The man was transported to the hospital for evaluation.
July 22: A 17-year-old driver was cited for negligent driving after knocking over two mailboxes and causing damage to a parked vehicle. The driver admitted that he was "playing around" and said that he did not see the mailboxes or the vehicle while backing out of a driveway at high speed. Damage was estimated at several hundred dollars.
July 18: Officers responded to a call from a resident who reported his dogs barking at something in the night. Officers checked the area and found no one. A few minutes later the person re-contacted 911 to report that he had now armed himself to search for the intruders and was laying on the ground outside his home. Officers located the man splayed in the gravel near his house. He was not armed, but appeared very intoxicated, at times incoherent, and had injured himself falling down. The man was transported to the hospital for evaluation.
Friday, April 20, 2007
true crime -- small town beat
April 16: Officers checked a residence after a man called repeatedly, insisting people were trying to get into his home. A cat was observed trying to get into the door, and officers shooed it away.
April 16: A resident reported that a former friend had entered his car without permission and scratched curse words into the paint on the vehicle after the two men had exchanged angry words. The victim turned over to police mail that he believed the suspect had left in his vehicle on the day of the crime.
April 14: Police were dispatched to an alarm. On arrival with two Border Patrol agents they found a partially open rear door. The homeowner and an alarm company call-out arrived and found nothing disturbed, except the owner's four dogs who had all been waiting inside the house to greet whoever entered. It appeared as though someone tried to get into the home and activated both the electronic and canine intrusion systems. Officers learned that teenagers had been seen jumping a fence into a neighbor's backyard earlier in the day.
April 16: A resident reported that a former friend had entered his car without permission and scratched curse words into the paint on the vehicle after the two men had exchanged angry words. The victim turned over to police mail that he believed the suspect had left in his vehicle on the day of the crime.
April 14: Police were dispatched to an alarm. On arrival with two Border Patrol agents they found a partially open rear door. The homeowner and an alarm company call-out arrived and found nothing disturbed, except the owner's four dogs who had all been waiting inside the house to greet whoever entered. It appeared as though someone tried to get into the home and activated both the electronic and canine intrusion systems. Officers learned that teenagers had been seen jumping a fence into a neighbor's backyard earlier in the day.
Sunday, April 01, 2007
true crime -- small town beat
March 27: Police were dispatched to a hazard report involving a small boy who was running around a residential yard very close to a man on a riding lawnmower. An officer found a father and son mowing the lawn together.
March 26: A 26-year-old Oregon resident entering the U.S. from Canada on the Amtrak train was found to have a warrant for his arrest. The person was detained by U.S. Customs and then arrested by police when the warrant was confirmed. He was transported to the jail by an officer.
March 26: Police and Border Patrol officers were notified of two individuals who had entered Canada by jumping the ditch between the port of entries. The two individuals were subsequently observed returning to the United States in the same manner. Border Patrol agents apprehended the first individual who was on foot. A police officer later observed the suspect vehicle being driven by the second individual. The driver was contacted and found to be driving with suspended privileges. The man was arrested and cited. The vehicle was impounded.
March 26: A 26-year-old Oregon resident entering the U.S. from Canada on the Amtrak train was found to have a warrant for his arrest. The person was detained by U.S. Customs and then arrested by police when the warrant was confirmed. He was transported to the jail by an officer.
March 26: Police and Border Patrol officers were notified of two individuals who had entered Canada by jumping the ditch between the port of entries. The two individuals were subsequently observed returning to the United States in the same manner. Border Patrol agents apprehended the first individual who was on foot. A police officer later observed the suspect vehicle being driven by the second individual. The driver was contacted and found to be driving with suspended privileges. The man was arrested and cited. The vehicle was impounded.
Friday, March 16, 2007
ach nao
as i've mentioned before, we've been watching a lot of foreign movies -- Poirot, Miss Marple, Islands At War, Foyle's War, Midsommer Murders.
oh sure, they aren't exactly foreign, i mean they do speak english. but sometimes it's hard to tell it's the same language i speak.
the latest movie to catch our interest was suggested by our in-laws (son's in-laws actually) -- a scottish series called Hamish Macbeth. this light-hearted and often very funny series about life and crime in a small scottish hamlet usually causes us to sit on the edge of our seats. that intense? no. we simply cannot tell what they're saying. for example: "ach mon, et'l bey a bluidy hairdship bet weel bey doon whut we mest, yeh ken?" only it's said a lot faster, sort of like this: "akmnelbbludhrdshpwlbdnwtwmsykn?" ahh ... right.
i have to say i totally love the two episodes we've seen so far, but it leaves me exhausted -- all that straining to understand the language. and we constantly have to back it up to re-listen. but, all-in-all i get a real kick out of it. it's nice to have a change from the intensity of the other series. yeh ken?
oh sure, they aren't exactly foreign, i mean they do speak english. but sometimes it's hard to tell it's the same language i speak.
the latest movie to catch our interest was suggested by our in-laws (son's in-laws actually) -- a scottish series called Hamish Macbeth. this light-hearted and often very funny series about life and crime in a small scottish hamlet usually causes us to sit on the edge of our seats. that intense? no. we simply cannot tell what they're saying. for example: "ach mon, et'l bey a bluidy hairdship bet weel bey doon whut we mest, yeh ken?" only it's said a lot faster, sort of like this: "akmnelbbludhrdshpwlbdnwtwmsykn?" ahh ... right.
i have to say i totally love the two episodes we've seen so far, but it leaves me exhausted -- all that straining to understand the language. and we constantly have to back it up to re-listen. but, all-in-all i get a real kick out of it. it's nice to have a change from the intensity of the other series. yeh ken?
Saturday, February 24, 2007
true crime -- small town beat
February 17: An officer was contacted at the police station by a man who wanted a power stat card for a neighbor who was in the dark. While helping solve the utility issue, the diligent officer was able to determine that the resident who needed power wasn't asking for assistance in person because he had outstanding tickets. With continued diligence, the officer soon discovered that the person who did come to the police station had a felony warrant outstanding for his arrest. Realizing that a jailbird in hand was worth two in the dark, the officer arrested and booked the 50-year old into a cell where he could contemplate his situation under proper lighting.
February 16: An officer contacted a highly intoxicated gentleman in a business parking lot. They found that he was waiting for friends to return so he could get back into their car. The friends arrived and poured their poor friend into the back seat.
February 16: Officers arrived at a residence following a reported 911 hang up call at the home. They found an attentive parent teaching their youngster how to use 911. Both mom and the little one received an education about just how well the 911 system works.
February 15: Shortly after his wife left the house, a resident came outside to visit his mailbox. He saw that his spouse had been stopped by police nearby for a traffic violation, so he peddled his bike over to see what was happening. He discovered that his spouse was driving on a suspended drivers license, at just about the same time that the police were discovering that the wife was also in possession of methamphetamine. The husband was not able to provide much assistance, because he was wanted on a warrant of his own for a criminal traffic violation. The couple ended their evening after Valentine's Day together, being booked in the county jail.
February 16: An officer contacted a highly intoxicated gentleman in a business parking lot. They found that he was waiting for friends to return so he could get back into their car. The friends arrived and poured their poor friend into the back seat.
February 16: Officers arrived at a residence following a reported 911 hang up call at the home. They found an attentive parent teaching their youngster how to use 911. Both mom and the little one received an education about just how well the 911 system works.
February 15: Shortly after his wife left the house, a resident came outside to visit his mailbox. He saw that his spouse had been stopped by police nearby for a traffic violation, so he peddled his bike over to see what was happening. He discovered that his spouse was driving on a suspended drivers license, at just about the same time that the police were discovering that the wife was also in possession of methamphetamine. The husband was not able to provide much assistance, because he was wanted on a warrant of his own for a criminal traffic violation. The couple ended their evening after Valentine's Day together, being booked in the county jail.
Thursday, February 22, 2007
true crime -- small town beat
February 14: A resident complained about his neighbor's barking dog. An officer discovered a large raccoon was sitting on the fence in front of the dog. The homeowner was advised of the standoff and took her pet inside the house.
February 13: Officers responded to a possible disturbance. Officers arrived and spoke to one half of a verbal dispute. Officers checked the area for the other half but he was not located.
February 12: Officers received information that a vehicle known to have expired registration was being driven. An officer stopped the vehicle and learned that the driver's privilege to drive was suspended and he was the subject of a number of warrants for his arrest. The 20-year-old was transported to the county jail where he was booked.
February 11: Customs contacted police regarding a 20-year-old who was returning to the U.S. from Canada with alcohol in the trunk of his vehicle. In lieu of a citation, the Lake Stevens resident elected to pour out the liquor. The driver was sober when he arrived and even more sober when he left.
February 11: Police responded regarding an intoxicated woman who had walked unannounced into a neighbor's house, refused to leave and ultimately passed out on the kitchen floor. Officers determined the woman was not experiencing a medical emergency and escorted her home.
February 13: Officers responded to a possible disturbance. Officers arrived and spoke to one half of a verbal dispute. Officers checked the area for the other half but he was not located.
February 12: Officers received information that a vehicle known to have expired registration was being driven. An officer stopped the vehicle and learned that the driver's privilege to drive was suspended and he was the subject of a number of warrants for his arrest. The 20-year-old was transported to the county jail where he was booked.
February 11: Customs contacted police regarding a 20-year-old who was returning to the U.S. from Canada with alcohol in the trunk of his vehicle. In lieu of a citation, the Lake Stevens resident elected to pour out the liquor. The driver was sober when he arrived and even more sober when he left.
February 11: Police responded regarding an intoxicated woman who had walked unannounced into a neighbor's house, refused to leave and ultimately passed out on the kitchen floor. Officers determined the woman was not experiencing a medical emergency and escorted her home.
Sunday, January 28, 2007
vignette
They had killed her husband. Lenny had made the mistake of reporting them when he looked outside and noticed shadows in the garage. They were caught, but, of course, protested their innocence. They got a ride to the police station and since they were underage, they were released to their parents ... once again sighed Martha.
Dirk and his buddy, Prowler, were well-known to the neighborhood and had been in and out of skirmishes since they had met in grade school. Both sets of parents worked and the kids had been left on their own a lot, but Martha felt that shouldn’t really excuse their behavior. She thought maybe the parents had just finally given up. Joe and Barb, Dirk’s parents, had split up four years ago leaving Barb with her hands full ... or fuller, Martha thought. Joe had always been quiet and kind of mousey. It was tough on Barb to have to try to control Dirk and hold down a job, too. Obviously it hadn’t worked very well.
But this last escapade was different. Martha had noticed some new graffiti on the train overpass two blocks down the street and had seen some new ‘tough guys’ hanging around the neighborhood. She was convinced the new influence had lead to Lenny’s death.
After Dirk and Prowler were released to their parents, they’d driven by her house six or seven times, playing their god-awful music real loud and squealing their tires. Lenny had kept reading the paper, figuring they could protest all they wanted, but that justice was going to be done sooner or later since both boys would be graduating in two months and would turn eighteen one of these days.
Lenny’s murder happened exactly three weeks later. She had reminded him to take out the trash, then had gone on upstairs to brush her teeth and go to bed. She’d heard the back door open, then had drifted off to sleep. It wasn’t until she’d awoken at 2:20 am that she realized he wasn’t sleeping beside her. When she didn’t hear any noise she got up to see if something was wrong and that was when she found him -- out by the back door with a single, fatal knife wound to the heart.
She had called the police, had managed to hold together through the funeral, had answered questions for the investigators, had watched as they arrested Dirk and Prowler, and had sat through the hearing and trial. Dirk had confessed that he and Prowler had attacked Lenny, although Dirk insisted Prowler had wielded the knife. The trial had riveted the small community and today the judge was expected to announce the sentence.
“This court is now in session!” The pronouncement startled her from her thoughts and she nervously listened as the judge spoke. “The tragedy that ended the life of Lenny Brocker began years ago with these two young men. When children are not disciplined, when they do not suffer punishment for their mistakes, when they do not learn there are consequences for their actions, they grow into angry, aggressive, or apathetic young people who refuse to be responsible members of our society. If they are unwilling or refuse to follow the rules -- the laws of our land, their obligation to society will be harshly redeemed. It is not the policy of this court to be lenient to either miscreants or murders. In addition, this court finds that innocent victims often regain some control over their tumultuous lives by providing their own input as to the disposition of these cases. With that in mind, this court will take a fifteen minute recess while Mrs. Brocker meets with me in my chambers.”
Her heart pounded furiously. Was he going to question her, ask her what verdict she thought appropriate? She was a God-fearing woman who had opposed capital punishment all her life. She never raised her voice, never gossiped, always went to church, helped down at the Mission once-a-month, and forgave and forgot easily. Usually. But now she was so angry. Lenny had been taken from her and she missed him. He was her best friend, her companion, her advisor, her humorist, her shoulder to cry on. His death had hit her hard and she’d spent not a little time questioning her beliefs. And, truthfully, there were times when she thought her anger and grief were going to make her permanently crazy.
The judge asked her to be seated on the leather couch in his office, then sat and looked at her. “Martha, I know you have given this whole sad situation a lot of thought. I know you are a good woman who has never wronged anyone. I am confident you know the difference between right and wrong. Since I want your opinion about this mess and I’d like to have an opinion that is separate from strong emotion, let me ask you about everything this way. Just assume you live in the wilderness of the Arctic with fourteen dogs which are trained to work together pulling your sled. Some of the dogs are easy-going, some are lazy, and several are leaders, but two of these dogs fight with others, won’t obey and work with the team, and are disruptive, what would you do?”
She looked him straight in the eye and calmly said, “I’d shot them.”
They exchanged a few more words, then Martha returned to the courtroom with the judge following shortly. His comments thereafter were succinct: Life in prison with no chance of parole. Several people thought the sentence was too strong and vowed to seek a milder sentence, in the name of justice. Others thought the young men should be put to death, in the name of justice.
Martha wasn’t sure how she felt about the decision and worked it back and forth in her mind as the weeks and months wore on. Finally, however, she did make peace with the issue -- revenge was wrong and she was glad to be able to hold to one of her basic beliefs, but justice, oh yes, justice was certainly right. And those two deserved every living hell they had coming to them. And she was at peace with that.
Dirk and his buddy, Prowler, were well-known to the neighborhood and had been in and out of skirmishes since they had met in grade school. Both sets of parents worked and the kids had been left on their own a lot, but Martha felt that shouldn’t really excuse their behavior. She thought maybe the parents had just finally given up. Joe and Barb, Dirk’s parents, had split up four years ago leaving Barb with her hands full ... or fuller, Martha thought. Joe had always been quiet and kind of mousey. It was tough on Barb to have to try to control Dirk and hold down a job, too. Obviously it hadn’t worked very well.
But this last escapade was different. Martha had noticed some new graffiti on the train overpass two blocks down the street and had seen some new ‘tough guys’ hanging around the neighborhood. She was convinced the new influence had lead to Lenny’s death.
After Dirk and Prowler were released to their parents, they’d driven by her house six or seven times, playing their god-awful music real loud and squealing their tires. Lenny had kept reading the paper, figuring they could protest all they wanted, but that justice was going to be done sooner or later since both boys would be graduating in two months and would turn eighteen one of these days.
Lenny’s murder happened exactly three weeks later. She had reminded him to take out the trash, then had gone on upstairs to brush her teeth and go to bed. She’d heard the back door open, then had drifted off to sleep. It wasn’t until she’d awoken at 2:20 am that she realized he wasn’t sleeping beside her. When she didn’t hear any noise she got up to see if something was wrong and that was when she found him -- out by the back door with a single, fatal knife wound to the heart.
She had called the police, had managed to hold together through the funeral, had answered questions for the investigators, had watched as they arrested Dirk and Prowler, and had sat through the hearing and trial. Dirk had confessed that he and Prowler had attacked Lenny, although Dirk insisted Prowler had wielded the knife. The trial had riveted the small community and today the judge was expected to announce the sentence.
“This court is now in session!” The pronouncement startled her from her thoughts and she nervously listened as the judge spoke. “The tragedy that ended the life of Lenny Brocker began years ago with these two young men. When children are not disciplined, when they do not suffer punishment for their mistakes, when they do not learn there are consequences for their actions, they grow into angry, aggressive, or apathetic young people who refuse to be responsible members of our society. If they are unwilling or refuse to follow the rules -- the laws of our land, their obligation to society will be harshly redeemed. It is not the policy of this court to be lenient to either miscreants or murders. In addition, this court finds that innocent victims often regain some control over their tumultuous lives by providing their own input as to the disposition of these cases. With that in mind, this court will take a fifteen minute recess while Mrs. Brocker meets with me in my chambers.”
Her heart pounded furiously. Was he going to question her, ask her what verdict she thought appropriate? She was a God-fearing woman who had opposed capital punishment all her life. She never raised her voice, never gossiped, always went to church, helped down at the Mission once-a-month, and forgave and forgot easily. Usually. But now she was so angry. Lenny had been taken from her and she missed him. He was her best friend, her companion, her advisor, her humorist, her shoulder to cry on. His death had hit her hard and she’d spent not a little time questioning her beliefs. And, truthfully, there were times when she thought her anger and grief were going to make her permanently crazy.
The judge asked her to be seated on the leather couch in his office, then sat and looked at her. “Martha, I know you have given this whole sad situation a lot of thought. I know you are a good woman who has never wronged anyone. I am confident you know the difference between right and wrong. Since I want your opinion about this mess and I’d like to have an opinion that is separate from strong emotion, let me ask you about everything this way. Just assume you live in the wilderness of the Arctic with fourteen dogs which are trained to work together pulling your sled. Some of the dogs are easy-going, some are lazy, and several are leaders, but two of these dogs fight with others, won’t obey and work with the team, and are disruptive, what would you do?”
She looked him straight in the eye and calmly said, “I’d shot them.”
They exchanged a few more words, then Martha returned to the courtroom with the judge following shortly. His comments thereafter were succinct: Life in prison with no chance of parole. Several people thought the sentence was too strong and vowed to seek a milder sentence, in the name of justice. Others thought the young men should be put to death, in the name of justice.
Martha wasn’t sure how she felt about the decision and worked it back and forth in her mind as the weeks and months wore on. Finally, however, she did make peace with the issue -- revenge was wrong and she was glad to be able to hold to one of her basic beliefs, but justice, oh yes, justice was certainly right. And those two deserved every living hell they had coming to them. And she was at peace with that.
Friday, January 12, 2007
doubles
saw two interesting things when hubby and i went out for a walk today. it was sunny, but only about 15* with an occasional bit of breeze.
1) i was scanning the harbor when i noticed a bird perfectly holding its position, flapping its wings in mid-air for at least 6 seconds, then diving down toward the water. i don't recall ever seeing a bird hold still like that, except for a hummingbird.
2) without warning we all of a sudden saw a single-engine cessna fly right along the houses on the shore-line at about 100 feet above the ground. that is unusual since it's supposed to be quite a bit higher when it's over populated areas, and it didn't make a turn for a base leg to the airport. a helicopter followed about 10 seconds behind it and they both continued north into canada. we decided it must have been an illegal thing of some sort -- probably a drug runner being followed by u.s. agents.
oh, the excitement ...
1) i was scanning the harbor when i noticed a bird perfectly holding its position, flapping its wings in mid-air for at least 6 seconds, then diving down toward the water. i don't recall ever seeing a bird hold still like that, except for a hummingbird.
2) without warning we all of a sudden saw a single-engine cessna fly right along the houses on the shore-line at about 100 feet above the ground. that is unusual since it's supposed to be quite a bit higher when it's over populated areas, and it didn't make a turn for a base leg to the airport. a helicopter followed about 10 seconds behind it and they both continued north into canada. we decided it must have been an illegal thing of some sort -- probably a drug runner being followed by u.s. agents.
oh, the excitement ...
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
true crime -- small town beat
October 14: A woman reported the violation of a “no contact” order by a former acquaintance. Officers investigated, located the offender, and arrested the 39-year-old resident for the order violation as well as a county warrant for DUI and reckless driving.
October 14: Officers investigated a report of an intoxicated erratic driver. They found out the motorist was indeed affected by drink. It’s surprising how distracting non-alcoholic refreshments can be when they spill in your lap.
October 14: An officer on patrol located a traffic collision. He investigated and arrested the 31-year old driver for driving under the influence of alcohol and having no valid driver’s license, and for providing a false name to officers. The arrestee was processed and released as there was no room to book him into jail. His vehicle was impounded. A mandatory court date was given, and the driver was released to a responsible family member.
October 13: Officers investigated a report of a resident confused and driving while under the influence of medication.
October 11: A mother notified police that her 13-year-old daughter had disappeared after school. Officers located the teen at church activities and mom was advised.
October 14: Officers investigated a report of an intoxicated erratic driver. They found out the motorist was indeed affected by drink. It’s surprising how distracting non-alcoholic refreshments can be when they spill in your lap.
October 14: An officer on patrol located a traffic collision. He investigated and arrested the 31-year old driver for driving under the influence of alcohol and having no valid driver’s license, and for providing a false name to officers. The arrestee was processed and released as there was no room to book him into jail. His vehicle was impounded. A mandatory court date was given, and the driver was released to a responsible family member.
October 13: Officers investigated a report of a resident confused and driving while under the influence of medication.
October 11: A mother notified police that her 13-year-old daughter had disappeared after school. Officers located the teen at church activities and mom was advised.
Sunday, October 15, 2006
true crime -- small town beat
October 10: A person asked officers to check on the safety of some kids after observing a man near them was acting strangely. Officers found the man: he had grown expressively frustrated while working on his car, but his kids appeared unfazed by the passing storm and did not appear to be in danger. Officers cleared without incident.
October 9: Dispatch advised they received a complaint of people loudly arguing in a vehicle parked at a gas station. Officers arrived and found three siblings arguing over music while their parents were away from the car. The family was reunited for a pleasant evening drive back across the border.
October 8: Police responded to a report of a large group of unsupervised teenagers drinking alcohol at a party. Officers investigated and contacted 15 area juveniles. Several who had been drinking were arrested. The parents of all the kids were contacted. A report of the incident was forwarded to the Juvenile Prosecutor for charging.
October 6: A resident reported hearing screams and the sound of someone stomping around in heavy woods near the border. A border patrol agent and police officer tracked the disturbance down to a pair of pranksters. Profiling indicates it was probably the screech owl's idea, but their deer friend did the legwork.
October 5: Officers responded to a home on a reported domestic dispute in progress. When police arrived, the male half of the incident locked himself in the bathroom and refused to come out, probably because he was wanted on a Superior Court felony warrant and two Municipal Court warrants. Officers flushed the suspect from his hidey hole in the cabinet under the bathroom sink and booked him into the county jail.
October 4: Police were dispatched to a residence regarding a family member who was violating his probation. The officer contacted the parties involved, investigated, and advised the family it appeared the son's use of profanity was not an explicit violation of his court order.
October 9: Dispatch advised they received a complaint of people loudly arguing in a vehicle parked at a gas station. Officers arrived and found three siblings arguing over music while their parents were away from the car. The family was reunited for a pleasant evening drive back across the border.
October 8: Police responded to a report of a large group of unsupervised teenagers drinking alcohol at a party. Officers investigated and contacted 15 area juveniles. Several who had been drinking were arrested. The parents of all the kids were contacted. A report of the incident was forwarded to the Juvenile Prosecutor for charging.
October 6: A resident reported hearing screams and the sound of someone stomping around in heavy woods near the border. A border patrol agent and police officer tracked the disturbance down to a pair of pranksters. Profiling indicates it was probably the screech owl's idea, but their deer friend did the legwork.
October 5: Officers responded to a home on a reported domestic dispute in progress. When police arrived, the male half of the incident locked himself in the bathroom and refused to come out, probably because he was wanted on a Superior Court felony warrant and two Municipal Court warrants. Officers flushed the suspect from his hidey hole in the cabinet under the bathroom sink and booked him into the county jail.
October 4: Police were dispatched to a residence regarding a family member who was violating his probation. The officer contacted the parties involved, investigated, and advised the family it appeared the son's use of profanity was not an explicit violation of his court order.
Sunday, October 08, 2006
true crime -- small town beat
October 2: A resident reported vandalism to the exterior of their home. Cretins spray-painted graffiti on a garage door and placed nails on the driveway.
October 2: A person reported a man possibly trapping/killing ducks near the shore of the bay. An officer contacted the suspect and found he was a uniformed Fish and Wildlife officer, who was conducting a bona fide government health study of waterfowl which did not involve harm to the animals.
September 30: Officer was contacted by a mother who said her son refused to get into her car at the school. An officer met the parent at the school and talked to the eight-year-old, who ultimately agreed to accept transportation from his parent.
September 26: An officer responded to an emergency hang-up call and discovered the homeowner had been cleaning the phone and accidentally dialed 911. The housekeeping was under control.
September 24: An officer on routine patrol noticed a man acting suspiciously near a vehicle parked in the corner of a parking lot late at night. On contact the officer observed two marijuana joints in the vehicle. The driver said he had stopped to recover the marijuana, which he had hidden there earlier before crossing the border. Officer arrested the driver.
September 24: A family reported that someone entered their carport and took four bicycles valued at $305. Officers investigated, recovered the bicycles, and arrested the teenagers who had stolen them.
September 24: Police officers spent several hours tending to a herd of northbound motorists who were stranded on the truck route and interstate by a sudden lack of Canadian Customs inspectors. State patrol troopers and state DOT personnel assisted our officers in commiserating with motorists who were stacked two lanes deep for three miles down the freeway. Customs Canada supervisors kept as many lanes as possible open until their staffing returned to normal late in the evening.
September 24: Residents reported a housemate behaving strangely. Officers met with a gentleman who was very irritated and very demonstrative about his share of the housekeeping burden. Officers calmed him down and determined no crime was committed.
October 2: A person reported a man possibly trapping/killing ducks near the shore of the bay. An officer contacted the suspect and found he was a uniformed Fish and Wildlife officer, who was conducting a bona fide government health study of waterfowl which did not involve harm to the animals.
September 30: Officer was contacted by a mother who said her son refused to get into her car at the school. An officer met the parent at the school and talked to the eight-year-old, who ultimately agreed to accept transportation from his parent.
September 26: An officer responded to an emergency hang-up call and discovered the homeowner had been cleaning the phone and accidentally dialed 911. The housekeeping was under control.
September 24: An officer on routine patrol noticed a man acting suspiciously near a vehicle parked in the corner of a parking lot late at night. On contact the officer observed two marijuana joints in the vehicle. The driver said he had stopped to recover the marijuana, which he had hidden there earlier before crossing the border. Officer arrested the driver.
September 24: A family reported that someone entered their carport and took four bicycles valued at $305. Officers investigated, recovered the bicycles, and arrested the teenagers who had stolen them.
September 24: Police officers spent several hours tending to a herd of northbound motorists who were stranded on the truck route and interstate by a sudden lack of Canadian Customs inspectors. State patrol troopers and state DOT personnel assisted our officers in commiserating with motorists who were stacked two lanes deep for three miles down the freeway. Customs Canada supervisors kept as many lanes as possible open until their staffing returned to normal late in the evening.
September 24: Residents reported a housemate behaving strangely. Officers met with a gentleman who was very irritated and very demonstrative about his share of the housekeeping burden. Officers calmed him down and determined no crime was committed.
Thursday, August 31, 2006
true crime -- small town beat
August 29: Officers were asked to assist a man while he discussed an unpleasant family matter with another family member who had a difference of opinion. Officers remained until the men had finished their discussion.
August 26: Officers received a noise complaint. The reporting person said that it sounded like a loud party. Upon arriving, several people ran from the area and were not located. Officers spoke to the one remaining person. He believed that since it was Friday night, he could have a late night cookout, complete with loud music. He denied that anyone had run away and insisted that there was no under-age drinking going on. After a brief discussion with officers, the person decided he would turn down the music and make sure everyone was quiet. Extra patrol was provided.
August 26: A resident reported that her boyfriend was missing. Officers spoke to the man's roommate who stated that the person in question was out of town and expected back by Wednesday. The girlfriend was notified.
August 26: Officers received a noise complaint. The reporting person said that it sounded like a loud party. Upon arriving, several people ran from the area and were not located. Officers spoke to the one remaining person. He believed that since it was Friday night, he could have a late night cookout, complete with loud music. He denied that anyone had run away and insisted that there was no under-age drinking going on. After a brief discussion with officers, the person decided he would turn down the music and make sure everyone was quiet. Extra patrol was provided.
August 26: A resident reported that her boyfriend was missing. Officers spoke to the man's roommate who stated that the person in question was out of town and expected back by Wednesday. The girlfriend was notified.
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