The Kent Police Department reports that there were four robberies during the week of Jan. 17 – 23, 2012. Each included the taking of purses when victims were at an ATM, walking down the street or getting out of their cars to go into a store. They occurred at various times of day ranging from morning to around midnight. The city offers these tips for your safety:

1. Walk with confidence and purpose with your head up.
2. When you are standing at an ATM, walking down the street or getting out of your car, scan your surroundings for potential danger or suspicious activity.
3. Stay in well lit areas and avoid doorways, shrubbery and remote places.
4. Stay in pairs whenever possible.

If someone approaches you or seems to be following, cross the street or change directions and look for a safe place to go.

For more safety tips, visit the Kent Police Department online.

Click here to see the city’s public crime stats for the week of Jan. 17 – 23, 2012.

Vehicle prowls are on the rise, so please remember to remove ALL valuables from your vehicle. It only takes 30 seconds for someone to break into your car and steal your purse, garage remote, CD case or other valuables. Be safe – take everything with you!

And if your garage remote is stolen, Garry Stewart of Doorman Service in downtown Kent says you can erase the code for the remote so that thieves can’t use it to break into your home!

Click here to review the latest crime stats of the City of Kent.

Auto Theft Prevention – Top 10 List  (thanks to the City of Kent for providing this info.)

1. Remove all valuables every time you park.
2. Lock all doors.
3. Completely close all windows.
4. Install and use an alarm system.
5. Never leave your vehicle running unattended.
6. Consider installing a steering wheel locking device such as The Club. Clubs are available at a reduced cost through the Kent Police Foundation.
7. Park in well-lit locations.
8. Avoid parking in isolated areas.
9. Remove your GPS system, including the suction cups that are mounted on your windshield.
10. Call 9-1-1 at the sign of any suspicious activity.

From the City of Kent in a press release dated October 19, 2011 (a letter to the editor of the Kent Reporter):

Dear Editor,

Much has been said, written, implied, and rumored about the collection and use of property taxes by the city. We’d like to set the record straight, not only about those taxes, but to right some false statements made by Mr. Berrios in his letter to the editor printed in the October 7 edition of the Kent Reporter.

In 2010, voters approved the formation of the Regional Fire Authority (RFA). That measure passed with over 70% of the vote. By approving the RFA, voters approved two major revenue changes that appear on your property tax bill 1) a transfer of $1.00 per thousand of assessed value from the city to the RFA and 2) the collection of a new revenue charge called a Fire Benefit Charge (FBC). Both of these changes were in the voters pamphlet and part of the public outreach campaign prior to the vote.

The Truth about Property Taxes

Property taxes are collected by King County and are used to pay for a variety of organizations and services including state and local schools, county services, city services, the Port of Seattle, ferry services, King County Library System, emergency medical services, and Valley Medical Center.

Only a small portion of the property tax we pay comes to our city – 11.2% of the total to be exact.

The property tax revenues our city receives have always been deposited into the General Fund and used to pay for general government services including public safety, parks, streets and other services. They were never transferred from another fund as alleged. Property owners should note that property taxes only cover 25% of the total cost to provide the previously mentioned services.

The remaining costs are covered using sales and utility tax revenues, building revenues and permit fees, which also, have always been deposited into the General Fund. Unfortunately, these revenue sources have declined by $8.4 million since the recession began.

It is clear there is a mistaken assumption that before voters approved the RFA, the Fire Department was funded solely by property taxes. Nothing could be further from the truth. If this assertion were true – if the entire city’s portion of property taxes received were dedicated to public safety – those dollars wouldn’t even cover half of the total cost to provide those services. In fact, in 2010, before the RFA, only $8.9 million dollars of property tax money was used to pay for the fire department. The remaining $15.2 million dollars in their budget came from other revenue sources.

In 2010, the city received $2.36 per $1,000 in assessed valuation to pay for all of the general government services referenced previously. When the RFA was formed, the city gave up $1.00 of the $2.36 previously received, leaving $1.36 per $1,000 assessed valuation to pay for those previously referenced services. That $1.00 dollar equated to a reduction of $11.7 million in property taxes that used to go into the city’s General Fund, which is now collected by the RFA. That is well over the $8.9 million in property taxes that partially funded the fire department in 2010.

This year, due to fluctuation in property values, the county, not the city, set the rate at $1.48 per $1,000 in assessed valuation. This is just the city’s portion of the total property tax bill.

The letter to the editor wrongly asserts that “additional taxes were collected without voter approval.” The $1.00 redistribution from the city to the RFA is a “wash” to taxpayers. The $1.48 still received by the city in property taxes was not “stolen”, “kept” or “taken” as the author claims. That money was, and has always been received and deposited into the city’s General Fund to provide general government services…not to solely pay for the Fire Department. Remember, the city gave up $1.00 of its total property tax receipts. The RFA now receives that $1.00 dollar. At a minimum this was not an “excess collection,” and to say it was “unethical” is unconscionable.

This was never a property tax reduction discussion; it was about a redistribution of $1.00 from the city to the RFA, pending voter approval. Again, voters approved the plan to redistribute the $1.00 from the city, to the RFA by more than 70%.

About the Fire Benefit Charge

Well why is it if the city used to get $2.36 and now gets $1.48 that my property taxes have gone up? A review of one’s property tax bill will show voter approved tax increases and charges to pay for services they deem valuable.

For instance, voters approved bonds, levies and charges to support the Kent School District, King County Library System and the Regional Fire Authority.

An additional voter approved charge appearing on tax statements is the new Fire Benefit Charge (FBC). This charge is over and above what was previously billed and collected. To be clear, the FBC is a charge, not a tax and goes directly to the RFA. While we agree it’s confusing that this charge is included in King County’s property tax bills, it is not a tax. That’s why it falls under the “Other charges” category just as the Noxious Weed and Conservation charges do. There is no double taxation here. Voters agreed to transfer $1.00 from the city’s total property tax collection to the RFA. Voters also agreed to be assessed a FBC.

The fact the measure to approve the RFA, including its FBC required a 60% voter majority signaled more money out of our pockets.

Moving Forward…

Mr. Berrios is asking the city to reduce its portion of property taxes collected by $4.9 million. For the owner of a $300,000 home, that would equate to $114 per year. It would not reduce the $1.00 received by the RFA, or the Fire Benefit Charge, also received by the RFA.

That $114 reduction would come at cost; a cost in police services, parks, street maintenance and other services vital to the community.

Declining revenues since the recession began have forced reductions in every area of the city budget. Since 2009, 90 employee positions have either been eliminated or left vacant and programs have been cut.

The suggested $4.9 million cut translates to between 60 and 70 additional employees losing their jobs, causing even further reductions and elimination of programs.

We understand the public is typically eager to cut government spending, and government employees for that matter. At the same time, the public insists on a strong police force, streets without pot holes, sidewalks in good repair, snow removal, parks and teen programs, neighborhood councils and even the lunch program at the Senior Center. The city employees are the people patrolling the streets, repairing streets and sidewalks and removing the snow. These programs don’t exist without funding, or the employees that provide the services.

The council is always looking for feedback on what you would like to see, or not see in the budget. The next public hearing on the 2012 budget is set for Tuesday, November 15, 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall and we encourage you to come with ideas and suggestions on how to move this city in the right direction.

Sincerely,

Jamie Perry, Council President
Elizabeth Albertson, Councilmember
Deborah Ranniger, Councilmember
Debbie Raplee, Councilmember

As a journalist, I am required by the SPJ Code of Ethics to remain impartial and to avoid getting personally involved with the news or newsmakers. Normally, this isn’t a problem for me since I typically write features, business profiles and other nonessential news pieces. This week, however, it is difficult for me not to speak out on the Amanda Knox case. Though my connection to Knox is insignificant in her story, I feel touched by her and by the news of her acquittal.

I started following the Amanda Knox case much like everyone else. I heard the story of Meredith Kercher’s tragic murder in 2007 in Perugia, Italy on local news. Sadly, such tragedies occur more often than they should so many of us were immune to the news. It was just another tragic and unnecessary death overseas. This story had a local twist though – one of the murder suspects was Amanda Knox, a beautiful, doe-eyed student from the University of Washington. Local news stations covered the story briefly, sometimes interviewing local students and Knox’s family who proclaimed Knox’s innocence. With little to base my opinion on, I presumed Knox was guilty and followed the story from a distance, not seeking out new information or facts in the case.

That changed 18 months ago when I met author Candace Dempsey at a journalism function in Seattle. Dempsey, an Italian American journalist, had written a book about the case titled “Murder in Italy.” After talking with Dempsey, my curiosity got the best of me and I agreed to read the book to form my own opinion. Reading through the first half of the book, I remained convinced that Knox was, indeed, guilty. This wasn’t based on any hard evidence, but rather the feeling that the suspect had exhibited some odd behavior during questioning (e.g., cartwheels in the police station). Granted, these unusual behaviors did not make her a murderess but they were offbeat enough to plant a healthy dose of skepticism.

As I progressed to the second half of the book, however, I quickly reversed my opinion. There was little, if any, evidence supporting the fact that Knox and her then-boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito had committed the murder with or without a third suspect. In fact, it is probable that they were not even in the apartment the evening of the murder. According to Dempsey’s detailed research, the investigation was flawed and the convictions of Knox and Sollecito were based on circumstantial evidence. By the time I finished the book, I was infuriated at the injustice of the guilty verdicts and sad for the young couple who would spend a good portion of their young lives in an Italian prison, wrongly accused.

Yesterday those verdicts were reversed and Knox and Sollecito were released from prison after a painful four-year saga in and out of court. Sollecito headed for his Italian home, as Knox made her way back to the United States. As one who is relieved that the truth finally came out, I am happy for Knox and Sollecito and hope they can somehow find peace in their lives after having been wrongly persecuted. Sadly, it seems unlikely. After all, how do you turn two innocent lives upside down, accuse them of inhuman deeds, and callously toss them in prison without a shred of definitive evidence? Initially, I am sure good food, a soft, warm bed and being surrounded by loved ones are probably the first thoughts on Knox’s mind, but she’ll have to face her future with an albatross of a past hanging over her head. I cannot imagine the mental anguish she must be experiencing right now. Her release is bittersweet.

And, of course, there’s the Kercher family. Not to be forgotten in this tragedy, Meredith Kercher will never come home, and her parents will never experience the joy of seeing her again. They only know the pain of a tragic loss and a young life snuffed out much too quickly. Where is the justice for them? Only one convicted murderer, Rudy Guede, remains in prison for the grisly crime and he will be released after serving a 16 year sentence, reduced down from 30 years. Does his imprisonment provide closure for the family?

In this tragic story of murder and wrongful imprisonment, there are no winners. There is no justice.

[Note:  I was so impressed with Candace Dempsey's work and her ability to write about the facts surrounding the case without interjecting her own opinions that I wrote an unsolicited book review on "Murder in Italy." I encourage others to read it to learn more about the Amanda Knox case. I do not receive any compensation for promoting the book.]

From Lt. Pat Lowery, PIO, Kent Police Department
253-856-5833

Kent Police to announce major break in Car Show shooting
Police Chief Thomas to release details at press conference Thursday

Kent, Washington, September 14, 2011 — Kent Police Chief Ken Thomas is inviting interested media to an 11 AM news conference on Thursday, September 15. At that time he will be updating the press regarding investigation of a gang-involved shooting that occurred at a local car show in late July. That shooting left twelve persons injured.

The news conference will be held at 23311 Pacific Highway South, the site of the shooting. Chief Thomas will be joined by regional law enforcement executives and City officials. He will announce a major breakthrough in the investigation and provide information about steps being taken to apprehend those involved.

The car show shooting took place on July 23. A physical disturbance led to several gang members firing guns into a large crowd of people. While many of those injured were gang members, several of the injured had no ties to gang activity but had merely come to view the cars.

Since those assaults, dozens of investigators have poured through evidence, surveillance video, and interviewed dozens of witnesses and victims in an effort to put together a clear picture of the events of that day. As a result, police are now working to capture those identified suspects.

“Law Enforcement agencies from throughout the region have dedicated significant resources to identify those involved in this incident and bring them to justice” noted Chief Thomas. “These arrests are just the first wave in an on-going effort to dismantle these violent gangs”. It’s anticipated that coordinated efforts spearheaded by the South King County Violent Gangs Initiative and other partnering agencies will bring additional arrests in the near future.

# # #

Contributed by the Kent Police Department

Residential burglaries in Kent are on the rise! In particular, Kent burglary trends have shown that homes of Asian families are targeted because of unsecured valuables. Recently there have residential burglaries during the day time, between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00p.m. Burglars are gaining access by punching holes in smaller windows next to front doors, punching holes in windows or smashing/prying rear slider doors. In each incident, cash, jewelry, and other valuable items have been targeted; especially “hidden” quantities of money. In some cases, the burglars knock or ring the door bell first. If no one answers, they are going to the back of the house to gain entrance through the sliding glass door.

Here are some ways to help prevent from becoming a victim:

- If you choose to keep cash and other important items in your home, keep them locked in a safe. You may also use a safe deposit box at a bank.

- Keep valuables such as purses, laptops, iPods, and jewelry out of plain sight from windows and doors and locked up if possible.

- Keep all windows and doors locked whether home or not, including back sliding doors.

- Install protective window film to smaller windows next to doors. This helps prevent breaking of glass and denying access to inside of front door.

- Do not leave your garage door open, even if you are at home.

It is important that neighbors be aware of what is going on in your neighborhood. Whenever you see anything suspicious, call 9-1-1 immediately and then notify security. We encourage residents to call 9-1-1 even when something suspicious, such as an unknown person or car in the neighborhood, is occurring.

For more information go to www.kentpoliceceu.com, or contact Stacy Judd with the Kent Police Department at (253)856-5883.

There are ADT Ohio security systems available which provide 24/7 home monitoring protection.

From Lt. Pat Lowery, Kent Police Department

Auburn Man Killed in Officer Involved Shooting
Man shot while confronting officer with knife.

Auburn, Wash. – May 8, 2011 – A 47 year old Auburn man is dead after being shot by an Auburn Police Officer late Saturday night. The shot came after the man threatened the officer with a knife. The incident took place at 10:22 PM in the 1400 block of Harvey Road NE.

Preliminary investigation indicates that the Auburn officer stopped a red Honda coupe for a traffic violation on a north Auburn street. Within moments of the stop, the driver of the Honda exited the car and confronted the officer with a knife in his hand. The officer fired his handgun, striking the man.

Auburn firefighters and paramedics arrived within minutes and worked to revive the man. He was transported to Harborview Medical Center with life threatening injuries. He died a short time later.

A female passenger in the Honda was uninjured. She is cooperating with investigators who hope she might lend some explanation as to why the man brandished the knife. The police officer was also uninjured

The Kent Police Department has been called in to conduct the investigation of this incident, a routine response for critical incidents. Details are still being collected and the area around the intersection remains closed to all traffic. Kent investigators will be working through the night collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses. The officer has been placed on administrative leave pending completion of the investigation.

A 58 year old Kent man was shot and killed in downtown Kent by a three-year veteran of the Kent Police Department this morning. According to Federal Way Public Information Officer Cathy Schrock, the incident began before 9 am when the deceased asked a local cab driver to take him to various spots in the area. The cab driver discovered that the passenger had a long gun in his lap, and he became suspicious. The driver asked another cab driver to meet him near the transit center for back-up. Upon his arrival at the first cab’s location 301 Railroad Avenue North, the first cab driver exited his vehicle and and placed a call to 9-1-1 at 9:10 am.

A Kent police officer arrived on the scene near the Kent Transit Center approximately two minutes later. The suspect had exited the vehicle and his weapon was visible to the officer. The officer issued verbal commands to the suspect, who did not follow the orders. A second police offer arrived on the scene. When the suspect reached to his waist for the weapon, the first officer fired a shot, killing the man.

Schrock said the family of the deceased arrived at the scene following the incident and identified him. However, his name will not be disclosed to the public until the medical examiner releases it. In addition, the names of the Kent police officers who were involved in the incident were placed on administrative leave, protocol following officer-involved shootings. Their names will be disclosed in approximately 24 to 48 hours.

Shortly after the incident began, the Federal Way Police Department was called to the scene. They requested media support around 11 am. According to Schrock, requesting support from neighboring law enforcement departments is customary when a police officer is involved in a shooting.

Schrock said more information will be available Thursday or Friday. For more information, contact Schrock at piorequest@cityoffederalway.com.

Contributed by the Kent Police Department

Are you interested in starting a neighborhood blockwatch?

The Kent Police Department is hosting a city wide informational meeting on the benefits of starting and maintaining a neighborhood block watch.

Neighborhood Block Watch 101
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Kent City Hall Council Chambers

Why Attend?

• interested in starting a neighborhood block watch
• interested in re-starting an already formed block watch
• needing a refresher on maintaining a neighborhood block watch
• interested in hearing from other block watch captains and what has worked and what hasn’t
• interested in hearing about Kent crime trends and what residents can do to help prevent crime in their neighborhoods

What You Can Do Ahead of Time:

• find a neighbor or two to attend with you
• notify neighbors that you will be attending and bringing back information
• start mapping the neighborhood and forming a phone tree for each block watch (a block watch is 10-20 homes)

Please RSVP by April 8th to your Neighborhood Sector contact:

East Hill/Panther Lake Area: Stacy Judd at (253) 856-5883

Valley Area/West Hill: Sara Wood at (253) 856-5851

*This format is replacing individual neighborhood meetings. However, public education specialists will continue to visit block watches when crime trend concerns occur.

Photo by Victoria Andrews

Volunteers met throughout Kent on Saturday, March 19, 2011 to rid the city of unwanted graffiti. Seventy volunteers showed up for the event to remove graffiti from 40 different locations throughout Kent. The event was a huge success. The City of Kent would like to give a special thanks to the downtown Starbucks who donated cocoa, coffee, and pastry goodies for all the volunteers.

Supplies were provided by a grant from The Home Depot Foundation and the six 5-gallon buckets of paint used were donated by Ski’s Painting Inc. Volunteers included  people around the Kent area, several Rotary Club members and students from Kent high schools.

For more information, visit the City of Kent’s Graffiti website.

Kent residents are invited to learn more about their Police Department starting on April 20, 2011. The Community Police Academy is delivered in a series of classes that offer straightforward, candid information regarding daily and specialized operations of the Police Department, while defing the agency’s role in the community. Classes are held on Wednesday evenings from 7:00 p.m to 9:00p.m and are instructed by department members and civilian experts. There is a one Saturday session which will include tours of the City of Kent Corrections Center and the 9-1-1 facilities at Valley communications Center. After attending the first three classes, participants are also eligible for a ride-along with a Kent Police Officer. Classes are held at the Kent Police/Fire Training Center, 24611 116th Ave. SE in Kent.  A wide range of topics will be discussed to include patrol and traffic enforcement, detective and special investigations, SWAT, canine and other specialized Police functions. Thee will also be instruction on recruitment, hiring and training of Kent Police Officers. There is no cost for participating in the Community Police Academy. It is open to Adults 18 and over and you will need to pass a background check. Applications are available at the Kent Police Department, 220 4th Ave. S or the Kent Police Website at: www.ci.kent.wa.us/communitypoliceacademy. For general questions Please contact Cesi Velez at 253-856-5884.

Kent, City Public Works and Police Department are asking for your help in solving a huge mystery in the City of Kent. Where have all the storm drain grates disappeared to? The city is very worried as this type of crime puts the citizens at risk. When the storm drain grate or manhole cover is missing it leaves a large hole for people or animals to fall into. Vehicles can even encounter large damage by driving over an open storm drain. The grates weigh between 80 to 106 pounds and manhole covers are typically around 113 pounds. To report missing grates or covers, please contact Public Work Operations at 253-856-5600 or if you have any information regarding the thefts please call the Kent Police Department Tip line at 253-856-5808.

Last Friday Sara Wood, public education specialist for the City of Kent Police Department sent out an email notifying Kent businesses that metal theft from local businesses is growing.In particular, copper seems to be the most frequently targeted metal, even going so far as removing it from air conditioners and pipes. Her suggestions:

• If you have a surveillance system, make sure it is working.
• Secure any metal used or sold as a part of your business.
• Inventory your supply of metal to be sure everything is accounted for.

If you see anything unusual or suspicious, please call 9-1-1 to report the incident.

Questions? Call Sara Wood at 253-856-5851.

In a press release from Michelle Witham from the Mayor’s office, Mayor Suzette Cooke has named Ken Thomas as Kent’s newest Police Chief. He replaces Chief Steve Strachan who resigned at the end of December to take a position as Undersheriff for the King County Sheriff’s Department.

Ken Thomas Named Chief of Police for Kent

KENT, Wash. – January 19, 2011 – Ken Thomas, a 22-year police veteran with a history of innovative leadership and community outreach, will take the lead as the new Chief of Police for the City of Kent.

“Thomas’s leadership excellence and his ability to build strong relationships with diverse communities makes him an outstanding choice to lead our Police Department,” Mayor Suzette Cooke said. “Simply put, Ken is the right choice for our community and the right choice for the department.”

Currently serving as Captain of the 185-member department, Thomas is credited with leading Kent’s Community Oriented Policing Unit that has resulted in reduced residential burglaries and auto thefts.

“As a veteran of the department, he is very familiar with our community and neighborhoods, and recognizes our challenges,” Cooke said.

“I’m honored to be chosen for this position. I will do everything in my power to make Kent the safest city in the region,” Thomas said. “I’m looking forward to working with the Mayor and City Council, and every member of this great department, just as I’m looking forward to working with the community as a true partner in public safety.”

Four candidates were interviewed by three panels representing Kent’s diverse community, public safety professionals, and business and civic leaders.

“While each candidate’s breadth of experience and commitment were impressive, Ken Thomas was the overwhelming top choice of each of three panels,” said Cooke. “The panelists like the direction the department is going; the officers like the direction the department is going. We all want to keep the current momentum.”

Council President Jamie Perry said the entire Council supports the selection of Thomas. “He’s going to do a great job and he’s got the experience we need.”

Thomas holds a Master’s Degree in Organizational Development from Central Washington University in Ellensburg. He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy.

Thomas will be sworn in as Chief within the next two weeks. He replaces Chief Steve Strachan, who resigned in December 2010 to serve as Chief Deputy of the King County Sheriff’s Office.

Already this week, Kent has experienced a bit of unusual activity.

Starting with the ammonia leak downtown that caused street closures between 6:30 and 10 am yesterday, the week has evolved into a strange snow-rain mix amid speculation that today’s commute will be a bear. Rather than rehash what’s already been said, here are links to the area’s top stories:

Ammonia Leak – Kent Reporter

Ammonia Leak – Seattle Times

Cheaper Garbage Rates beginning April 1

Drive Kent – Driving Conditions

Kent Weather @ Weather.com

KING5 Area Weather

KING5 Closings & Delays

KIRO News Live (video)

KIRO Weather Forecast (video)

Washington DOT Seattle Area Traffic Map (check frequently for blockages and other delays)

Note:  As of 5:11 am, Jan. 12, Kent School District is operating on its planned schedule which includes an early start for KSD elementary school students and a late arrival for middle and high school students.

In a press release dated today from Michelle Witham, communications director for the City of Kent, Mayor Suzette Cooke announced that the finalists for the position of Kent Police Chief . They include  David Frazer of Rohnert Park, California; Jeffry Sale of Spokane; Kenneth Thomas of Puyallup; and Michael Villa of Auburn. The selected candidate will replace Chief Steve Strachan as Kent Police Chief. Strachan vacated the position on January 5 to take the position of King County Undersheriff.

“After careful consideration of the 18 applications, four finalists were selected to participate in on-site interviews,” Cooke said.

“Our screeners spent several hours reviewing the applications, determining minimum qualifications and compatibility of experience for our community.  We are pleased with the quality of the four finalists and look forward to concluding the interview process, and selecting our new Police Chief, hopefully by early March.”

Frazer, the only out-of-state candidate, brings 24 years of police, fire and emergency operations experience. His current position is Police Chief of McFarland, California, a city of approximately 13,000 located in the San Joaquin Valley, where he established a new department in 120 days after ceasing to contract with Kern County for police services.  Previously, Frazer was with the Rohnert Park, California Police Department (city population 43,000) where he served as Division Commander for the 78-member department since 1986.  (In the case of each city, the department population represents the total number of commissioned officers and full-time employees.) He holds a Masters Degree in Leadership from St. Mary’s College of California.

Sale, who has served since 2004 as Chief of the 25-member Police Department in Cheney, Washington, population 10,500 (20,000 when Central Washington University classes are in session), has 32 years of law enforcement experience, including 25 years with the Washington State Patrol.  He is credited with developing a multi-agency team to identify and provide services to at-risk youth and speaks nationally on law enforcement issues.  Sale is a graduate of Washington State University and the FBI National Academy.

Thomas, a 22-year veteran of the 185-member Kent Police Department, currently serves as Captain.  He is credited with leading the City’s Community Oriented Policing Unit resulting in reduced residential burglaries and auto thefts.  Thomas holds a Masters Degree in Organizational Development from Central Washington University and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy.

Villa brings 20 years of police experience to his current position as Assistant Police Chief for the City of Tukwila.  The 87-member department serves a population of 18,190 residents (140,000 daytime population).  Villa is credited with the development and implementation of a multi-pronged strategy which has resulted in a decrease of residential burglaries.  He saw active duty in the US Marine Corps Reserves, has a Business Degree from Central Washington University and graduated from the FBI National Academy.

The finalists will be interviewed January 13 by three separate panels, including one comprised of community members.

Read the press release online here.

From the City of Kent:

Kent Police have arrested a suspect believed to be involved in the Halloween night murder of an 18 year old Kent man. Devon Topps was shot outside an east Kent home while leaving a private Halloween party near on October 31st of this year.

The arrest culminated an early evening cat-and-mouse surveillance effort by police. Working with information developed by Kent Police Detectives, undercover officers went to the Kings Arms Motel in Des Moines on a tip that evidence of the crime would be located there. Shortly thereafter detectives identified and followed two cars associated to the crime leaving the area. One of those cars was stopped a short time later without incident. When Detectives attempted to stop the second car, the driver sped into a nearby residential neighborhood before abandoning the vehicle.

Police surrounded the area and while searching for the vehicles two occupants, saw another car driving away quickly. When they tried to stop that car, officers saw a passenger jump out and run away. A Kent Police canine team was called in to assist. It was during that search that an alert Kent Detective driving through the area noticed a man crossing a parking lot a short distance away. That man, wearing only a t-shirt and jeans, was contacted and eventually identified as the suspect.

A twenty year old Auburn man was arrested and brought to the Kent City Jail. No stranger to local law enforcement, he has an extensive criminal history.

Kent Police Chief Steve Strachan noted “Our Detectives have been working on this senseless murder without rest. It’s good to finally have a suspect in jail and see this case moving forward toward prosecution”. The suspect will remain in Kent until formal charges are filed by the King County Prosecutor later today or tomorrow. At that time he will be transferred to King County Corrections.
Media Contact:
Lieutenant Pat Lowery
(253) 856-5833
plowery@ci.kent.wa.us

From Lt. Pat Lowery of Kent Police Department:

Kent Police are asking the public for assistance in locating a suspect in the death of an East Kent woman. Kent Police discovered the body of 45 year old Bonnie K. Peterson yesterday morning after a call from concerned friends brought Police to her home.

While details of the crime are still being reviewed by Detectives, Kent Police have identified Shawn David Gulseth as a suspect. Gulseth had a former romantic relationship with Peterson.

Police are cautioning the public NOT to try and interfere with Gulseth. “This is a crime of violence committed by a very dangerous person” said Kent Police Lieutenant Pat Lowery.

Anyone that knows the whereabouts of Shawn David Gulseth should call 9-1-1 immediately. Persons with information that may lead to his capture should call Kent Police Department at 253-856-5808 with their information.

Shawn David Gulseth
White male, 40 years old
Brown hair pulled back into a pony tail
Extensive tattoos from neck to arms

Kent Police Investigate Possible Homicide

December 21, 2010–Kent Police are investigating an apparent homicidal death on Kent’s East Hill. Patrol Officers were called to the Village at Lake Meridian Apartments, 25811 110 Avenue SE at 10:22 this morning for a death investigation.

Police were summoned by a family friend that had come to the victim’s home to check on her well being. Concerns were raised when family and friends were unable to reach the victim during the morning hours. That circumstance was described as a highly unusual for the victim.

Police initially entered the house and located the body of the 45 year old female resident inside. Officers secured the area around the apartment, and then obtained a search warrant to conduct their investigation. Working with the King County Prosecutors Office, Detectives and Crime Scene Technicians re-entered the apartment shortly after 1 PM. Once inside they found the crime scene to be in a state of disarray and the victim with obvious signs of trauma. A cause of death has not yet been determined, though the King County Medical Examiner will be on scene this evening conducting that portion of the investigation.

“This is a woman that was greatly loved by her friends and family,” noted Kent Police Lieutenant Pat Lowery, “the fact that this occurred just prior to the Christmas holiday only compounds the tragedy”. While Police have not identified a suspect at this time, there is nothing to indicate that the woman was a chance victim.

Detectives continue to work with family and friends in hopes of identifying a suspect and motive for this crime. Members of the public that have information regarding this crime should call the Kent Police Department at 253-856-5800.

Contributed by Lt. Pat Lowery of Kent Police Department
253-856-5833
plowery@ci.kent.wa.us

Kent Police Serve Search Warrant for Counterfeit Prescriptions
Police seize computers and guns from local apartment.

KENT, Wash. – December 7, 2010 – Kent Police and Valley SWAT personnel have served a search warrant at an east Kent apartment while investigating a prescription forgery ring. The warrant was served at the Birch Creek Apartments, 12953 SE 275 St, Kent, at 10 AM today. The residents of the apartment, a local man and woman, have been arrested. The search of their apartment is on-going.

Officers first became aware of the location while investigating a recent prescription forgery. Through investigation Police identified the source of the forged prescription as a 33 year old Kent man. Officers learned that the counterfeiting operation was run from the man’s apartment. Police also learned that the person of interest was a convicted felon and was in possession of at least one firearm.

Due to the presence of the firearm and the suspect’s history of violent crime, Police used a SWAT team to make contact. Early today, Kent Police surrounded the residence, evacuated neighboring apartments, and then used a Police Negotiator to call the suspect and his house mate from the apartment. The pair exited without incident. Detectives recovered an extensive amount of evidence pertaining to the forgeries, ID theft, as well as two guns.

Kent Police have charged the pair with ID Theft and Prescription Forgery. The man has also been charged as a Felon Possessing a Firearm. “We are very satisfied with the outcome of this investigation and the warrant service” noted Lieutenant Pat Lowery. Both suspects are being held in the Kent Corrections Center.

The scene of this morning’s arrests:

Kent businesses and employees, the Kent Police Department has identified a new trend to gain entry to businesses for unlawful purposes. Here is the information provided by Sara Wood, Public Education Specialist, for the Kent PD.

“Kent Police have identified a trend targeting businesses. Suspects are gaining access through the peep holes of doors and are drilling a hole in the door and using some type of device to pull the “push bar” and open the door. The suspects are targeting businesses and accessing rear doors that have no exterior handles, meaning the interior of the door is a push bar style.

One attempted burglary occurred on the East Hill last night. The suspects were unsuccessful gaining access to the door due to it being secured from the inside with an additional lock.

If you have a business with a door that has no exterior handles but a push bar on the inside, please consider utilizing a secondary locking device, ie. padlock, door frame lock, dowels, etc. Also, if you have an alarm system on your doors, make sure they are activated. If you have a surveillance system, be sure it is working properly and recording.”

Please share it with anyone you know who might be affected. Thank you!