“Just doing her job”: Metro driver from Alki attacked in Tukwila
You may have heard the story already today – a 56-year-old Metro bus driver beaten unconscious while on the job, driving her bus in Tukwila early today. In some reports, like this one from KING5, the assault was somewhat overshadowed by the fact two police cars crashed while rushing to help. Tonight in the WSB Forums, member “breanna43” says the driver is her mom, an Alki resident, and asks for prayers. A news release from King County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. John Urquhart says:
The incident occurred just after midnight this morning (January 23rd). The Route 124 bus stopped in Tukwila at S. 144th and International Blvd [map] to let passengers off. A group of seven or eight youths gathered at the back door but only two got off before the doors closed. At least some of the group went to the front of the bus and the driver was punched in the head several times, knocking her unconscious.
Meanwhile two suspects kicked and hit the rear door of the coach, breaking glass and bending the door frame. All suspects then ran off. A Tukwila K-9 dog tracked the group to a house in the 13700 block of 45th Ave South. Eight people were detained. Eventually witnesses from the bus identified three people who were directly involved in the altercation. They were arrested.
All three were booked into the Youth Center, including a 15 year-old boy from Renton for felony assault. Two males were booked for felony vandalism, ages 16 and 17, from Tukwila and Kent, respectively.
Neither of the officers whose cars collided – one KCSO, one Tukwila Police – was seriously hurt; one was treated at the scene, and the other was treated at a hospital and released. The bus driver is at Valley Medical Center. In her WSB Forums post, the driver’s daughter writes, “What would be so hard about building metal enclosures to keep our drivers (and relatives) safe from physical attacks?” In a followup e-mail exchange, she tells us her mom’s been with Metro for 7 years, adding, “I’d just like to say that she is a strong person and was just doing her job. I pray that King County will review its policies regarding Metro drivers’ safety. My mom was defenseless last night. I appreciate all well wishes, and she will too.”
Traffic alert: I-5, Columbian Way ramps to The Bridge reopen early
Just in from SDOT:
SDOT’s contractor completed this weekend’s work early and expects to reopen the ramp from northbound I-5 to the West Seattle Bridge early this evening (Saturday, Jan 23). The ramp from Columbian Way (from Beacon Hill) to the West Seattle Bridge will reopen at the same time.
Several long-term closures that began last night (Friday, Jan 22) will remain in place for the Spokane Street Viaduct widening project. Lower Spokane Street from First to Sixth avenues is closed to both east and westbound through traffic. The Fourth Avenue South off- ramp from westbound lanes on the Spokane Street Viaduct is permanently closed.
Starting Monday at 9 a.m., Fourth Avenue South under the viaduct will be restricted to one lane in each direction from S Horton to Industrial Way, and will remain restricted for several weeks.
Today the contractor positioned barriers blocking the Fourth Avenue off-ramp from the westbound lanes of Spokane Street Viaduct. The contractor expects to begin demolition of this ramp next week.
Closures similar to this weekend are planned for next weekend if the weather is favorable. Watch for updates.
9:28 PM UPDATE: SDOT confirms the ramps are open.
West Seattle-headquartered Taco Del Mar files for Chapter 11
Our news partners at the Seattle Times have the details – while stressing that the individual franchisees aren’t in Chapter 11, only the parent company. And till the reference in the Times story, we hadn’t realized Taco Del Mar not only has two locations in West Seattle (Westwood Village and Jefferson Square), it also has corporate headquarters here (2414 SW Andover). The Times reports that the corporate HQ employs 16 people now, less than half its peak staff of 40, and owes creditors at least $1 million.
Big night for basketball: All 3 high schools play in West Seattle
The peninsula hooped it up Friday night, as all three high schools in West Seattle played host to visiting basketball challengers. Outside the gym at Chief Sealth/Boren, the hallway was home to a Haiti-relief fundraiser, as student volunteers (all from the junior class, the group above told us) held a bake sale to raise money for post-quake help. Back in the gym, the Sealth boys won – as did the peninsula’s other two boys-varsity teams – and the Sealth girls lost, as did the other two girls-varsity teams. Ahead, notes short and not-so-short from the three of us who covered the games (and video too) *ADDED 12:10 PM – story and photo from WSHS girls’ game*:Read More
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