This morning, the Seattle Times got to report that the SPD and the FBI raided a bunch of strip clubs. They’ve got video and quotes from officials and everything. Here at Capitol Hill Seattle, we’ve got my first hand account (and lousy camera phone pictures) of the raid of the Taco Bell.
We were walking home from an awesome dinner at Queen Sheba, and happen to see 3 police (in some sort of swat gear) pull a battering ram, a crowbar and and a big old sledgehammer from their car at the old QFC. They weren’t in a hurry, and they weren’t being sneaky, so I asked them if they were practicing. They said “yes” (actual quote), then proceeded to bash in the big metal back door of the old Taco Bell.
Many, many years ago I got to witness the crack house next door but one to me being raided by SPD. It was a joy to behold, a ballet of precision Police work.
A yellow truck wafted down the street, doors opened and 4 SPD officers in armor materialized trotting across the front yard, with a battering ram between them. They trotted up the stairs, yelled “Police” and then seemingly went through the front door without missing a step.
Seconds later, several young kids were removed from the house, and kept out the way while the adult residents were detained, face down, on the front lawn. Nobody hurt, order restored.
this was totally a practice run. it took several minutes and lots of bashing and pulling. granted, it is a big steel door that opens outward, and there was a bit of chatting and changing of tools.
the fire department was also practicing there over the weekend
http://hillku.blogspot.com/2008/05/new-mission-at-old-qfc.html