WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Special DUI patrol; dumped-possibly-stolen bicycle

| Crime | Found bicycles | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

DUI EMPHASIS PATROL: SPD announced today that this special operation happened last night, with this summary:

At 1900 hours, three officers conducted a High Visibility Emphasis Patrol for DUI. They contacted 28 drivers, issued 23 citations, and conducted three DUI investigations.

The emphasis-patrol summary was linked to the Southwest Precinct – which covers West Seattle and South Park – so we asked for more details. So far, SPD spokesperson Det. Brian Pritchard could only find information about one case, “37th Avenue Southwest and Southwest Alaska Street . Suspect driver: 21-year-old woman.” We’re asking the City Attorney’s Office if they can point us to info on the other 22 citations.

Also in Crime Watch, this reader report:

DUMPED-POSSIBLY-STOLEN BICYCLE: Recognize this bike? A texter sent the photo and report:

Dumped for weeks, likely stolen. Older bike. Near alley entrance, 99th and 37th in Arbor Heights.

AO February 23, 2026 (3:49 pm)

“They contacted 28 drivers, issued 23 citations…” — I sure hope some of those were unrelated to impairment. Otherwise 82% of drivers are buzzed.

WSB February 23, 2026 (5:43 pm)

That’s part of the “more info” I’m hoping to get.
West Seattle Mad Sci Guy February 23, 2026 (8:07 pm)

I’m hoping it’s more along the line of expired registration, expired drivers license. I don’t know if those anti-cameraflash license plate covers are even illegal but hey, maybe something like that.
West Seattle resident February 24, 2026 (6:57 pm)

Not necessary, it could be that 82% of drivers who drove suspiciously enough to get pulled over were drunk. That wouldn’t be crazy if the patrol was only pulling over people swerving or not obeying other traffic laws.

Yma February 23, 2026 (6:27 pm)

Doesn’t that mean that 82% of drivers they suspected of being impaired & subsequently contacted were, in fact, impaired? They didn’t stop & contact every single driver. Right?

Rhonda February 23, 2026 (7:37 pm)

I’m 100% for severely increased penalties for DUI, but I’m 100% against DUI emphasis patrols if they result in drivers randomly being stopped. I hope these 28 motorists were pulled over for displaying signs of impairment and not willy-nilly.

Eric1 February 23, 2026 (8:49 pm)

I don’t think people should be stopped for no reason but I would prefer lots of targeted emphasis patrols (not just DUI). Covered license plates, expired tabs, equipment violations, etc…. And please have police emphasize checking for valid license and insurance. I pay several hundred dollars per year in uninsured drivers coverage (per car). I am angry because having vehicle insurance is a mandatory and uninsured driver coverage should be unnecessary. I asked my insurance agent what the heck and his reply was that 25% of vehicles on the road in Washington are uninsured and not having extra insurance was risky. Hit and runs, drivers running away, are mostly because people are driving illegally and Washington has some of the worst statistics. Not surprisingly, I have been the victim of more hit and runs than normal accidents. Time to get these cars off the streets (impound) and lower my insurance premiums.
- Mc February 25, 2026 (11:51 pm)
  
  It sounds like asking police to enforce a financial policy which is silly. There are better ways to enforce insurance requirements than pulling people over randomly. Also, perhaps your insurance sales person was trying to sell you extra insurance by making claims about other drivers’ insurance levels. Just maybe.
Actualperson February 24, 2026 (5:35 am)

Rhonda. There is ALWAY’S something that police can pull you over for. If you google traffic laws there are DOZENS of infractions. If you-and others are concerned then you need to lobby your elected representatives to remove traffic laws that are on the books.

DRW February 24, 2026 (8:51 am)

Emphasis patrols on loud cars would be great.

What Day Is It? February 24, 2026 (9:35 am)

On a Sunday night? How about a Thursday, Friday, &/or Saturday night?

Admiral2009 February 24, 2026 (10:37 pm)

Eric1 – you are correct uninsured, unlicensed vehicles and motorists cost us all more money via higher insurance premiums. In addition is the adverse safety impacts they cause.

Increased penalties for drunk/under the influence driving needs to be implemented yesterday!

Sorry, comment time is over.