UPDATE: Gunfire on Alki, man shot in the hand

tim April 30, 2016 (9:32 pm)

Ouch.

annika April 30, 2016 (9:32 pm)

I heard at least 7 shots coming from the direction of Whale Tail Park. My dog dove under the couch and I hit the deck since I had no idea what was happening, but I knew it sounded different than the fireworks often set off in the neighborhood.

jwws April 30, 2016 (9:33 pm)

TR,

thanks for for being on top of this, responders just went by on 55th and Dakota and you had already posted!

Chris April 30, 2016 (9:34 pm)

There were quite a few shots fired could hear them through my open patio door. Maybe as many as a dozen shots, could have been two guns. Seems like something like this happens at least once a year down at Alki now. When will the cop start doing regular patrols on Alki at night? Seems like they really should have a team who is down there after dark on Fridays and Saturdays, would probably keep a lot of kids out of trouble, and make it feel more safe down there.

N.Ellis April 30, 2016 (9:34 pm)

I just heard a bunch of sh-t about 20 mins ago, I live on 60th. I thought it was fire crackers but now so many sirens !

JanS April 30, 2016 (9:37 pm)

and it’s only April 30th O_o

Erica April 30, 2016 (9:45 pm)

There are 5 kids that ran behind my house on 58th street towards schmitz park yelling that they were “out of shells” called the police. Watch out.

SMHeverysummer April 30, 2016 (9:48 pm)

Looks like Summer’s crime wave is arriving early this year to Alki. Every year from the first bullet to the first rain, I keep my kids away from the beach.

Steve April 30, 2016 (9:49 pm)

Don’t worry mayor Eddie is on top of all these shootings!

Jim Puckett April 30, 2016 (9:50 pm)

It was 9:22. I looked at my watch. Sounded like fireworks but wrong time of year. I am at 47th and Dakota and it sounded a lot closer than Alki to me.

Epera April 30, 2016 (9:56 pm)

We witnessed a group of 10 teens/young adults in the middle of the street between Whale Tail Park and the beach. They’re interaction was one with the makings for a fight (taking shirts off, shouting, chest bumping, etc). I called in my observation to the police as they started to head toward Whale Tail. Then we saw them get into attempt to get into a temporarily parked green Honda, but the Honda sped off (west on Lander) and this group ran after. No more than 5 minutes later we heard about 10 gun shots. Immediately after a smaller group of young men ran and jumped into a silver sedan and sped away. My wish is that the police wouldn’t only patrol the beach. There are so many shady things that happen at the park and in Pepperdock’s parking lot that need to be addressed.

Dnny S April 30, 2016 (10:04 pm)

I’ve been trying to convince my wife to move from Alki each summer for the past few years because of the summer invasion and takeover. I have no idea why police don’t just set up a little beach shack on Alki around 56th, stop every other car for noise, drag racing, booze, etc. and make a bunch of money writing tickets—they could buy so many drones. How is this amazing neighborhood so overlooked and ignored by SPD?

WSB April 30, 2016 (10:08 pm)

The mobile precinct was out here the last time we drove by in the pm a couple days ago. No sightings tonight?

Williams April 30, 2016 (10:12 pm)

My husband, my friend and I were right across the street when the shooting happened. There were eight to ten kids in the park on the slide. One of the kids ducked behind a silver car and they were saying “the truck is coming.” We could see the headlights of the approaching vehicle. We started to turn as the shots were fired. We ran into a small space between the low apartment house and the house with the chain link fence across from the park. The gang of kids ran toward the beach and the truck turned right toward Pepperdock. My husband called 911. There were six shots total. We took our kids to a friends house far from the beach for the night. I came home scraped up and bleeding from fleeing and falling in the dark.

Dnny S April 30, 2016 (10:13 pm)

Walked Alki from 54th to Marination, up the hill to California, all the way to Admiral, down Lander and back home over the course of two hours and didn’t see any SPD this evening.

Morgan April 30, 2016 (10:15 pm)

Last weekend, a huge group of kids gathered in that same spot and were fighting. Probably 35-40 of them. The police took probably 15 minutes to get down to the beach to break it up. The kids didn’t seem to care when the cops got there – they took selfies with the patrol cars and started shouting “F*ck the police.” It’s such a bummer to live down here and feel like you’re not safe in your own neighborhood.

KOK April 30, 2016 (10:17 pm)

I feel sick right now. As I was putting my son down to bed we heard the shots. He was frightened but I assured( falsely it turns out) him that they were only fire works and not to be scared. We live right across from pepper docks were the fight started and very close to were the shots were fired. I am beginning to think that this is not the type of place where I want my kids growing up, which is a shame, since it is such a wonderful neighborhood 90% of the time. However, I worry about my kids getting shot in their homes from these stupid altercations. I so wish there was more of a police presence here on Alki :(

Really Seattle April 30, 2016 (10:17 pm)

I was getting in my car and once inside my vehicle I heard the shots really close maybe a block away if that. At first I thought fire works but after a few pops I knew it was a gun. Possibly a clip an 1/2 unloaded. Took cover and laid down on my passenger seat. It’s seemed like an eternity. I reclined my seat back and turned my car off but this set off the interior light (great!) Turned it off and got on the phone with 911. Oh wait I get put on hold “fire rescue police will be with you in just a moment” Are you f—ing kidding me? a minute goes by or so and I hang up because this is just bull sh-t. I see a persons shadow walk by my car and now I just want to call someone to let them know what happening. I call one of my best friends but no answer. I call 911 back and finally someone answers. I tell dispatch my location and tell her I’m parked a block behind the duke chowder house taking cover. Operator insist on a cross street but I tell her I don’t know and it happen to close for me to look. Operator hangs up and I question my safety now since I’m in my vehicle with in proximity of the shooting. I tell her I don’t want police to see me leave the scene and think I was evolved. Operator can’t help me or tell me what to do. I terminate the call and I see 3 young males run past my vehicle heading towards alki.

Rob April 30, 2016 (10:24 pm)

Add Alki to the list of places to avoid in West Seattle along with the White Center. Let’s all just stay in our homes. <sarcasm>

Barb April 30, 2016 (10:31 pm)

Walked a four mile loop on Alki around 5:00 this evening. Lots of people, everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves but we did not see one police officer the entire time. Maybe Bertha, Sounders Game, Mariners Game and traffic takes all of their attention.

Peter May 2, 2016 (10:02 am)

@Barb, et. al: I live above Alki and can hear the festivities happening on a regular basis. I wondered what the vanishing daylight would bring, as my guess was SPD would be stretched pretty thin, since many would be occupied with managing the annual May Day spectacle.

WS Local April 30, 2016 (10:37 pm)

So much for feeling safe to enjoy our natural wonder, the beautiful Alki. Drove through there around 9:15 with my young child in the car because he was having trouble going to sleep. There were a lot of people but no police presence at all. It’s getting worse down there and it will continue as long as SPD is absent. It’s time to put pressure on those who are coming into the neighborhood to cause trouble.

Seattlite April 30, 2016 (11:11 pm)

Agree. But it won’t happen until Seattle votes in a mayor that knows how to lead and protect innocent citizens.

MJ April 30, 2016 (10:42 pm)

Mobile precinct would be great-why not have it permanently stationed right off the bridge or the start of the bridge. Harass people and they’ll go elsewhere.

AMD April 30, 2016 (11:42 pm)

“Permanently stationed” seems to defeat the purpose of it being a mobile precinct. Other neighborhoods can use the resource too and there isn’t enough money to have satellite precincts permanently everywhere.
- WSB April 30, 2016 (11:55 pm)
  
  Although I am sure it’s been borrowed, the Mobile Precinct is a Southwest Precinct-specific vehicle – a replacement, after more than a few years, for the bigger one that was destroyed in the police-yard firebombing committed in 2009 by the man who later murdered Officer Tim Brenton. However, the precinct (encompassing West Seattle and South Park) does have other trouble spots where it’s been stationed – South Park in a neighborhood plagued by gunfire, Hiawatha in the hours when trouble sometimes erupts between there and the neighboring grocery store, etc. Anyway, if you haven’t seen it, photos are in our story from just after its arrival in December: https://westseattleblog.com/2015/12/first-look-southwest-precincts-new-mobile-precinct-arrives/

Spooked April 30, 2016 (10:51 pm)

Saw the whole thing happen, shots included. Alki needs stronger police presence. It’s only April.

Seattlite April 30, 2016 (11:15 pm)

Do you have a description the criminals?

Jason April 30, 2016 (11:01 pm)

I just heard KIRO say “According to The West Seattle Blog” :)

WSB April 30, 2016 (11:10 pm)

SPD didn’t tweet anything for 45 minutes (since it wasn’t a life-threatening situation, I didn’t expect them to at all) and on Twitter another TV org referenced our tweet when tweeting at SPD to ask for info. They are all owned by multi-billion-dollar out-of-town corporations so if we have the resources to go in person, certainly they do. Anyway, I don’t know what more we’ll find out tonight, and SPD is likely to be busy with May Day tomorrow, but on Monday we’ll be asking precinct brass what they will be doing differently regarding Alki … we’ll also go look for ourselves tomorrow as another sunny day plays out … TR

Marie April 30, 2016 (11:09 pm)

My husband I were down there on a date at El chupacabre. We saw a group of young teens/adults run by. Very obvious up to no good, I told my husband somethings up with that. Later we were walking on the beach saw the police and fire dept. we were just concerned it was by our car. We walked by saw the young man in the ground. Everything looked handled. Not once did I fear for my life. I love alki and west Seattle, white center. I will not live in fear and continue enjoying these places. Going down to alki in the summer or whenever it is sunny you know it gets a lil crazy. Pumping up patrols is good maybe more on foot. My community my favorite spot. Don’t let some dummy’s or misguided youth take that away. Reach out build up show up.

Seattlite April 30, 2016 (11:09 pm)

Totally unacceptable. The description of the trouble makers (with guns) is “kids.” Is that the description they’re giving to SPD…not much detail to go on. The mayor and the city council really need to solve the escalation of violent crime in Seattle. The mayor’s most important job is to protect the people in King County. I’m giving the mayor an F grade in protecting King County citizens.

sadst8ofaffairs April 30, 2016 (11:10 pm)

I’m so sorry to hear this. My family is getting ready to leave West Seattle later this summer. Hopefully sooner than later. Fortunately, we are able to go to a place where civilization is still maintaining on a decent level. I choose not to disclose where as the area is as it is already showing signs of change and I hope to prolong migration and delay any population of savages that occupy areas that were once lovely, such as certain neighborhoods in the West Seattle area. I recognize that my family is fortunate to be able to escape this plagued region of Western Washington and I know that many will remain here as they may have no choice, but there are other places in Washington (western) that are still quite nice if you able to escape, financially capable and strong enough to make the move. During the last few weeks, especially on the warm and sunny weekends, specifically Saturday and Sunday nights, I have been filming a documentary across the street from Pepperdock restaurant. What I have documented is some of the most out of control, unruly, unpatrolled and disgusting mayhem that can be seen in King County. It’s not an HBO special mind you, but rather an amateur documentary of the plight that inabits the Alki region. Again and again my documentation shows unruly folk, gangs, cruising, fighting, weapon brandishing and a definite lack of any police or familys, which are who I keep hoping to see. Familys clearly stay away and the once in a while police cruise through’s are comical at best. The savages have the upper hand and they know it…and it shows…unacceptable isn’t even suitable vocabulary at this point. Good grief and good luck to those that must endure such travesties. From my observations, the criminals are in control and the police are uninterested in doing their job. No solution in sight. Hopefully this summer will come and go quickly…

Shoobahn M. May 1, 2016 (8:47 am)

Seriously? It takes “strength” to move away from an area? This is classic fight or flight, and you’ve chosen to flee as you identify the neighborhood as in need of help. My evening running route takes me right by the site where you’re filming this “documentary,” and I’ve never seen unruly people, gangs, or weapons there – ever. I’d like to get a hold of that “documentary” and toss it in my fire pit.
Community matters May 2, 2016 (7:23 pm)

I hope you are letting the police see the footage you have. Help our community out. If you have film of what happens at Alki at night, especially in summer conditions then share it with the police.

Marina April 30, 2016 (11:10 pm)

Judging by the last few stories they’ve reported on from West Seattle, seems they should be looking at the West Seattle Blog more often…

Eric1 April 30, 2016 (11:15 pm)

This is why I am not a first responder. If you are “uncooperative” with information, I’d be “uncooperative” with my level of care.

Nah, you won’t bleed to death if you hold this gauze against that wound. There is a upstanding citizen over there with a scratch, I ‘ll have to tend to them first. Hold on for a minute or two…. I’ll be back.

Are you in pain? That is too bad. Why don’t you speak the officer over there, I had him hold all my painkillers for safe keeping tonight. Last time, somebody ripped off my ambulance so you can’t be to careful with drugs these days. I am sure he is willing to listen to you and hand over some meds to you.

Bakker April 30, 2016 (11:15 pm)

Police presents NOW it’s needed and it keeps the vibe in check with the warmer weather and all our kids out there, it’s making me uneasy and not relaxed

Shoobahn M. May 1, 2016 (8:49 am)

Yes please send presents to your local police precinct now it’s needed! (Sorry, couldn’t help myself – darn autocorrect!)

Kathy April 30, 2016 (11:19 pm)

Could we have just one summer weekend with local traffic and public transportation only along Harbor/Alki Ave from Spokane to 63rd and Admiral Way? Let visitors come by bus, walk or bike. Leave their cars and guns at home or in the park and ride under the bridge. Run extra shuttles that day and extend bus service later than 9:30pm. They do street closures one Sunday per month during summer on Lake Washington Boulevard.

These gangs and wannabe gangs arrive by car, they shuttle back and forth between Seward Park and Alki, so we’ve been told by the police. They chase them out of one place and they just bounce back and forth.

For 7 years we had one Sunday in May with 5 blocks closed for 5 hours, but Mayor Murray’s administration put an end to that .

WSB April 30, 2016 (11:26 pm)

Kathy, it’s not as extensive as you’re suggesting but we’ve been reporting on the plan for a September 25th all-day ‘car-free day’ on Alki/Harbor from 63rd to Don Armeni, one of three such events planned around the city in the months ahead. Last year was the only year since 2008 in which there was no “car-free day.” – TR
- Kathy May 1, 2016 (12:23 am)
  
  Oh, goodie, thanks, I’ve been out of town for three weeks and missed that story. I’ll be there with bells on!

Westgirl April 30, 2016 (11:41 pm)

What a bummer. I had a great afternoon on Alki today with my friends and family. Our kids played at the park, on the beach and stopped off at Pepperdock for dessert. I casually mentioned when I noticed the time “it’s almost dusk, time to pack up before the craziness begins….”

MsD May 1, 2016 (12:16 am)

I saw a group of about 10 kids running into traffic at Charlestown and 44th about 10:20 tonight. Not sure if it was part of the group at Alki. I just assumed it was an organized group of car prowlers who don’t even feel the need to try and be sneaky any more.

Whitness May 1, 2016 (1:15 am)

I was on 59th SW walking to Alki passing Lander just at the time when there was a shooting.

At first when I heard shooting I stopped trying to understand if that is shooting or some fireworks. Then kept going when I realized that shooting sound gets louder. A moment later I heard a guy was crying like “did you see he was shooting at me”. He might be taking to me or someone else, I didn’t turn around to look at him. There was 20 shots or so overall. It was around 9.22pm or 9.23 pm.

Christine May 1, 2016 (1:52 am)

To all the eye witnesses referring to ‘kids’, what does it mean? Teenagers? Young adults? The ‘kids’ are playing again at the park? Did anyone take pictures? My family frequents Alki weekly. My kids are pre-teens and I hope not the same age group. We try to be there to make it friendly. I agree. With more families showing up it will have an positive impact on our neighborhood, but having fun gets hard with profanity, gang signs, speeding cars, loud, aggressive behavior, cars driving in circles. Seems to become a hotspot more and more with no consequences. I also say, close some stretch to make it inconvenient for cruisers – and actually write some tickets for speeding and cruising. There is a big sign but no policing – which seems to be Seattle’s biggest challenge. Lots of great signs everywhere and no policing.

ScubaFrog May 1, 2016 (2:23 am)

About a week ago, we had a group of kids IN the street here on Alki. And by group I mean about 30 people. Half of the group appeared to be fighting the other half in mini brawls, then they’d break it up, go to their cars, get out and start fighting again. And by kids I mean 18-20 year olds – so young adults. Things get wild down here late-Spring, early-Summer. I’ve petitioned the SPD each year for the last 5 years or so for more of a presence down here – but like Tracy said, there are other hot spots that demand their presence, and frankly we don’t have enough officers.

–

I’ve never felt the need to own a firearm in Seattle. Seattle’s been a safe city, and I’m grateful to have been raised here. I don’t feel as safe here anymore though – maybe it’s just middle-age. Anyhow, I’m considering a concealed permit, and the purchase of a handgun.

Jwws May 1, 2016 (3:12 am)

3:10 and just heard what sounded like 9 gunshots in succession coming from east of Genesee hill in direction of California Ave. Anyone else here them?

alki_2008 May 1, 2016 (3:29 am)

Heard several loud pops again about 10 minutes ago. Didn’t get up to check it out. The park would be a great place for a security camera, but then citizens complain about a lack of privacy. Even though there can be no assumption of privacy when out in public. So, the ‘kids’ that were involved won’t be identified and won’t be caught and will just come back tomorrow or next weekend and cause havoc again.

If people want to have more security in public places, then don’t complain about security cameras in public places. Something to think about.

WSB May 1, 2016 (3:47 am)

Scanner reported two callers hearing what sounded like gunshots; one caller was from 2400 block 55th. I haven’t heard anything about confirmation of gunfire, no victim(s) nor property damage, but officers were definitely dispatched to go have a look.

Alkiholic May 1, 2016 (4:00 am)

Can confirm heard these in the distance down on the 3000 block of Alki Point.

SGG May 1, 2016 (6:26 am)

yep, more shots coming from Schmitz park at about 3:15am. Lots of shots too, not just a couple.

WS since '66 May 1, 2016 (6:41 am)

Steve: Don’t worry
mayor Eddie is on top of all these shootings!

Seattlite: Agree. But it won’t happen until Seattle votes in a
mayor that knows how to lead and protect innocent citizens.

I get it that you are not a fan of our Mayor. If you were
Mayor for a week what specifically would you do about it?

Bonnie May 1, 2016 (6:57 am)

This is unfortunate. I stay away from Alki in the summer and stick to Lincoln Park. Much more family friendly.

theothersideoftheclock May 1, 2016 (7:04 am)

for at least the last few years on sunny, warm evenings in west seattle that nothing good seems to happen after dark.

:(

Concerned May 1, 2016 (7:51 am)

I can confirm that there were more shots fired at around 3:19 AM. About a half a dozen shots and then the sound of a car engine revving up and driving away fast. We live in the 5700 block of Admiral Way – it was hard to say where the sound was coming from but it woke me up and I looked at the clock. I didn’t think I lived in a neighborhood where they were drive-by shootings… but I guess times are changing.

annika May 1, 2016 (8:15 am)

How do people who live in the neighborhood request a police presence at Whale Tail? I’ve lived here 6 years, and bad things keep happening at this park with no increase in police patrols or presence. It is easy to find police at Tully’s early in the morning, and in parked cars at both Alki and Constellation Park beaches during the day, but at Whale Tail after 5pm, where things consistently go down, nothing! What can we citizens do? Are the police going to sit by and do nothing proactive until an innocent bystander gets shot? We need some help here!

JF May 1, 2016 (8:30 am)

Should be “car free” at least every weekend, if not always. We need mounted or bicycle patrol at after 4pm every weekend
and cameras set up in several locations. If they are not willing to
provide that I say sell it off and let them condo the beach.

Sophie May 1, 2016 (8:41 am)

Omg my best friend was there she witnessed all of it in her RV

Cami May 1, 2016 (8:49 am)

I am always amazed at how many people think this happens at Alki all the time. I’ve lived here for 23 years and it seems no worse than it did in 1992. It’s unfortunate that this does happen, and yes, it’s always when the cops aren’t around. It’s actually probably one of the safer neighborhoods in Seattle even with the amount of visitors we get each summer. I’m sure this is very unnerving for those that were at Whale Tail when it happened, but don’t be afraid of Alki Beach. 3am gunshots are usually fireworks.

smokeycretin9 May 1, 2016 (9:51 am)

This whole culture of “not snitching” on someone, even if the just freaking shot you, needs to stop.

“ the victim was to go to the hospital via private ambulance, but was described as “uncooperative.”

candrewb May 1, 2016 (10:06 am)

Why is civilization cooperative with medical assistance?

Sunuva May 1, 2016 (10:12 am)

I live in the south end of West Seattle and I’ve often thought that it would be so nice to be able to afford to live in Alki by the time my young daughter is in high-school. We go walking up there in the afternoons and I see the teenagers enjoying life after school on the beach… I mean, how cool is that?!? However, I’m starting to re-think that idea after reading all this, as apparently it turns into mayhem after dusk. It’d be foolish to think my future-teenager daughter wouldn’t want to be out with her friends after dark and this doesn’t sound as great of an idea anymore.

That said, which other direction would we even go where there isn’t also trouble? It sounds like teenagers are able to run wild in the city, carrying guns, having brawls in parks that are built for children.. SMH, it’s sad, and it’s not just Alki.

Alki Guy May 1, 2016 (4:11 pm)

There should be police presence at Alki in the evening during the summer, especially if it is a hot evening. This has to be one of the biggest hotspots in the city on summer nights. Every night between 10 and 12 the motorcycles race their engines waking everyone up then go tearing down Alki. It amazes me this is allowed.

I also agree with others that said that it really isn’t any worse, and during the day and early evening it is very safe. We are down there all the time.

KT May 1, 2016 (7:52 pm)

This should be the magic moment when SPD will say they are going to increase police presence on Alki. First gun shots every year they decide it is worthy of attention. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to see some proactive policing on Alki rather than reactive?

Chuck May 1, 2016 (7:56 pm)

We need police presence every evening and control the noise of the upcoming traffic randomly. Nobody respect the anticruising law in Alki. Most cars and motorcicles making noise on purpose are illegal and should be inmovilized. This is becoming the Wild West and the mayor doesn’t move a finger. Shame on you

At least the weekends shoul be car free, more and more cities around the world have this “car-free days”, I don’ t understand why we dont do the same in Alki

alki_2008 May 2, 2016 (2:06 am)

We don’t do the same on Alki because the businesses could not survive if the streets were closed. Personally, I like being able to walk to restaurants and feel it wold be a shame if they closed down.

WS Local May 1, 2016 (10:08 pm)

This crime occurred early in the evening when many ordinary and respectable people were rightfully enjoying a peaceful evening on Alki. That this occurred near Whale Tail is just lucky because it could have easily escalated and resulted in more gunfire and possible casualties amongst innocent people enjoying the evening. It’s time for visible police presence on Alki and nearby areas where these punks gather. We need to voice our concerns with the Mayor’s office, I’m planning to do so Monday morning. http://www.seattle.gov/mayor/get-involved/contact-the-mayor

riley May 2, 2016 (11:19 am)

i saw them throw the gun into a mid 2000’s silver impala with tinted windows

rob May 2, 2016 (4:25 pm)

Loved Alki, alas an opportunity allowed me to move to a gated community, as I am over 55. I have to say with the over crowding in West Seattle (when are they going to stop building) no parking and shots fired which has always been a history I feel more secure where I am in San Diego, plus the weather is better. I am saddened that people feel they have to move but I understand that kids require a very safe environment to live and play. West Seattle was not always like this. It was once the best kept secret with great neighborhoods, some of which still are. I agree more aggressive police presence is needed. Where I live is not nearly as much fun as West Seattle, it is the choice I made.

MJ May 2, 2016 (4:33 pm)

I say we get together a huge group of west Seattle families, get a permit for a march/protest down Alki and close the street with all our strollers, kids on bikes etc. Make it so all the questionable characters can’t drive down the beach. We pay the taxes to live by the water, make the outsiders feel uncomfortable coming here.

WSB May 2, 2016 (4:58 pm)

For anyone checking back – we were not able to get the report today – SPD “didn’t have time.” The department still is stuck in a system where the only way to get a report to an inquiring reporter is to manually pull it up and redact it. So I still have no further details on what was found after our visit to the scene during the investigation; will try again tomorrow. – TR
alki_2008 May 3, 2016 (2:52 am)

Closing the street so that people who live on the street can’t get in/out of their homes? Closing the streets may prevent ‘outsiders’ from coming to the area, but that doesn’t create any sort of ‘presence’.

Resident can have a ‘presence’ without closing down the street. Take all the strollers to the boardwalk and the sidewalks. Buy your coffee or fish&chips or pizza and then eat it out on the beach or at the picnic tables.

AncientMariner May 5, 2016 (3:50 pm)

A big part of the solution would be for police to patrol the neighborhood, not just Alki avenue. Criminals aren’t stupid and know that by simply moving one block south to Whale Tail Park and the Alki playfield they can conduct their illegal activity undetected. My impression is that police don’t venture onto the side streets like SW Lander because the traffic congestion makes it just as difficult for them to maneuver as it does for residents. Maybe we should also revisit resident only parking in the adjacent neighborhood which might aid in helping to control the volume of cars coming into the neighborhood.

C May 21, 2016 (11:20 am)

This happened 3 years ago same thing, same place. Children at the park. I was new to the city and had brought my kid to the park and had no clue–it was horrible. Children play there. Police need to be there and families need to know.

https://westseattleblog.com/2012/07/police-responding-to-report-of-shots-fighting-at-whale-tail-park/