The Des Moines Police Department is conducting a homicide investigation of a deceased woman found in a triplex apartment in the 24000 block of 25th Ave South early Tuesday morning (Aug. 31).

Police say that the landlord of the complex, who lives in an adjacent unit, called 911 just after midnight, after hearing “thumping” sounds a short time earlier. The landlord also stated the dogs inside the unit were barking excessively, which was unusual.

Arriving patrol officers found the apartment locked, interior lights on, and the front window coverings closed. Officers received no response at the door. Utilizing a chair from the landlord, officers were able to peer into the apartment through a small window at the top of the front door. Officers saw the victim on the floor just inside the entry way and proceeded to enter. The victim was deceased and it was evident she had died from homicidal violence.

The victim is a white female, approximately 29-years old, and she is believed to be the tenant of the apartment. The Washington State Crime Lab, King County AFIS, and the King County Medical Examiner’s Office are assisting Des Moines Police Department detectives with the investigation of the crime scene.

The King County Medical Examiner’s Office has taken jurisdiction of the victim and will release her name once identification has been verified and family members have received notification.

The case is currently under investigation.

Here’s a map of the location:

View Larger Map

One of Washington State Patrol’s “Most Wanted” in King County was captured Thursday, Aug. 26th in Des Moines.

According to police, Kenneth W. Williams Jr., 28, was arrested after detectives received a tip that he was residing in Des Moines. Williams is a suspect in a vehicular assault that occurred on August 13, 2009 when he left his seriously injured passenger on the side of the road after falling off of the rear of Williams’ motorcycle. Williams had been driving erratically and popping wheelies just before his passenger was ejected.

Williams was booked into the King County Jail on a $30,000 warrant.

It almost sounds like a “Saturday Night Live” sketch – cast the legendary, self-aware King of kitschy over-acting William Shatner as Host. Add as Guests convicted child rapist Mary Kay Letourneau and her one-time victim-turned-husband Vili Fualaau, who both live in Des Moines.

Stir.

Oh, and be sure to hit the Record button, ‘cuz this could be interesting, to say the least.

The result? An interview on a new show on the Biography channel called “Aftermath” that borders on surrealism.

To wit – at one point, Letourneau reveals to Shatner that she had no idea that having a “relationship” with an underage boy was illegal, let alone a felony.

There’s another priceless (ok, it’s kinda gross) moment where Letourneau talks about their “first kiss” (at the time she was in her 30s, and he was what? A 12-year old 6th grader?): – listen to her soundbites here:

Letourneau did her time of course, spending seven years in prison for child rape. She and Fualaau married in 2005, and they currently live in Des Moines with their two children.

Oh, and they can sometimes be seen hanging out at the All Star Sports Bar, where Vili often guests as a DJ.

Here’s the episode in its entirety (don’t say we didn’t warn you…):

While sitting at our booth at the Des Moines Farmers Market, we received the following text at 10:40am from our own Theresa Frasch:

“Robbery just happened at B of A des moines”

Since this branch is less than a block from us, we left our booth, rushed up and took a few pics and did some investigation.

Two D.M.P.D. cruisers were on site, as were Tukwila Police and a K-9 unit from the Auburn Police.

Here’s what Reporter Ralph Nichols gleaned from D.M.P.D. Master Sgt. Bob Collins:

• The robbery happened around 10:15am on Saturday morning, Aug. 14
• Robbery suspect is a white male, in his 30s, around 6’2″ with a thin build, dark mustache and goatee
• Suspect is wearing blue jeans, a tan baseball cap, and white t-shirt with a large circular emblem on it
• Suspect handed a note to a Teller demanding cash
• There is no indication that he was armed
• Suspect left on foot westbound, into the marina area
• Auburn K-9 unit “lost scent” of the suspect in the marina area; this means the suspect is still at large
• D.M.P.D. is now working with the F.B.I. on the investigation

Here are some pics shot on scene by Scott Schaefer:

On Tuesday afternoon (Aug. 10th), a man carjacked a vehicle from a student in the east parking of Highline Community College using a sword and toy gun.

According to police, the man, who had just committed an armed robbery nearby, demanded that the student drive him away from the campus. When the student refused, the man opened the car door and lunged at the student with a short sword. The student exited his vehicle unharmed and the man drove the car away.

The Des Moines and Kent police departments responded and reports are that an arrest was made at an off-campus location.

If you have any information about this incident, please contact the Highline College Campus Safety Office in Building 6 or call 206-878-3710 ext. 3218. You may also contact the Des Moines Police Department at (206) 878-3301.

In the meantime, here are some Safety Tips provided by Highline College:

1. Call the Campus Safety Office or call 911 if you see people behaving suspiciously such as loitering in the parking lots or near isolated locations such as secluded walkways, doorways, or other areas where visibility is limited. The Campus Safety Office is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
2. Generally, it is advisable to surrender property to an assailant rather than resist. You should then call 911 to report the incident.
3. We recommend that you consult the personal safety tips that can be found at the Campus Safety website: http://www.highline.edu/admin/safety/personalsafety.htm

Tuesday, Aug. 3rd will be “National Night Out” in Des Moines, an event dedicated to encouraging neighbors, police and others to improve the quality of life in our community.

“National Night Out” is an opportunity for all parts of the Des Moines Community to come together and focus on build strong and healthy communities.

Key messages of “National Night Out” include:

• Cohesive, healthy neighborhoods are key to preventing crime and violence.
• Active block watch groups build community, increase hope and create harmony.
• Positive activities displace negative activity.
• Combating crime is a partnership of citizens and police.

If your neighborhood would be interested in participating in this year’s event, please contact CSO Tonya Seaberry at (206)870-7619 or tseaberry@desmoineswa.gov.

Here’s this week’s Des Moines Police Department’s Police Blotter, with local crime news fed to us directly from our good friends at the DMPD.

This week’s news include word that Des Moines’ finest were out “citing” children for wearing helmets while riding their bikes, and two juveniles arrested while fleeing from a residential burglary.

DES MOINES POLICE BLOTTER NEWS (June 4, 2010)

Des Moines Officers “Citing” Kids for Wearing Helmets While Riding Their Bikes:

Beginning this month Officers of the Des Moines Police Department are teaming up with SAFE KIDS to recognize kids who are playing it safe. Officers are issuing a “Safe Rider Citation” to commend kids for practicing “Safe Rider Habits” by wearing helmets. The “citation” entitles the recipient to one McDonald’s Vanilla Reduced Fat Cone.”

2 Juveniles Arrested While Fleeing From Residential Burglary Attempt:

Alert citizens called “911” on June 15th at 1130 a.m. after witnessing two subjects attempting to break out a neighbor’s sliding glass door. The suspects had fled on foot upon the initial responding officer’s arrival. Additional arriving officers located and detained the two suspects about two blocks away. The witnesses were brought to the scene and positively identified both suspects. The suspects are 16 years of age and live in Des Moines. They were transported to the Des Moines Police station, photographed and fingerprinted. King County Juvenile Detention declined to accept the juveniles. The juveniles were released to their parents. Charging documents for “Attempted Residential Burglary” have been forwarded to the King County Juvenile Prosecutor’s Office. The incident occurred near the 1600 block of S. 244th Place.

The Des Moines Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance in identifying a theft suspect, who was observed between May 17 and 24th and confronted by staff at a nursing care facility in Des Moines.

According to police, the suspect was loitering inside the building on two separate incidents. During one of the incidents he seen wearing nursing scrubs and told a staff member he was looking for a job. The police were not called during either event.

On May 24th, one of the staff nurses discovered her purse was taken and learned shortly afterward that a charge in excess of $800.00 in debit card transactions had taken place against her account. One of those transactions took place at the Redondo Safeway and was captured by surveillance video (see photos below).

Anyone with information as to the identity of the suspect (pictured below) is asked to contact Detective Ross Stuth at rstuth@desmoineswa.gov or 206-870-7615.

Here’s this week’s Des Moines Police Department’s Police Blotter, with local crime news fed to us directly from our good friends at the DMPD.

This week’s news include the arrest of a 56-year old Walgreens robber, photos of the Special Olympics torch being carried through Des Moines, and information on the city’s animal care and control.

DES MOINES POLICE BLOTTER NEWS (June 4, 2010)

Des Moines PD Arrests Walgreens Robber: On 06/02/10 at approximately 1815 hours a 56 year old man entered the Des Moines Walgreens and demanded prescription medications. The man displayed a handgun during the robbery. Responding Des Moines Officers found the suspect attempting to hide among several large trees west of the store. The weapon was determined to be a pellet gun with an orange tip that had been blackened. The suspect later admitted to detectives he was responsible for robbing the same Walgreen’s in April. The man shows a last known address out of Des Moines. He was booked into the King County Detention Center for Robbery 1 and investigators are forwarding filing documents to the King County Prosecutor’s Office for both robberies.

Special Olympics Torch Carried Through Des Moines: Members of the Des Moines Municipal Court and the Des Moines Police Department participated in this years “Special Olympics” torch run. The torch was delivered to Des Moines PD by members of the Port of Seattle Police Department. The torch was carried through the city along Pacific Highway South and handed off to members of the Kent Police Department. The run helps to raise funds and awareness for Special Olympics Washington.

Here are some photos of the event:

Look What’s New in Animal Care and Control for Des Moines Residents:
Beginning July 1st, the city of Des Moines will no longer be contracting with King County Animal Control for any animal sheltering.

Des Moines Police Department has its own Animal Control Officer and has for many years, so those services will remain the same- we will continue to provide service for vicious/dangerous dog problems, dog bite reports, animal cruelty investigations, dog and cat licensing, nuisance animal complaints, lost and found pet reports, enforcement of animal control laws, rescue of sick/injured domestic animals, animal care and control education, and referral to other animal service agencies.

Since the first part of 2010, the city of Des Moines has entered into contracts with local vendors, which include a boarding kennel and four veterinary hospitals, for animal care and shelter services; pets impounded from Des Moines are now being cared for at one of those vendors’ facilities instead of the King County Animal Control shelter.

What to do if you have lost a pet, found a pet, need to place your pet in a new home, or have an animal emergency:

Citizens who find a pet in the city limits of Des Moines should contact the Animal Control Division of the Police Department (206) 870-6549 or (206) 878-3301 regarding care and possible impoundment of the animal.

Citizens who have lost a pet should check all area shelters and police departments, as pets can roam and cross into other jurisdictions.

Citizens thinking of placing their own pet in a new home may call the Animal Control Officer for resources and assistance to help keep their pet; however, if there is no other option, they should contact area rescue groups, area shelters, and Petfinder.com for possible placement assistance.

And as always, if a public safety emergency is occurring such as an in-progress vicious dog attack , citizens should call 911.

Adoptions of friendly, healthy pets will also be offered on occasion through the Animal Control Division of the Police Department; thankfully most nice impounded pets are claimed by their owners, but on occasion there may be a pet available for adoption at one of the local vendors.  Des Moines pet adoptions will also be occasionally offered through area rescue groups, local media, Petsmart stores, and Petfinder.com.

For additional questions regarding the changes in animal sheltering, please contact Master Animal Control Officer Jan Magnuson at JMagnuson@desmoineswa.gov or (206) 870-6549.

Here’s this week’s Des Moines Police Department’s Police Blotter, with local crime news fed to us directly from our good friends at the DMPD.

This week’s crimes include “Robbery 1″ arrests, stolen bike recovered, and free anti-theft “Club” devices being given out to eligible Honda owners:

DES MOINES POLICE BLOTTER NEWS (May 21, 2010)

4 Suspects Charged with Robbery 1 and Bike Recovered: Arrests Made and Bike Recovered – The investigation of the robbery of the and assault of an 18 year old resident has led to “Robbery 1” charges being filed against each of the 4 suspects involved.  Detectives also recovered the victim’s bike that had been taken during the robbery.  Two of the suspects are 18 years old, one suspect is 16 and one is 15.   3 of the suspects are in custody and an arrest warrant has been issued for the suspect who is still at large.   The juvenile suspects in this case may possibly be charged as adults.

The Des Moines Police Department is Giving Away Vehicle “Anti Theft” Device to Eligible Honda Owners: In 2007, the Washington State Legislator created the Washington Auto Theft Prevention Authority (WATPA) aiming to reduce vehicle thefts across the state.  The Des Moines Police Department, in partnership with the “Preventing Auto Theft Through Regional Operational Links” (PATROL) Task Force, has continued to see South King County and North Pierce County being plagued with the theft of older Honda Accords and Civics.

The Des Moines Police Department, as part of a WATPA state grant program, will offer “The Club” steering wheel locking devices for FREE to 1991-1998 Honda Accord and Honda Civic owners.  Utilization of “The Club” is a crime deterrent.  Though its use does not guarantee or ensure your vehicle will not be stolen, it creates an additional level of theft prevention.

Quantities are limited!  To obtain “The Club” you must come to the Des Moines Police Station Monday-Friday between the hours of 9am – 1pm with your current Department of Licensing vehicle registration.

For more information please contact CSO Tonya Seaberry at (206) 870-7619.

The Des Moines Police Department has partnered with the Preventing Auto Theft Through Regional Operational Links (PATROL) Task Force to distribute free steering wheel lock devices (aka “The Club”) to the owners of Honda Accords and Civics manufactured between 1991 to 1998. These are some of the most commonly targeted vehicles by auto thieves.

Ten area police departments are participating in this program.

To get yours, contact Tonya Seaberry at 206-870-7619.

Here’s more info from a press release:

Due to the increase in thefts of Honda vehicles, several local police agencies are making The Club available to owners of 1991-1998 Honda Accords and Civics free of charge as part of the statewide authority to reduce vehicle crimes.

In 2007, the legislator created the Washington Auto Theft Prevention Authority (WATPA) in the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (WASPC). The Authority consists of 10 Governor appointees serving staggered terms. Representatives of law enforcement, prosecution, the auto industry, the insurance industry, the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs and the private sector are included as members of the Authority. WATPA aims to reduce vehicle theft across the state and funds several regional task forces.

The Preventing Auto Theft Through Regional Operational Links (PATROL) Task Force is made up of all South King County police departments and Bonney Lake and Sumner Police Departments. Several cities which contract for police services with the King County Sheriffs Office also participate in PATROL.

Own a '91-'98 Honda? You could get a "Club" for free.

As part of the PATROL task force’s auto theft prevention strategies, local police departments have a quantity of the steering wheel locking devices (The Club) available for free. To obtain the free Clubs, Honda owners must prove Honda ownership by showing a current Department of Licensing registration at one of the participating police departments. This offer is available only while supplies last.

“Vehicle thefts continue to be a crime plaguing the South King and North Pierce County areas. Remember, vehicle crimes are most of the time preventable. We know that auto thieves target certain vehicles and we hope through this initiative, the public will become better aware of their ability to prevent auto theft from occurring. Using devices such as The Club is absolutely recommended and a huge deterrent to auto thieves,” said Kent Police Lieutenant John Pagel, who also commands the PATROL Task Force.The Clubs are available for pick up at several police departments.

Other participating police departments and contacts are:

• Covington PD: Chief Kevin Klason, 253-638-1110
• Federal Way PD: Kelly Crouch, 253-835-6710
• Kent PD: Sara Wood, 253-856-5851
• Maple Valley PD: Robin Larsen, 425-413-5158
• Newcastle PD: Aleta Phillips, 425-649-4444
• Renton PD: Cyndie Parks, 425-430-7521
• Sumner PD: Det. Troy Nikolao, 253-299-5655
• SeaTac PD: Officer Doug Reynolds, 206-973-4904
• Tukwila PD: Chris Partman, 206-431-2197

We just received word from Highline Public Schools that they are investigating allegations that Jayson Boehm, formerly employed as a substitute stadium manager, provided health care to student athletes without appropriate medical supervision, as well as possibly fondling some male athletes.

Upon learning of the allegations, the district fired Boehm and barred him from school property.

According to the district, the allegations against Boehm came to light through two sources:

1. A school nurse alerted her supervisor when she noticed that Boehm had written a medical excuse for a student.
2. At the same time, a King County Sheriff’s detective alerted the district of their investigation into allegations that Boehm inappropriately examined an athlete in a Police Athletic League boxing competition in White Center (note: according to The Seattle Weekly, four Seattle Seahawks attended this match). The athlete is an adult and not a student.

The district says that the King County Sheriff’s Office and the Department of Health have been investigating Boehm’s conduct. The district is cooperating with these agencies and has launched its own investigation, taking the following actions:

• Identifying an outside investigator to continue the investigation.
• Contracted with WIAA to conduct a full audit of the management of high school and middle school athletic programs and pledged to fully comply with the recommendations of WIAA.
• Placed the district athletic director and a high school athletic director on administrative leave until the conclusion of the investigation.
• Informing parents of all students who received physicals from Boehm. Parents of students participating in spring sports were immediately informed by personal phone call.
• Arranged for all affected athletes to receive physicals from the Highline Youth Health Center at district expense.

“Student safety is our highest priority,” said Superintendent John Welch. “We are committed to making any changes necessary to ensure the protection and well-being of all students participating in our programs.”

As a substitute stadium manager, Boehm was to provide logistical support for activities at Highline’s Memorial Field in Burien. He had also been contracted to provide first aid at athletic events and to give first aid training to coaches and PE teachers, which he was qualified to do as a licensed Emergency Medical Technician.

Boehm had also served as a volunteer for Evergreen High School athletic teams in White Center.

The Des Moines Police Department is asking the public’s assistance with help in identifying two car prowl suspects.

The incident occurred in the early morning hours of April 26th in an apartment complex parking garage located in the 2400 block of S. Kent-Des Moines Rd.

The two suspects forced entry into two vehicles stealing various electronic components.

Suspect 1:

Suspect 2:

Suspect Vehicle: Dark colored Ford Crown Victoria (possibly mid to late nineties model)

Anyone with information regarding the identity of these subjects is asked to call Detective Paul Young at 206-878-3301.

Here’s this week’s Des Moines Police Department’s Police Blotter, with local crime news fed to us directly from our good friends at the DMPD.

This week’s crimes include the arrest of two burglary suspects immediately after they robbed a home, and how a stolen semi-automatic pistol was found on an unconscious man near the Redondo pier:

DES MOINES POLICE BLOTTER NEWS (May 7, 2010)

Two Arrested Immediately After Committing Residential Burglary: On May 7th at about 10:15 a.m. a 17-year old female resident was alone in the upstairs of the home when two burglary suspects entered. The suspects fled when they discovered the home was occupied. The homeowner called 911 and reported the burglary, stating the suspects left in a dark blue Honda. Federal Way PD assisted Des Moines PD in the arrest of the two suspects after locating the vehicle on Pacific Highway South. Both suspects are in their early twenties. One of the suspects has a history of weapon, drug, and burglary violations. Both suspects were booked into the Regional Justice Center on “residential burglary” violations.

Aid Assist Results in Arrest of Man in Possession of Stolen Firearm: On May 2nd at about 10:30 p.m. Des Moines Officers responded to Redondo after a citizen reported a man laying unconscious near the pier. The man was found in possession of a semi automatic pistol that had been reported stolen out of King County. The 20-year old man was determined to be a convicted felon with an outstanding drug warrant. The man was transferred to a local area hospital for treatment and then booked into jail for the warrant, “Possession of a Stolen Firearm,” and “Felon in Possession of a Firearm.”

On Wednesday (May 5th), the Des Moines Police Department sent us a Sex Offender Information Bulletin about Manuel Alaniz Jr., a Level 3 registered sex offender who will be living within the city limits.

Here’s the text of the full bulletin, followed by the actual graphic:

Date: 04/23/10

Prepared by: MSgt. Barry Sellers

Bulletin Number: 10-001

The Des Moines Police Department is releasing the following information pursuant to RCW 4.24.550 and the Washington State Supreme Court decision in State v. Ward, which authorizes law enforcement agencies to inform the public of a sex offenders release when; in the discretion of the agency, the release of information will enhance public safety and protection.

The individual who appears on this notification has been convicted of a sex offense that requires registration with the sheriff’s office in the county which they reside. Further, their previous criminal history places them in a classification level which reflects the potential to re-offend.

The sex offender has served the sentence imposed on him/her by the courts and has advised King County Sheriff’s Office that he will be living within the city limits of Des Moines. He/she is not wanted by the police. This notification is not intended to create fear but simply to inform the public of the individuals release.

The Des Moines Police Department has no legal authority to direct where a sex offender may or may not live. Unless court ordered restrictions exist, this offender is constitutionally free to live wherever he/she chooses.

Sex offenders have always lived in our communities; but it wasn’t until passage of the Community Protection Act of 1990 that mandates sex offender registration, that law enforcement even knew where they were living. In many cases, law enforcement is now able to share that information with you. Citizen abuse of this information to threaten, intimidate or harass registered sex offenders will not be tolerated. Further, such abuse could potentially end law enforcement’s ability to do community notifications. We believe the only person who wins if community notification ends is the sex offender, since sex offenders derive their power through secrecy.

Manuel Alaniz Jr.
14XX Kent Des Moines Rd
Age: 26
Hispanic Male
5’2”, 175 lbs
Black hair & Blue eyes

Alaniz was found guilty in 2004 of Rape of a Child in the third degree. It was determined that at the age of 19, Alaniz had a 13 year old girlfriend with whom he was sexually active. Alaniz was sentenced to 31⁄2 years in prison for this offense, of which he served approximately 2 years before being released on community supervision.

In 1999, at the age of 14, Alaniz sexually assaulted a 4 year old female. He had known the female for one day prior to the assault. Alaniz served approximately 8 months in juvenile prison for this offense.

Alaniz also disclosed he sexually assaulted another 4 year old female while at a church in 1999. Alaniz was never charged or convicted on this offense as the victim is unknown.

Alaniz did receive some sex offender treatment and therapy while serving time in prison as a juvenile. He refused to attend any type of sex offender treatment while serving his sentence in 2004.

Alaniz has a criminal history for failing to register as a sex offender. Alaniz is not currently under DOC supervision. Alaniz is considered a high risk to re-offend.

Here’s this week’s Des Moines Police Department’s Police Blotter, with local crime news fed to us directly from our good friends at the DMPD.

This week, the DMPD is seeking the public’s help in locating a stolen bike, as well as reports of a fleeing driver, pipe bomb that closed a road and more vehicle prowling:

DES MOINES POLICE BLOTTER NEWS (April 30th, 2010):

Police Request Assistance in Locating Bike Taken in Robbery: An 18-year old man was assaulted and robbed on Saturday, April 24th, at about 9:15 PM. The man was riding his bike near S. 243rd and 16th Ave. South when a car pulled up behind him. The man remembers being knocked off his bike and being assaulted by several subjects. The man received serious facial injuries requiring medical attention. One of the items taken was a green and white “Redline” bike. Anyone with information regarding this robbery or the location of the bike is asked to call the Des Moines Police Department at 206-878-3301 and reference case number 10-0902. Here are photos of the stolen bike:

Driver Cited for Failure to Comply After Running from Officer During Traffic Stop: A 27-year old driver fled on foot after being stopped by a Des Moines Officer. The officer was working radar enforcement in Redondo and initiated a stop on a speeding car. The driver pulled the car into a private driveway, immediately exited the vehicle, and fled on foot. The officer was later able to identify the driver by conducting police record searches. Violations for “Fail to Comply” and “Driving While Suspended” have been forwarded to the prosecutor’s office for filing.

Road Temporarily Closed Because of Explosive Device: On Monday morning at 9:15 AM a Des Moines Officer was working radar enforcement when a pedestrian walked up and gave a description of a pipe bomb he saw just off the roadway. The explosive device was located about ten feet downhill from the shoulder of the roadway, in about the S. 23600 block of 16th Ave. South. The roadway was closed and Port of Seattle Bomb Technicians responded to the scene. The roadway was reopened at about 11:15 AM after the device had been disposed. Please see attached photograph.

20-Year Old Man Arrested for Vehicle Prowling on North Hill: On April 27th at about 1:15 AM a Des Moines Officer responded to the 20200 block of 8th Ave. South to a report of a suspicious vehicle. Upon arriving in the area the officer was contacted by a citizen who reported her car had just been entered by two suspects and she saw one of the suspects drive away in a white Dodge Durango. The Officer arrested the driver after the vehicle had returned to the area. Numerous stolen items were recovered from the vehicle and the case is still under investigation.

Here’s this week’s Des Moines Police Department’s Police Blotter, with local crime news fed to us directly from our good friends at the DMPD.

This week, the DMPD has crime reports about the arrest of Redondo’s “Drive-Thru Robber” as well as a strong-arm robbery:

DES MOINES POLICE BLOTTER NEWS (April 23, 2010):

Restaurant Drive-Thru Robbery Suspect Arrested and Charged: A 22 year old man has been charged with one count “Robbery 1” and one count “Attempted Robbery 1” stemming from the robberies he committed upon customers in a Redondo area restaurant drive-thru on March 16th. This incident was reported in the Waterland Blog the week of March 19th. Des Moines Police Department Detectives positively identified the robber after receiving a tip. The man is in the King County Jail and his bail has been set at $100,000.

Strong Arm Robbery at Bus Stop on S. 216th: On April 20th at about 9:45 p.m. two teenaged males were robbed by three older males at the bus stop in the 2600 block of S. 216th. The suspects were described as one African American and two Pacific Islanders, all in their late teens to early twenties. Items taken included a wallet, necklace, MP3 player and a Gameboy.

Here’s this week’s Des Moines Police Department’s Police Blotter, with local crime news fed to us directly from our good friends at the DMPD.

This week, the DMPD has crime reports about a man who robbed a Walgreens Drug Store, more residential burglaries, along with a strong-arm group robbery.

04-10-10 Saturday 0140 AM:
Des Moines Police were called to investigate an armed robbery at Walgreens Drugs located in the 23000 block of Pacific Highway South. The suspect displayed a hand gun and demanded drugs. The suspect was described a Hispanic male in his late 40’s, medium build about 5-08. He was wearing a white tee-shirt with a green vest, black fleece shorts and a black baseball hat. The suspect has been seen in the store on previous occasions. Witnesses said the suspect acted intoxicated and was seen leaving in a small blue sedan, possibly a Chevrolet Corsica (see our Photos of the suspect here).

04-12/15-10 Monday-Thursday:
Des Moines Police are investigating three residential burglaries that occurred this week. Two of the burglaries occurred in the North Hill area of Des Moines near South 207th and 7th Avenue South. One of those occurred on Monday 04-12-10 and the second on Wednesday 04-14-10. A third burglary occurred on Thursday April 15th in the 1200 block of Kent Des Moines Road. In this burglary a neighbor came home around 1:00 PM and witnessed a mixed race male, possibly Hispanic, in his 20’s about 5’-10’’ with long black hair coming around the back of his neighbor’s home. The neighbor confronted the suspect who said he was merely looking for a friend. The suspect fled in a dark blue 2000 Honda Accord 2 door with a partial license plate ending in the letters “ZRV”. Police are asking the public to call if they see a car matching that description.

04-12-10 Monday 9:40 PM:
A victim called to report he was the victim of a strong arm robbery as he was walking back to his residence in the 21660 block of 30th Ave South. The victim reported he was surrounded by six black males all in their 20’s who knocked him to the ground and assaulted him. They took a backpack the victim was wearing and demanded a cell phone he had in his pocket. The suspects ran off and the victim called the police after he returned to his residence. The victim had abrasions on his face from being hit and injuries to his hand from being dragged on the sidewalk as they pulled his backpack off.

The Des Moines Police Department is asking for the public’s help in identifying a man whose picture was taken as he entered the Walgreens Store in the 23000 block of Pacific Highway South on Saturday, March 10th.

The suspect produced a handgun and demanded entry into the employee area of the pharmacy. He demanded specific prescription medications, placed them into a shopping bag and left the store in a dark colored mid-size Chevrolet sedan. The vehicle is believed to be a model year of 2000 or later. The vehicle was last seen southbound on Pacific Highway South.

The suspect is described as a Hispanic male, 40 years of age, five foot seven with a medium build, short black hair and no facial hair. It is also possible he has been in the store before.

Here are two surveillance camera photos of him:

If you have any information regarding the identity of this individual, please contact the Des Moines Police Department at 206-878-3301.

Here’s this week’s Des Moines Police Department’s Police Blotter, with local crime news fed to us directly from our good friends at the DMPD.

This week, the DMPD has crime reports about how a man shoplifting at Safeway decided to rob the store, all while his 3-year old son was with him, more info on preventing burglaries as well as the name of the robbery suspect whose photo we displayed two weeks ago.

Here’s the Blotter for the week ending April 9, 2010:

040110 Thursday 1154 AM – Man Robs Store With 3-Year Old In Tow:
A shoplifting incident at the Safeway Store located at 21401 Pacific Highway turned into felony robbery when the suspect assaulted two store security officers as they tried to detain him after he left the store without paying for various items he had conceal under his clothing. A witness called police when they saw the suspect fighting with the store security officers. Both security officers were punched several times by the suspect but were not severely injured. Des Moines Police arrived as the suspect was still fighting with the security officers and he was taken into custody. 31-year old Lamont Jerome Lockett was booked into the Kent Regional Justice Center and has been charged by the King County Prosecutor’s Office with robbery second degree. Lockett is a self admitted BGD gang member and had his 3-year old son with him during the robbery.

040810 Thursday 0730 AM- 6:00 PM – Another Burglary Warning:
Des Moines Police are investigating a residential burglary at 21300 block 24th Ave. S. Sometime during the day the residence was entered via an unlocked back door and a laptop computer was taken while the home owners were away from the residence. Police are warning residents most homes are broken into during the day and residents should insure all points of entry into their homes are securely locked before leaving their homes. A common technique used by burglars is to knock at the front door to see if someone answers. If it appears no one is home, the burglars will often then go around to the back or side of the home and attempt to break in. Neighbors are urged to call the police via 911 if they see this type of activity. Most burglaries unfold very quickly and the suspects are in and out within 5-10 minutes.

UPDATE: Burglary Suspect Identified, But Now Missing:
Des Moines Police want to thank the public for their assistance in identifying a burglary suspect whose imagine was captured on a home video surveillance camera. Police received several calls from citizens identifying the suspect. 32-year old Jack E. Grier has been charged with residential burglary in connection with this case. Grier is also wanted on several outstanding arrest warrants including a felony escape warrant for a prior charge of possession of controlled substances. His current whereabouts are not known. He was last known to drive a late model dark blue Toyota Land Crusier. If anyone knows where Grier might be staying or if he is seen, police are asking the public to call 911.

As reference, here’s the surveillance camera image we first posted here on The Waterland Blog on March 30th:

Here’s this week’s Des Moines Police Department’s Police Blotter, with local crime news fed to us directly from our good friends at the DMPD.

This week, the DMPD has advice on how you can help prevent burglaries, along with new of the arrest of a 16-year old male iPod robber, along with a recovered stolen vehicle and its armed car prowling driver (and passenger) arrested.

Here’s the Blotter for the week ending April 2, 2010:

DES MOINES POLICE BLOTTER NEWS (April 2, 2010):

Des Moines Police Department Encourages Citizen Awareness and Involvement:
During the past 6 months law enforcement agencies have seen an increase in residential burglaries. Residents are encouraged to call 911 if they see any suspicious activity. Pay attention if something “just doesn’t seem right.” The police would rather respond to calls that turn out to be nothing, rather than a “cold” crime – where it’s all done and the criminal got away. For example, a person going door to door might mean a possible “casing” (looking for a house to burglarize) or a trespass or soliciting violation. For additional crime prevention information citizens are encouraged to call 206-870-7600 to speak with a Des Moines Police Department Community Service Officer. Information on reported criminal activity in your community can be accessed by going to the City of Des Moines web site (desmoineswa.gov) and follow the “Police On Line Crime Reports” link.

Robbery Charges Forwarded to the King County Juvenile Prosecutor’s Office
This week Des Moines Detectives arrested a 16 year old male for committing two separate robberies. Both incidents occurred around 8:00 a.m. on March 12th between Pacific Middle School and Mount Rainier High School.

The unarmed suspect had forcefully taken an iPod from a 13-year old and a cell phone and jacket from a 14 year old. Both victims were male.

Redondo Traffic Stop for No License Plate Leads to Arrest of Armed Vehicle Prowl Suspect and Recovery of Stolen Vehicle
On Wednesday, March 23rd, at about 2:45 a.m. a Des Moines Patrol Supervisor stopped a car for no license plates. The car was determined to be stolen. A handgun was found in the car.

The 25-year old male driver was arrested. The man admitted to having just prowled several cars in Redondo. The man was booked into the King County Jail for charges related to vehicle theft, unlawful vehicle prowling, and a felon in possession of a handgun.

A 40-year old female passenger denied knowledge of the gun or the car being stolen. She was arrested and is facing charges for vehicle prowling.

The car had been reported stolen out of Sea-Tac the previous evening.

UPDATE 3/31/10: According to Bob Collins, Professional Standards Sergeant of the Des Moines Police Department, the burglary suspect in the security cam photos we posted Tuesday has been identified. We’ll be updating with full details as soon as we receive them.

PREVIOUSLY:

The Des Moines Police Department is requesting the public’s help in identifying one of two burglary suspects, seen below in security camera photos.

The burglary occurred on Sunday, March 28th, at about 5:45pm at a home located in the lower Woodmont neighborhood of Des Moines.

The homeowner had just pulled into his driveway when he saw one suspect walking out the front door carrying multiple items.

The suspect escaped in a dark blue Toyota Land Cruiser being driven by a second suspect.

Both suspects are white males.

The Toyota Landcruiser is believed to be a 1995 model.

Here are photos taken from the home’s security camera 20 minutes apart – note that this pic is of just one of the two suspects, who apparently changed his shirt and came back:

If you recognize this suspect, or believe you have information related to this case, please call the Des Moines Police Department immediately at 206-878-3301 and reference case number 10-0681.

UPDATE 3/27/10: The link to our new “Crime” page has been fixed – try it here – sorry for any confusion/problems!

The Des Moines Police Department has teamed up with CrimeReports.com, along with The Waterland Blog for a new online crime alerting and mapping service that provides easy-to-read incident crime maps and automated alerts to the citizens of Des Moines.

The service is located right here on The Waterland Blog’s new “Crime Page” (which also includes all Des Moines Police Blotter stories), and is also accessible at www.crimereports.com or as a link from the city’s website at www.desmoineswa.gov/police.

This new technology provides ongoing, continuous neighborhood crime information data, and will be a new and welcome resource for Neighborhood Watch Programs. Des Moines is now one of several cities in Washington State that use this service; others include Renton, Olympia, Sumner, and Lacey.

The CrimeReports service is free to the public and allows citizens to receive automatic daily, weekly or monthly email alerts if and when crimes occur near their home, office, local school, etc. Citizens can also view reported crime activity on a user-friendly map for any location within City of Des Moines boundaries. Crime incident data is updated nightly and includes:

• Incident type
• Date
• Location
• Distance from citizen’s address
• Identification/case numbers

Citizens can check daily for crime activity in their neighborhoods, as well as over a 3, 7, 14 or 30-day period; you can also check by months as well as compare months using the “Calendar” function.

“CrimeReports.com will empower citizens to work more closely with the Police Department to reduce neighborhood crime and will prove particularly valuable to those in the community who want to stay informed about what is going on their neighborhoods.” said Chief Roger A. Baker.

The CrimeReports is an ideal implementation of the Global JusticeXML Data Model (GJXDM), the authorized data-sharing protocol developed and supported by the United States Department of Justice (USDOJ). Using GJXDM as the underlying technology gives the application much more versatility and flexibility to benefit local law enforcement and communities. This technology allows the community to become an enhanced resource for crime reduction.

CrimeReports.com provides the Des Moines Police Department with an affordable and easy-to-use web-based service that allows sharing of up-to-date neighborhood crime data with the public. The use of this technology will help citizens be aware of any reported criminal activity in their neighborhoods so they can report any related suspicious activity that they may have observed to the Police Department and make informed decisions to help improve their safety.

For further information contact Master Sergeant Bob Collins at 206-870-7638 or please visit www.desmoineswa.gov/police.

Another interesting aspect of this calendar’s functionality is the ability to “show sex offenders” which culls from a state database (not the Des Moines P.D.’s) to display – here’s a screenshot showing one of the area’s most notorious offenders:

So check it out here and let us know your thoughts by Commenting below…

Our very Des Moines Police Department’s Police Blotter continues, with more local crime news fed to us directly from our good friends at the DMPD.

This week’s crimes include the arrest of a drive-by shooter, a woman being robbed in her car at a Taco Bell drive-thru, and two separate pharmacy forgeries at the same Walgreens.

Here’s the Blotter for the week ending Mar. 19, 2010:

DES MOINES POLICE BLOTTER NEWS (March 19, 2010)

Man Firing Weapon Being Investigated for “Drive by Shooting”:
A 27 year old man was arrested Saturday night, March 10th, at about 1:15 AM after discharging a firearm.

Des Moines Officers in the area of 7th Ave. South and S. 223rd heard the sound of a gunshot. One officer then saw a vehicle being driven recklessly from the parking lot of a local bar onto S. 223rd heading towards Marine View Drive South. Des Moines Officers stopped the vehicle and arrested the driver.

A gun was recovered from the vehicle.

An eyewitness identified the driver and stated the man had the weapon pointed up into the air at the time it was fired. The man was booked into jail on an outstanding warrant. Des Moines detectives are preparing felony filing documents for the King County Prosecutor’s Office.

This shooting does not appear to be related to the shooting incident from earlier in the week that happened in the same area.

Customer Robbed at Gunpoint in Restaurant Drive-Thru:
The Des Moines Police Department is asking for help in identifying a man who committed an armed robbery on March 16th at the Taco Bell located near S. 272nd and Pacific Highway South.

The incident occurred at 10:55 PM.

The man, wearing a mask and armed with a handgun, robbed a 26-year old female of cash while she was a passenger in a car in the drive-thru. The suspect went to the next car in line and tapped on the driver’s window with the gun demanding money.

The 59-year old female driver avoided the robbery by backing her vehicle out of the drive-thru.

The suspect fled northbound through a vacant lot.

A K9 from Federal Way PD conducted a track without success.

Prescription Forgery Arrests:
Des Moines Officers made two separate arrests on subjects attempting to obtain Oxycontin at the Walgreen’s on Pacific Hwy South.

A 26 year old man was arrested on March 15th at 5:30 PM and a 31 year old man was arrested on March 16th around 7:00 PM.

In both incidents pharmacy employees determined the prescriptions to be forgeries and called Des Moines PD.

Both subjects were booked into jail on forgery charges.