West Seattle Crime Watch: 2 graffiti-vandalism cases

First, an update on the recurring homophobic graffiti in the Morgan Junction/Lincoln Park area (same 3-word phrase that is too vile to post here). We reported its reappearance last month; then in the past few days, we’ve received three more reports, including the tennis courts near Lincoln Park and a business sign in south Morgan Junction. To recap – there was an arrest after the first wave of this vandalism last May, and a suspect was charged in Seattle Municipal Court, but the charges were dismissed because he was found mentally incompetent; an evaluation was recommended. What happened after that is not a matter of public record, for medical privacy reasons. Lt. Steve Paulsen of the Southwest Precinct tells us today that SWP officers are on alert to watch for the same suspect, to question him; their best bet (whether the vandal is indeed him or someone else) will be if someone catches and reports this vandalism as it happens.

Meantime, in a separate case, we also received a report of extensive tagging on benches, rocks and other facilities at Constellation Park south of Alki Point; no arrests reported. Investigators reiterate that if you see graffiti, please make sure that it IS reported: Graffiti at city facilities (such as parks) can be reported through this form. If you want to paint it out immediately, take a photo first – they are keeping a database in hopes of matching more crimes to suspects when arrests are made. Graffiti also is often discussed at the West Seattle Crime Prevention Council‘s meetings; next one is next Tuesday, 7 pm, at the SW Precinct meeting room (Webster/Delridge).

9 Replies to "West Seattle Crime Watch: 2 graffiti-vandalism cases"

  • brenda tuttle October 15, 2009 (3:26 pm)

    Saw the same phrase (I think) on the school crossing sign behind Gatewood Elementary. What a horrible thing to have near kids…

  • tired of waiting October 15, 2009 (3:52 pm)

    it’s sad that people will defile others’ property with offensive things.

    “if you want to paint it out immediately, take a photo first”
    so, can you paint over graffiti that is on city property ? I reported (via the website linked above) some tags on a metal street barrier several weeks ago and then again on Monday, but nothing has been done. I have heard of people here taking care of things themselves, so maybe that is the ticket.

  • Eliza October 15, 2009 (4:18 pm)

    I saw that phrase on a ‘for sale’ sign on Fauntleroy, and luckily had a thick sharpie marker, I know it was also vandalism on my part, but I crossed it out until I ran out of ink.
    I can’t believe how horrible people can be. Tolerance is key!!

  • Doc October 15, 2009 (4:46 pm)

    So I just took a walk around the tennis courts, as I live right by them, and found the graffiti in nine different spots. Benches, signs, on a fence and at the top of solstice park.

    I understand that the guy was found mentally incompetent last may, but does that mean this guy should be released and just told not to do it again? It apparently didn’t get him to stop, so if police know who this guy is, can’t they just pick him up again?

  • WSB October 15, 2009 (4:48 pm)

    Not if he’s not in a fixed location.

  • Tom D. October 15, 2009 (4:55 pm)

    We found the recurring homophobic slur on the front siding of the message studio next to our shop in Morgan Junction last night. A nice SPD officer came and documented it by taking photos. Since our landlord is away, we painted it over today with the original paint. Hope the perpetrator is caught, and their punishment deters them from defacing the community with this ugliness.

  • Leroniusmonkfish October 15, 2009 (4:59 pm)

    The old fly fishing mantra…”Catch and Release”…

  • JayDee October 15, 2009 (7:04 pm)

    I served on the Constellation Park steering committee and if the graffiti hasn’t been removed when I check it this weekend, it will be (I will document it before it goes). Removal is better than covering unless there is no choice.

    Since the renovation (tile wall, simulated tide-pool and constellations were added) we’ve been pretty lucky. I am hoping the change in the weather cuts down on tagging…

  • mjb October 16, 2009 (1:13 pm)

    yeah, i saw this all the way from the junction up california to fauntleroy last week: on some proposed land use action signs, realtor signs and on some brick near some businesses near west seattle wine cellars.

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