Christopher Monfort as a UW graduate student

Here are the latest updates on the case from our news partners at the Central District News, SeattleCrime.com and the Seattle Times:

• SPD is calling the killing of officer Timothy Brenton a case of 'domestic terrorism' and say they discovered a cache of weapons and explosives inside Christopher Monfort's Tukwila apartment.
• Adding to the possibility that political motives were part of what drove the killer, a mystery clue found at both the scene of an arson that destroyed three police vehicles earlier in October and at 29th and Yesler where the SPD officer was gunned down on Halloween has been revealed. The clue? American flags left at both scenes.
• Also found at the October arson scene? A note saying an officer would be killed. SPD 'rank and file' are upset that information wasn't share before the Brenton slaying.
• Finally, another clue to what may have driven Monfort to make the switch from politically agitated loner to alleged cop killer: a ticket that might have cost the 41-year-old his job.

Our newspartners at The Seattle Times are reporting that the "person of interest" in last weekend's police murder is in critical condition at Harborview with a wound to the head.

They've also proven that having sources and their phone numbers is much more productive than waiting for media briefings at crime scenes. As we reported earlier today, SPD detectives were in Tukwila to investigate a tip from a citizen in Officer Brenton's murder:

The person who tipped police to the car said the man had only recently covered it and had been acting bizarrely, according to a law enforcement source.

The wounded man apparently has no felony history. He had recently laid off from his job as a security guard, according to the source.

The shooting happened just as the memorial service for Brenton was ending at Seattle's KeyArena. Many of the officers who attended the memorial immediately left when they got word of the shooting, some rushing to Tukwila.

The Times is also reporting that two other men have been detained, and that...

With the investigation into the Halloween night murder of officer Timothy Brenton stretching into its sixth day, the Seattle Police Department is about to lose its newly appointed head of the Violent Crimes Section. Berkeley news sources are reporting that Seattle police captain Mike Meehan has been tabbed as the new police chief in the California city. According to the Berkeley Daily Planet, Meehan's appointment must still be confirmed by the Berkeley city council at its November 10th meeting.

Meehan, a former East Precinct commander, recently moved to take over Violent Crimes where he oversaw the Homicide, Robbery, CSI, Gang, Polygraph, Bias Crimes and Fugitive Units after a stint working in the Narcotics Section. He is a 23-year veteran officer according to this SPD blog post.

The Berkeley Planet story linked above also dug into the CHS archives for some insight into Meehan:

Comments on a Feb. 2009 blog catering to Seattle’s Capital Hill area [sic], a pre-dominantly gay neighborhood, discussed the...

Our partner site SeattleCrime.com is reporting tonight on a large police and Metro sheriff response at Bellevue and Pine around 8:15 PM.

According to a Seattlecrime.com tipster, there are about 20-25 police officers, and sheriffs deputies at Bellevue and Pine with guns drawn. A man is lying face down on the pavement, crying.

CHS hustled down there to find the scene breaking up and the bad guys already taken away. A deputy at the scene said the incident involved two men 'making bad decisions' in a Metro bus shelter but wouldn't elaborate.

"Kind of a big response," I said.

"Yeah, that's how things are," the deputy said. I also asked the three deputies huddling in the bus shelter where their jackets were on this rainy, windy night. In their cars, turns out.

We'll have to wait for more info from SPD or the sheriff on this one. The public information officers will be part of the memorial procession and event at Key Arena tomorrow and likely won't be available for comment until next week.

UPDATE: 4:25 PM
At an afternoon conference, Seattle Police released pictures believed to capture the suspect's car before and after the shooting of officer Brenton. The also provided a psychological profile of the suspect included in this post below the photos after the jump.

About 20 minutes before the shooting, pictured near the site of Officers Sweeney and Brenton's previous traffic stop in the 300 block of MLK

This image shows the vehicle heading westbound at an unknown time through the intersection of 14th & Yesler

This un-timestamped image shows the vehicle on a hill in an unidentified part of town.

Murder suspect profile; vehicle of interest images

While I cannot discuss all of our current investigation details and methods, please know that we are working with local, state and federal agencies to process all of the forensic evidence.  There is no technology or resource that is not or will not be fully exploited in order to identify the individual (or individuals) responsible for this crime.  As we continue in our efforts, we are calling for the assistance of the public to help us identify this subject or this group.  We believe this subject engaged in recognizable behaviors and activities prior to, during and after the commission of this crime.  He likely possesses certain traits and characteristics that would be noted by those around him.

His skills in weapons use and close quarter techniques suggest prior training.  He has likely practiced a great deal with weapons and those around him will note his abilities and interest in them.  These skills may have been developed through previous employment or hobbies.  In the days and weeks prior to the shooting, he may have increased his practice with weapons.

After the shooting, he may have disposed of, altered, hidden or repaired his vehicle in some form.  This vehicle may have been damaged in the firefight.  It is described as a 1980 to 1983 Datsun 210.  It is important that if anyone has recently sold a vehicle of this type or had one stolen that they call Seattle Police at 206 233-5000.

After the homicide, he may have displayed uncharacteristic behavior, such as being silent and quiet about the shooting when others would have expected him to be outspoken about it.  He may also display an uncharacteristic interest or even fascination in the news of the shooting.  Regardless, the stress of this homicide may cause him to behave differently from his norm.

On Halloween night, October 31st, he was notably absent for a period of time, in the hours before midnight.  If there are others who are a part of his life and aware of his routine, and this includes relatives, co-workers, friends or others, he will have had to provide a plausible explanation for this absence to them.

He likely has experienced a significant personal crisis in the recent past.  This event may have been the death of a loved one, loss of job or status, divorce, financial hardship, or other failure.  Whatever it is that is bothering him, he may often be outspoken about what he perceives to be a deeply personal grievance.  We’d like to know what this grievance is.  His grievance may relate to his employment or position in life.  We do believe that although he shot a police officer, he may in fact admire them and even act like them.

He knows that there are very good officers, and Officer Tim Brenton was a very good officer who swore a solemn oath to protect our citizenry.  We’d like to know why this person chose the Seattle Police Department as the target of his grievance.

While it may appear we are focusing on a sole male offender, we have not ruled out the possibility of this crime being committed by a small group.  What I have been describing is the likely personality and behavior of the dominant individual behind this plan that has turned into a serious crime.  In fact, there may be others involved in the planning or actual attack who may not have expected this incident to have become the murder of a good and innocent police officer.  If there is such an individual he or she may be in fear for their own safety.  We are willing to listen and help, if such an individual wishes to contact us about the killer.

Clearly, we are also willing to listen to the offender to better understand his grievance.

We ask the public to carefully consider the information provided above and consider whether or not they may know this offender or have noted behaviors or activities suggestive of involvement in this incident.  Please contact the Police Department if you feel you may have information related to this crime, no matter how insignificant it may appear to you.  You may contact us by the following ways:  206-233-5000, anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 206-343-2020 or through a text message by texting TIP486 with a message, then sending that to 274637 (CRIMES).

We also remind the public of the $105,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in this investigation.

Original Post:
Seattle police are looking for a Datsun B210 car similar to this one shown in an online car advertisement. The vehicle may be connected with the shooting death of Seattle Police officer Tim Brenton .

This photo was distributed by the Seattle Police Department in connection with the shooting death of Seattle Police officer Tim Brenton.

From SPD: Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to call either 911 or the Seattle Police Homicide Unit at 206 684-5550, or the tipline at (206) 233-5000. Those wishing to remain anonymous are encouraged to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or send a text to CRIMES (274637). Your text message should include “TIP486″ to ensure proper routing. Calls are taken 24 hours a day.

It appears that the robber who emptied the till at Online Coffee after ordering a brownie then handing the cashier a note demanding cash struck again the following week, according to a Seattle Police Department report.

According to the report, a man wearing a surgical mask, a black puffy jacket and a baseball hat entered Uncle Elizabeth's Internet Cafe at 1123 Pike St. just after 11:30 PM on Tuesday, October 13th. The cashier said the man coughed as he walked to the counter and ordered two bagels. As the man received his order, the cashier said the man slid a note across the counter.

"Buddy I ain't jokin," the man said, according to the report. The cashier said the note read, "I have a gun put it in the bag."

The cashier opened the cash registered and placed all of the cash from the drawer in to the bag with the bagels. The man grabbed the bag full of bagels and cash and the ransom note and left the cafe. After the man left, the cashier followed him into the street and saw the suspect get into a silver or...

East Precinct headquarters at 12th and Pine is draped with a black mourning bunting. An officer stands guard at the Bonney Watson funeral home on Broadway where the body of officer Timothy Brenton rests. Here's the latest from our news partners about the crime and the investigation seeking to bring Brenton's murderer to justice.

• Central District News: New details on murder investigation
• SeattleCrime.com: The Call: Police radio transcript

• Central District News: Video playing a key role
• Central District News: Candlelight vigil at 29th & Yesler
• Seattle Times: Slain officer was teacher, 'quiet family man'
• Seattle PI: Man arrested after shooting held on bail
• Photos of Tim Brenton provided by SPD.gov

SPD procession on Broadway (Photo by @jctrick)

A procession of Seattle Police Department cruisers accompanied the ambulance carrying the body of 39-year-old Tim Brenton, the officer killed in last night's Central District shooting, as the vehicle made its way from Harborview to the Bonney Watson Funeral home on Broadway this afternoon.

An officer stands guard outside Bonney Watson (Photo by: Scott Durham/Central District News)

Central District News covered this afternoon's press conference where police and city officials discussed details of the Halloween murder and the bravery of police trainee Brit Sweeney, who survived the attack that took the life of her mentor:

Interim Chief John Diaz at today's briefing

A press conference with the mayor and Seattle police commanders just concluded, identifying the deceased victim as 39 year old Timothy Brenton, a Police Training Officer and member of the Seattle police force for 8 years. He leaves behind a wife and two children, 8 and 11 years old. He has worked his entire SPD career here in the East Precinct.

Police are working with the family to schedule a memorial service and funeral for Officer Brenton, but no date is available yet. Police work ran strong in Brenton's family. His father and uncle are also retired members of the Seattle Police force.

The second victim, 33 year old police trainee Britt Sweeney, was grazed in the shooting and is now resting at her home. Assistant Chief Pugel said "it was a miracle that she survived" the incident. Only six to seven months out of the academy, her performance during the shooting was described as that of "a tenured veteran," as she "not only called for help and backup, called for the fire department, but also got out and fired at the suspects."

more at CDN...

Police undertook a massive manhunt Halloween eve searching for the suspect vehicle, described as a small gray or light colored car. Investigators are now reviewing video footage from multiple on-board police cameras. There is no suspect description at this time. A $20,000 reward has been offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the killer.

Mayor Greg Nickels announced that flags on city property will be flown at half-staff to honor Brenton. A memorial has formed at the shooting scene where people have been been leaving flowers.

Video of the briefing from West Seattle Blog coverage:

Here is the latest statement from the Seattle Police Department on the shooting:

It is with profound sadness that we must inform you that a Seattle Police Officer was killed in the line of duty last night.  Officer Timothy Brenton,  a Field Training Officer assigned to Third Watch, East Precinct, was shot to death while he and Student Officer Britt Sweeney, were parked in their patrol car in the 100 Block of 29th Avenue  last night shortly after 10:00 p.m.  The investigation thus far has shown that Officers Brenton and Sweeney had just completed a traffic stop and were discussing the stop as part of Officer Sweeney’s training.  Their patrol car was parked facing southbound in the 100 Block of 29th Avenue on the west side of the street.   Officer Sweeney was in the driver’s seat; Officer Brenton was in the front passenger seat.  As they were discussing training, a vehicle, described as a light-colored small car, also travelling southbound, pulled up next to the patrol vehicle.  The suspect(s) opened fire upon the officers.  The bullets went by Officer Sweeney’s head, grazing her in the back of the neck and tearing her uniform shirt and vest.  Bullets struck Officer Brenton in the head, killing him.  The suspect vehicle then fled northbound on 29th Avenue.  Officer Sweeney was able to exit the patrol car and return fire at the suspect vehicle.  The suspect vehicle may have been struck.  Officer Sweeney was able to get on the air and summon additional officers to the scene.  Officer Sweeney’s performance was exemplary under the most stressful and horrific call imaginable.

There was a massive response from all points of the city and beyond. Patrol, detectives, and the Hospital Response Team all responded and provided support for officers and the families.   Information is being developed as to possible suspect(s).  SPD Homicide detectives are responsible for this investigation.

There is no other way to describe what occurred last night to Officers Brenton and Sweeney other than this was a deliberate act of murder.   We have all the resources of the Department working on this investigation, and will not stop until we have those responsible answer for this heinous crime.  We owe it to Officers Brenton and Sweeney, their families, ourselves and the community.

Officer Brenton was 39 years old and a 9-year veteran of the Department at the time of his death.  He leaves behind a wife and two children.  Officer Sweeney is 33 years old and a recent graduate of the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Center.

Funeral arrangements are being planned and more information will be forthcoming.

This is a profound tragedy and shock to our senses.  We will take the time to grieve, reflect, and honor our fallen brother.  The Department’s Crisis Incident Stress Management Team will be available for all those who request it.

The Department has set up a tip line for the public to provide information that may assist the investigation.  That number is (206) 233-5000.

A bank account for Officer Timothy Brenton’s family is being set up at this time.  We will provide more information when the details become available.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to call either 911 or the Seattle Police Homicide Unit at 206 684-5550, or the tipline at (206) 233-5000.  Those wishing to remain annonymous are encouraged to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or send a text to CRIMES (274637).  Your text message should include “TIP486″  to ensure proper routing.  If a tip leads to an arrest and the filing of charges, callers may qualify for a cash reward of up to $1,000.  An additional $20,000 reward is being offered by the Seattle Police Officer’s Guild, for a total of $21,000.  Calls are taken 24 hours a day.

Two East Precinct police officers and assistant City Attorney Tienney Milnor were recognized with community awards for their work on the Drug Market Initiative project. The Seattle Neighborhood Group recognized Milnor and officers Sina Ebinger and Chris Kelley with their annual Community Builders Awards for their work on the program which combines treatment options with aggressive prosecution. In its early days, the program has had some successes -- and also some people who couldn't stay clean.

Milnor's recognition comes as the City Attorney staffer has dealt with criticism of her handling of a community meeting with Pike/Pine club owners that left some feeling threatened and under attack by City Attorney Tom Carr and the East Precinct.

CHS does not condone this woman's actions. But we're also kind of tired of the Hitler thing.

A thief stole a hidden Louis Vitton bag containing thousands of dollars worth of jewelry from a north Capitol Hill home earlier this month, according to a Seattle Police Department report. The victim told police she had hidden the bag inside her home containing about $140,000 in jewelry and her passport. According to the report, nothing else in the St. Mark's-area residence was disturbed and police were planning to interview a list of five people who had access to the home.

Map shows general location

Recent East Precinct reports:

• Woman mugged on Summit: Around 10 PM on Thursday, Oct. 15, a woman reported having her purse snatched. The thief dropped most of her property but did make off with her cell phone.

• Poster arson report: Here's one of the reports for the recent poster fires that somebody is setting in the Pike/Pine area. SPD spokesperson Mark Jamieson said the cases are being investigated by the arson and bomb squad but he could not provide additional information on the investigation status...

Earlier this week, we covered the brouhaha whipped up by this Stranger cover story about City Attorney Tom Car and Pike/Pine's nightclub scene in typical CHS fashion: by digging into the Hill's crime stats. The takeaway there: East Precinct shouldn't be focusing all of its energies on Pike/Pine -- there are plenty of other Hill crime hotspots including an increase in assaults in areas you might not have expected like northern Capitol Hill.

Turns out, outgoing East Precinct commander Capt. Paul McDonagh agrees. At Thursday night's East Precinct Community Crime Prevention meeting, McDonagh said there has been no change in policy or focus in the Pike/Pine area.

"I apologize if there was a big misunderstanding," McDonagh said. "There's no change in the enforcement, there's no change in the policy direction."

"If there was perception that we're cracking down, we're not going to do that."

The accounts from some club owners about an October meeting detailed by the Stranger portrayed City Attorney liaison Tienney Milnor as threatening bars with increased oversight.  The Stranger also reported that some bar owners feel that SPD have been 'harassing' bars on the Hill:

But since the meeting with Milnor, police officers have been harassing bars on Capitol Hill, according to witnesses. “I’ve always had nothing but a great experience with [the SPD] until this last couple weeks,” says one bar owner, who asked not to be named for fear of retribution.

"If John (McGoodwin) or Tienney made a mistake, then I truly apologize for that," McDonagh said. "It's going to continue like it has for the last two and a half years under my command."

Milnor was not in attendance at Thursday's community meeting. East Precinct Crime Prevention Coalition chair Stephanie Tschida said Milnor was not able to attend because she is out on leave following hip surgery.

McDonagh also said he doesn't expect Pike/Pine enforcement to change after he is promoted and replaced by new East Precinct commander Jim Dermody at the end of the month.

"I've given him my policy," McDonagh said. "I've briefed him and I don't expect any change in the way we handle nightclubs."

It's hard to tell who is taking the most political advantage of the controversy that has bubbled out of City Attorney Tom Carr's relationship with Pike/Pine club owners.

But if the East Precinct wants to tackle a problem with Capitol Hill assaults, its officers had better look beyond the convenient target of Pike/Pine.

We look at the East Precinct trends every month when the latest batch of crime data is released by SPD. The last drop gave us totals for 2009 through July. By the way, last month, the July totals were available midway through the month. SPD's hasn't yet added August totals as we reach the final week of this month.

We told you then that Hill crime totals were climbing. The takeaway? A surge in theft was helping to drive Capitol Hill's 2009 numbers to uncomfortably high levels. While citywide numbers -- especially violent crime -- looked bad, Pike/Pine's data for July were especially bad.

These fever lines below show the trends for the four East Precinct beats that cover Capitol Hill. You can see problem sector C2's ugly theft-driven uptick.

Here's what the trends look like if we look only at theft totals. You can see C2's Pike/Pine one-month spike but also E2's Seattle University area's extraordinarily high, sustained theft totals.

Hopefully somebody is planning a crackdown on Seattle U. area thievery. While they're at it, they might get distracted by Pike/Pine also having a one-month spike in July assaults.

They had better also take a look at solving northern Capitol Hill's C1 assault problem. Can't really see it looking at the fever lines but C1's assaults, in total, through the first seven months of 2009 should be of bigger concern than the short-term trends in Pike/Pine.

Here are two tables with year-to-date totals for the two categories compared to the same period in 2008:

North Capitol Hill has an assault problem -- 45 assaults through July in 2009, 33 in the same period in 2008. That's a 36.4% increase. Even with a relatively small sample, that's a jump that warrants concern. Meanwhile, you can see that theft has surged across the precinct's Capitol Hill beats so far in 2009. The area that's seen the smallest jump in theft on the Hill? Pike/Pine. Go figure.

The Pike/Pine utility pole poster fires CHS has been reporting on have seemed nearly comical. Somebody setting fires to the layers of old rock posters and multilevel marketing flyers that build up on the power poles and light standards of Capitol Hill seems a little ridiculous. But an incident two weeks ago early on a Sunday morning might show that the acts are anything but funny.

CHS has learned of a fire intentionally set inside the Odd Fellows building early on Sunday morning, October 4th. Around 3:30 AM, two workers from the Tin Table smelled smoke and found a bulletin board on the building's first floor where flyers and posters are displayed had been set on fire. According to a report filed by the police officer who responded to the incident, posters were once again the target. But this time, somebody left a message.

According to the report, a poster on the bulletin board had been written on and set on fire. Part of the message burned away. What remained were the letters "AG" scrawled across the paper....

A string of utility pole poster fires has Seattle Police on the lookout for a man and woman seen setting a fire early this morning near 10th Ave and E. Pike. Here's the SPD report:

On 10/13/09, at 2:00 a.m., an officer was flagged down by a taxi driver, who  reported that he observerd [sic] a man and a woman set a light pole on fire at 10 Ave / E. Pike St.   Seattle Fire Department responded to the scene.

The suspects lit paper posters, which were attached to the light pole on fire causing a smoldering effect that burned out on its own.  Officers  conducted an area check for additional fires and found three more poles smoldering on 10th Ave between E. Pike and E. Pine streets.

The only damage of  note was to the posters attached to the poles.  The suspects are described as a middle age white male and white female, wearing black. 

A similar fire in late September was set mid-afternoon also in Pike/Pine near 11th and Pine.

Another fire described in the...

The latest batch of crime stats from July have been released by the Seattle Police Department, showing a 17% increase over July of 2008. The uptick was led by increases in property crimes such as burglaries and thefts, while violent crimes were flat or down.

Here's the details:

• Assaults were down 6% vs July 2008
• Robberies were unchanged
• Burglaries were up 13%
• Thefts were up 45%
• Stolen Vehicles were down 35%

The biggest increase in crime was found in the C2 police beat, which runs east of Broadway between Roy & Pike St:

• Crime was down 13% in beat C1
• Up 68% in beat C2
• Up 6% in beat E1
• Up 29% in beat E2

On September 30th we caught a bit on the police scanner about a man who robbed a woman on Summit Avenue East, notably employing a Taser gun in the crime.

That man is now caught, according to the SPD blotter:

On October 8th, at approximately4:00 p.m., the victim of an armed robbery saw the suspect in Cal Anderson Park on Capitol Hill and flagged down an officer.  The officer located and arrested the suspect.  The 31-year old male suspect was then transported to the Robbery detectives where he was interviewed and later booked into the King County Jail on Investigation of Robbery and an outstanding warrant.  The original robbery occurred on September 30th in the 200 Block of Summit Avenue East, where the suspect used a taser-like device on the victim and another man while robbing both of them.

Around 4:30pm on October 7th my black and white dog wearing a pink bandanna, Dita, was hit my a dark colored SUV. The SUV was traveling East toward Cal Anderson Park and struck Dita near the intersection of Denny and Belmont. Please e-mail me: carlos@agillian.com if you have any information concerning the accident.

Thank You.

CHS digs through a lot of Seattle Police Department reports -- but it's not very often we find ourselves in the write-up:

Sounds like the eyewitness report was related to this group of alleged thieves who robbed two men on Boylston in September and were believed to behind a string of robberies. No word from SPD yet if this tip helped, but arrests were made in the case and two of the suspects pleaded not guilty last week while a third also entered a not guilty plea today.

More from late September's police files coming tonight on CHS.

A thief with a sweet tooth hit the Online Coffee shop late Monday night. Here is the report from the SPD blotter:

On 10/5/09, at approximately 11:05 p.m., the suspect walked into a Coffee shop in the 1400 block of E. Pine St and asked the clerk for a brownie.  The clerk went and retrieved the brownie and when she returned, the suspect handed her a note.  The clerk took cash from the till, and gave it to the suspect.  He fled eastbound on E Pine.

As officers were responding to the call, they saw a subject fitting the description in the 1600 block of 15 AV.  That subject was standing behind a car, with the trunk open, and he was changing clothes.  When the officer  turned around to contact him, the subject was gone and the trunk was closed.  The vehicle was impounded it to the processing room.

The suspect is described as a black male, 6 feet tall, approximately 230 pounds, and bald head.

A gunshot rang out on Capitol Hill tonight following an argument involving a man and a parking attendant in a lot at Harvard and E. Thomas. Report is of one shot fired into the air by a man driving a green 1993 Ford Explorer registered to an address in Kirkland. Officers found the unoccupied vehicle parked a short distance away. The suspect is described as a tall, heavyset Hispanic male wearing a baseball cap.

The following are based on incident reports from the Seattle Police Department’s East Precinct. They represent the officers’ accounts of the events described.

Property damage

Just after 4 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 18, officers responded the 1700 block of East Alder Street after a woman reported hearing a loud noise coming from the street below her apartment. She looked down and saw a man inside a parked car. He was bent down under the dashboard, and she heard the noises when he started breaking the steering column apart. He was pulling so hard on the column that the car was rocking up and down. The suspect was also seen opening the trunk and was still rooting around the trunk when officers arrived. He was immediately detained. Officers found two screwdrivers and a flashlight in his pocket. They looked in the car and saw the ignition dangling from the steering column by its wires. The man was arrested and read his Miranda rights. He said the trunk was open when he walked by and denied being inside the car, calling the witness a liar. He was later booked into King County Jail. Damage to the car was estimated to be in excess of $1,000.

Drugs etc.

At 9:25 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 17, officers on routine patrol received a call that a female suspect with an outstanding felony warrant had been spotted leaving a bar near the 1200 block of East Jefferson Street. The word was that she’d gotten into a car as a passenger, and the car took off east along Jefferson. Officers caught up with the car on the 1800 block of East Jefferson Street and pulled it over. The female passenger immediately identified herself and acknowledged that she knew there was a warrant out for her arrest. Prior to re-arrest, she was asked if she had any contraband on her. She said she had an “8-ball of cream” on her; officers recognized the term as street vernacular for crack cocaine. A search was conducted, and officers recovered two small plastic bags containing a rock-like substance in her pants. The substance later tested positive for cocaine. The woman, who is in her late 20s, was arrested and booked into King County Jail.

Theft

At 9:15 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 17, officers responded to an East Alder Street house after a woman reported that someone had broken into her house. She told officers that she and her roommate left for work in the morning and came back home to discover that someone had pried the screen off a side window and gained entry. Once inside, the suspect (s) took a laptop computer, a cell phone charger and a bowl with about $20 in coins in it. It appeared the perpetrator left through the same window. A neighbor told officers that a lot of people came and went to the house. She added that she saw a car arrive at the house at around 8 in the morning. It stayed for a few minutes then left. Such behavior, she said, occurred about every two days.

Graffiti

At 2:30 p.m. on Sept. 16, officers responded to the Capitol Hill branch of the Seattle Public Library after learning that someone had sprayed graffiti on one of the library’s signs. That person had spray painted the letters TFS on a sign which has the library’s name and logo on it. Other letters or symbols had been sprayed as well but officers were unable to identify them. Officers photographed the sign and left a business card and a case number with the library. The cost for supplies and labor to repair the damage were estimated to be $50.

More graffiti

On Sept. 15 at 4:10 a.m.  officers responded to Seattle University’s Connelly Center after campus security called 911 to report a graffiti incident. A suspect had used black spray paint to write the letters SNLE along the east side of the building. Security thought the incident occurred between midnight and 2:30 in the morning. Officers photographed the graffiti. But since the university doesn’t have security cameras pointed at the east side of the Connelly Center, there were no suspects.

The following are based on incident reports from the Seattle Police Department’s East Precinct . They are based on the officers’ accounts of the events described. 

At 11 minutes past midnight on September 11, a man called 911 to report that an assault had taken place near the corner of 11th Avenue and East Pike Street. Officers arrived to find a man in his mid-30s being treated by paramedics. The man was noticeably intoxicated. He was missing the top of a front tooth and officers thought a part of his upper lip had been ripped off. At first he was hesitant to tell officers what had happened, but he eventually told them that he was crossing East Pike Street when a car driving westbound failed to stop for him at a crosswalk. The man then pounded his fist on the car, which prompted the car to stop. The vehicle’s passenger got out of the car, walked up to the man and punched him in the face. The man got back in the car and the car sped away. A witness told a similar version, adding that the...

With concerns about safety and rising crime rates becoming a significant issue in the 2009 Seattle mayor race, Seattle Police Department crime data trends indicate that Capitol Hill -- especially in its Pike/Pine core -- is adding its fair share to the city's growing crime problem. Details on the ugly citywide numbers at the end of this post.

Three of the four East Precinct beats that cover most of Capitol Hill are trending above 2008 crime levels through July. The biggest change from 2008 comes in Beat C2 which includes Pike/Pine above Broadway. July crime in that area surged 68% compared to the same period in 2008. That increase represents a whopping 122% jump compared to June. Even with C2's July big one-month climb, the area remains behind 2008's totals for the year. But with many more months like that, 2008's rates are likely to be left in the dust.

The big problem on Beat C2? Theft. 42 incidents in July. 13 reported in June. That's a lot of bikes and shoplifting. Other worrisome trends? July's jump in burglary...

One of the men believed to have been part of a string of thefts including an armed street robbery on Boylston near Seattle Central early last Friday morning has been arrested, CHS news partner the Seattle Times reports, after police circulated surveillance images of the suspects and a woman who accompanied them.

The 24-year-old woman was arrested in Auburn and a 23-year-old man was arrested in Federal Way, both on Tuesday night.

The two are slated to appear in court this afternoon for bail hearings. They were identified by police as Sheena Blackburn and Jarvis Gibbs.

Dan Donohoe, spokesman for King County Prosecutor Dan Satterberg, said that the two suspects will be charged in the coming days.

Police are still looking for two men who are also believed to be connected with the robbery spree in North Seattle, Magnolia the Green Lake area and Capitol Hill since the first of the month.

Tips about the four alleged suspects poured in this week after police released from a convenience-store surveillance photo they...