WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: About the police search in Delridge

(Substituted for our photo of hit-run car, wider view of the scene, by Sue)

12:58 PM: Police have just taken a man into custody after a search along SW Juneau on both sides of Delridge. We caught up with the discussion (thanks to everybody for the tips) in the middle of the search but just checked with SPD media relations to see what it was about: They say it started with a hit-and-run crash in the 5400 block of 26th SW. The suspect has been detained near 23rd and Juneau.

1:03 PM: This is near Louisa Boren STEM K-8; parents are messaging us that the school is/was in “lockdown” as a result, but again, the search is now over. Knowing this was happening near the school, we had a message out to the district asking if any precautions had been taken, but hadn’t heard back.

1:12 PM: Our crew just arrived at STEM and has been told they were sheltering in place but they just got the all-clear from police, so that’s ending.

1:23 PM: Added a photo of the car involved in the hit-run. The suspect, meantime, was going to the hospital via private ambulance.

3:08 PM: STEM K-8 principal Ben Ostrom sent this letter to families:

Dear STEM K-8 Families,

I want to share news of an situation that your student may want to talk about with you. At approximately 12:45 p.m. today, STEM K-8 went into lockdown for approximately 15 minutes.

In response to a car accident north of our school, there was police activity that involved several officers with drawn guns and canine units. To be safe, STEM went into immediate lockdown until we were notified that the suspect had been apprehended. I am proud of how well our students and staff responded, and there was no danger to students or staff.

Thanks.

15 Replies to "WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: About the police search in Delridge"

  • Nibba May 7, 2018 (7:57 pm)

    Why exactly was the school on lockdown because a car crash? Lmao 😂

    • WSB May 7, 2018 (9:09 pm)

      It wasn’t the crash – it was the fact the suspect bolted, according to police, who were investigating whether the car was stolen. So when you have a – however briefly intensive – police search happening right next to your school, probably not a bad thing to do.

    • Mike May 8, 2018 (6:48 am)

      Because guns were drawn right across the street.  Crossfire can end up killing or hurting others nearby.  I appreciate the response and lockdown as one of my kids was there.  Add to that any person of interest like this could easily use a child as a shield, it makes logical sense to limit possibilities while police do their jobs.  Do you walk in front of police with guns drawn?  I don’t.

    • JodyH61 May 8, 2018 (2:35 pm)

      There was a very strong police presence with guns drawn, K9 units at the north end of the school.  Not knowing what was happening the school did exactly what it should have done to ensure the safety of the students and staff.

  • STEM Parent May 7, 2018 (9:10 pm)

    SPD did not at all notify K-8 STEM. The only reason the school went into lock-down at all was because an alert teacher noticed heavy police presence with dogs and guns drawn at the North end of the school. With that kind of police presence so near to the school, why did SPD not take that precaution? The teachers did an amazing job at getting the kids to safety considering it was recess when the decision was made to go into lock-down. SPD should have done better. 

    • WSB May 7, 2018 (9:32 pm)

      I did hear them mention on the scanner that someone might want to talk to the school. The whole thing unfolded in a relatively short period of time, compared to how long some of these search situations last.

    • wheat May 7, 2018 (11:54 pm)

      Stem Parent, where did you get your INCORRECT information??

      • STEM Parent May 8, 2018 (10:08 am)

        The request via scanner that the WSB commented on here was made; however, that call did not actually go through to the school. So the ball on that notification was dropped, whether by SPS security or by SPD. The school went on lock down over a car accident because all they saw was a large police presence with guns out and dogs; they did not know what was going on until after the suspect was caught. Regardless of how quickly things happen, there was enough time to get such a huge response that a quick call could have been made to the school to send them into lock down. If the suspect had gone into the school and the call was not made by SPD, this would be a very different conversation. 

      • JodyH61 May 8, 2018 (2:37 pm)

        @ Wheat – the STEM parent does not have INCORRECT information.  They have exactly what happened.  SPD did not notify the school of what was happening.  The K9 Commander did however request that the school be contacted and put into lockdown.  The request did not make it to the school.

        • wheat May 9, 2018 (7:46 pm)

          The K9 Commander??  So much BAD info out there!!

    • Mike May 8, 2018 (6:50 am)

      SPD is reacting to a situation, this was not like some kid had written a letter of intent to hurt others the day before, this is stuff that happens within seconds.

      – Another STEM parent

  • NotOnHolden May 8, 2018 (7:55 am)

    My son messaged me when it happened and I immediately checked West Seattle Blog and sent him text updates!  Thank you!!!!!!

  • Rider May 8, 2018 (12:33 pm)

    I did not get any letter from Mr. Ostrom but my kid told me first thing, very excited to have missed math due to the lockdown so no homework. Seemed a believable story, thanks for confirming.

    • JodyH61 May 8, 2018 (3:52 pm)

      The “letter” went out via email.  Maybe call the school and make sure they have your correct email address.

      • Rider May 8, 2018 (10:54 pm)

        I get every email from them so I’m sure they have the correct one. They also have spouses email. No letter. Did you get an email?

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