WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: About last night’s police response outside PCC

| Crime | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

Last night many people asked about a large police response outside the PCC West Seattle store at California/Stevens, coupled with an SFD medical response, in the 8 pm hour. We weren’t able to find out what was going on at the time, but we followed up today with SPD, and just got the info: “This was an arrest and use of force (tasing) after the suspect, pulled over for reckless driving, resisted arrest and assaulted officers. Officers were uninjured, but they did deploy a taser. SFD responded for that. Officers saw loaded handguns inside the vehicle and were able to recover them. The 36-year-old man was later booked into King County Jail.” Online records show the suspect is being released on personal recognizance but faces potential charges including assault, resisting arrest, and unlawful gun possession.

KT May 12, 2020 (2:35 pm)

I’m starting the betting pool on wether he shows up for court, of course assuming the county attorney prosecutes (maybe that is a separate pool).

WSB May 12, 2020 (3:15 pm)

I honestly don’t know what’ll be next in this case, as the Municipal Court, where he appeared this morning, is on a partial-closure schedule.
https://news.seattle.gov/2020/05/07/seattle-municipal-court-guidance-for-members-of-the-public-in-response-to-covid-19/
- THOMAS LAXTON May 13, 2020 (9:39 am)
  
  It seems to me that the courts are essential and should not be closed and that guy should of never been released in the first place

Js May 12, 2020 (3:14 pm)

Mistake. Should have kept him.

Black panther May 12, 2020 (3:22 pm)

Hmmm, unlawful gun possession. But he was released and probably will never be seen again. But we need more gun laws? How about enforcing the existing gun laws, and keep him in jail? He is a threat to society.

Eric1 May 12, 2020 (3:26 pm)

Wait. A moron who drives poorly enough that the police notice… Resists arrest and assaults officers… Has illegal and loaded handguns in plain sight… And the prosecutors seem fine with releasing him on personal recognizance even with the obvious anger management issues? Damn. Only in Seattle. Hopefully they gave him a gift card to Starbucks for obviously wasting his time… SMH

WSB May 12, 2020 (4:08 pm)

Actually, the prosecutors (city attorney in this case) asked for higher bail, the defense asked for release, the judge sided with the defense, according to the docket.
- David May 12, 2020 (4:49 pm)
  
  I don’t understand. When I was growing up I was taught that assaulting officers and possessing firearms unlawfully would result in being put away. The times are a changing. Can we get the name of the judge?
wscommuter May 13, 2020 (10:16 am)

I think you have your facts off. The WSB story doesn’t say for certain they were “illegal” handguns – so no felony there (yet – that might change with more police investigation). Municipal Court – Seattle City Attorney’s office therefore handles misdemeanors (reckless driving and resisting arrest). The way the law works, the courts cannot just lock someone up for more than 72 hours unless charges are filed. At this point, that has apparently not yet happened. Once the City charges a crime, then he can be held unless he posts bail. I understand and sympathize with the frustration about this knucklehead being free again … but the law is the law.
- WSB May 13, 2020 (10:38 am)
  
  The documents in the Muni Court file allege the violation re: the guns (described as 2 loaded handguns) was that they were in the car (and the suspect had a holster concealed in his waistband) but the suspect didn’t have a concealed weapon permit.

Aero May 12, 2020 (3:40 pm)

Wow, seriously? These are some pretty serious charges (including assault 3) to release someone on. Doubt he shows up for court.

CAM May 12, 2020 (4:40 pm)

If he is facing an assault charge in municipal court it cannot be an assault 3. It can only be assault 4.

CAM May 12, 2020 (4:37 pm)

I do not have an opinion on whether or not it was appropriate to release this individual from custody but there are factors that the court likely considered that aren’t being recognized here. First, the jail and the court are operating under drastically altered guidelines for detaining people in lieu of cash bail during the pandemic. Based on the above, this individual has not yet been charged with a crime and thus is not accused of anything right now. He is under investigation but that is a tougher argument to hold someone on investigation of misdemeanor charges vs. felony charges. There must be some reason this was filed in SMC vs. Superior Court. Depending on this person’s criminal history, or lack thereof, the court may have released them even if the charges had been filed before the hearing given the current health and safety guidelines.

flimflam May 12, 2020 (5:58 pm)

well good for him, right?

flimflam May 12, 2020 (4:57 pm)

lame move by the judge – this guy would seem a perfect candidate for jail. is he out because of covid? its not like he shoplifted some twinkies here…violent, illegal gun ownership, what did i miss?

Anne May 12, 2020 (9:46 pm)

Get name of Judge -remember it come election time.
- Bill May 13, 2020 (10:59 am)
  
  Why? — It’ll be most likely “unopposed” — you should look closer at the judge positions on the ballots — only about 1 out of 7-8 are judge positions have more than 1 candidate

ITotallyAgreeWithYou May 12, 2020 (5:17 pm)

Covid-19 spread might be a consideration in holding people these days.

Peter S. May 12, 2020 (6:10 pm)

While CV-19 spread/containment is a legitimate concern for *ALL* of us, that should not, literally, be a get-out-of-jail free card. YTBD what, if any past criminal history this person has, but the number of alleged offenses committed in a very short period of time suggests not likely their first encounter with our criminal justice system. How about the safety of the SPD officers and others who have to deal with these exemplary citizens?

AdmiralBriddge May 13, 2020 (2:53 pm)

Agreed. I think at face value, the spectrum of holding him versus releasing him in C-19, that was the right decision, but on personal recognizance? Really? Need to put some money down pal.

anonyme May 14, 2020 (7:03 am)

If Covid is an excuse to either release inmates or not hold criminals committing new crimes, then why are criminals being given more consideration than health care workers or grocery clerks struggling to get by legitimately? If the prospect of going to jail is scarier because of the pandemic – well, good.

Sorry, comment time is over.