The full, long story will take a while to write, so for now, a few toplines from tonight’s High Point community meeting, organized by the High Point Neighborhood Association to discuss safety concerns in the aftermath of last Friday’s stabbing: Overflow crowd (photo shows a corner at the front of the big meeting room) at High Point Neighborhood Center, with HPNA leaders up front along with Southwest Precinct top leadership and Seattle Housing Authority reps. … The nearby assault that sent a 16-year-old boy to the hospital 2 hours earlier was a topic of discussion too – he was said to be Somali, and his injuries were described as serious … Asked why the suspect in last Friday’s attack was not charged with a hate crime, police explained that the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office makes the final decision, but so far, they said, their investigation had not turned up evidence it was a hate crime … SHA management acknowledged there are “tensions” between groups of teenagers and promised more programs at the center and in nearby Commons Park in time for summer … A long line of people spoke at the meeting, with many different perspectives: Some criticized HP management. Some criticized police; some complimented them. Some criticized troublemakers’ parents. Others challenged HP residents to get to know each other better. … Now, a note that was NOT discussed at the meeting, because of its length (2 1/2 hours) and intensity: HPNA president Jennifer Cobb just sent word of the announcement they forgot to make as the meeting wrapped up:
We are collecting donations for the woman who was attacked. Make checks payable to the High Point Neighborhood Association and drop off at the High Point Center or mail to HPNA – 6400 SW Sylvan Way/Seattle, WA 98126 by Friday, May 14th.
As we’ve reported, the 40-year-old victim is home now; the 22-year-old suspect is charged with first-degree assault, jailed in lieu of $1 million bail, and scheduled for arraignment in two weeks. Again, our full story on tonight’s meeting is in the works.
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