King County’s Department of Natural Resources and Parks announced Friday (Aug. 13th) that, due to serious vandalism that caused unsafe conditions, they’ve closed the recently-opened SW 98th Street corridor, which runs between the Greenbridge community and the Central Business District.
The county says that vandals have ripped out the stainless steel railing and knocked out lights along the corridor, which was just opened in mid-July. The corridor’s steep stairway is unsafe for use at night without the lights and handrails, however the ADA-accessible ramp that runs through the corridor remains open. The area was also vandalized with graffiti.
Here’s the county’s full announcement:
A recently completed pedestrian corridor connecting new homes and a growing commercial area in the White Center neighborhood has been so badly vandalized that King County must close it for safety reasons.
Vandals ripped out the stainless steel railing and knocked out lights along the 98th Street Corridor, which was just opened in mid July. The corridor’s steep stairway is unsafe for use at night without the lights and handrails, however the ADA-accessible ramp that runs through the corridor remains open. The area was also vandalized with graffiti.
The 98th Street Corridor sits between the new Greenbridge community and the Central Business District along Southwest 98th Street. The corridor was developed as a result of the Land Use, Transportation, Air Quality and Health Study, which found that people who live in walkable communities are healthier.
King County collaborated with the White Center Community Development Association on the project. More information is available at http://www.kingcounty.gov/exec/whitecenter.aspx.
The Seattle Police Department reported early Wednesday morning (Aug. 11) that they’ve arrested a 50-year old male suspect in the recent “smash-and-grab” crime sprees that hit small businesses in an area from Burien north into West Seattle.
The suspect is alleged to have been responsible for at least 40 similar burglaries since July 1st (we’ve been following these cases closely – read our previous coverage here).
Here’s the report from SPD:
On August 11th, at approximately 2:30 AM, Seattle Police and King County Sheriff detectives working in conjunction on a series of commercial “smash and grab” burglaries, arrested a 50-year old male for a burglary in the Burien area.
This suspect is believed to be responsible for at least 40 similar type burglaries in the West Seattle and Burien area since July 1st.
Detectives from the two agencies will continue to follow up on these burglaries as they put together their cases for prosecution.
The suspect was booked into the King County Jail for Investigation of Burglary.
White Center’s Evergreen High School is at the center of attention again, and this time seems even worse – a Level 3 sex offender named Lashawn Jamar Ferguson, a convicted rapist, has been fired after serving as a volunteer for the football team.
This is the second sexually-related incident to taint the school’s athletics program. As we reported May 18th, another volunteer, Jayson Boehm, was alleged to have provided health care to student athletes without appropriate medical supervision, as well as possibly fondling some male athletes. He was fired and barred from school grounds. Ferguson was escorted off campus, according to the Highline School District.
Ferguson, convicted of rape in 1998, is now being held without bail in the King County Jail for failure to register as a sex offender.
Evergreen High School is located at 830 SW 116th Street.
Our friends at KING-TV produced this video report on this story:
We just received word from Highline Public Schools that they are investigating allegations that Jayson Boehm, a one-time volunteer for Evergreen High School athletic teams, 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:
- A school nurse alerted her supervisor when she noticed that Boehm had written a medical excuse for a student.
- 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 (read our coverage of that event here). 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 substitute stadium manager at Highline Stadium in Burien.
The King County Sheriff’s Department says that a shooting early Saturday morning (May 15) about 2:30am left a man dead in a White Center street.
The male victim was found in the eastbound lanes of the 1500 block of SW Roxbury Street. He was dead when police arrived after receiving a 9-1-1 call about a shooting. He was shot at least once, and in his early 20s.
According to a witness who was driving by and heard several gunshots, the man stumbled out of an alley and collapsed in the street. There were numerous people in the alley, but most were gone when Sheriff’s deputies arrived, just minutes later.
No one has come forward who actually witnessed the shooting.
If anyone has information about this incident, they are asked to call the King County Sheriff’s Office at (206) 296-3311 (24 hours) or 9-1-1.
At Monday night’s (May 3) meeting, the Burien City Council honored mentally-challenged Jeff Kearney, the victim of a hit-and-run in White Center, with a reading of a proclamation in his honor.
Accompanied by Discover Burien Event Coordinator Debra George and Mike Lindorff, his legal guardian and uncle, Kearney stood in front of the council with the aide of a walker.
After Mayor Joan McGilton read the proclamation aloud, Kearney not only received a standing ovation, he also got a huge hug from councilmember Kathy Keene.
Here’s the proclamation:
PROCLAMATION OF THE CITY OF BURIEN, WASHINGTON
A PROCLAMATION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BURIEN, WASHINGTON, HONORING Jeff Kearney
WHEREAS, Jeff worked endlessly for Discover Burien keeping our city free of debris and trash. He rounded up stray shopping carts and helped out at many community events including Clean Sweep, Father’s Day Car Show, 4th of July Parade, Boo in Burien, Oktoberfest, and Winterfest.
WHEREAS, Jeff Kearney volunteered his time for the City of Burien and Discover Burien Farmers Market setting up tables, helping vendors set up their booths and helping Debra George with additional tasks.
WHEREAS, Jeff Kearney would say “Can I have just one hug”……everyone who knows Jeff knows that all he wants at the end of the day is a hug from his friends.
WHEREAS, Jeff Kearney never forgot the name of anyone he met, nor the names of their husband, brother, sister, mother, children, pets or friends.
WHEREAS, Jeff Kearney is an ambassador of Burien and White Center.
WHEREAS, Jeff Kearney survived despite all odds. The victim of a hit and run accident on November 17th, 2009, Jeff continues to fight to gain back the ability to walk, talk and live his life again. For this Jeff, we wish you all the best in your continued recuperation.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BURIEN, WASHINGTON, DOES HEREBY ASK ALL BURIEN CITIZENS TO JOIN TOGETHER TO HONOR Jeff Kearney
For his friendly face, endless amount of energy, can-do attitude and commitment to the City of Burien community; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Burien City Council urges all citizens and Business owners to join us in our expression of appreciation for his dedication and invaluable service to Burien’s Community.
Dated this 3rd day of May, 2010.
Mayor Joan McGilton
Deputy Mayor Rose Clark
Councilmember Brian Bennett
Councilmember Jack Block, Jr.
Councilmember Lucy Krakowiak
Councilmember Kathy Keene
Councilmember Gordon Shaw
City of Burien
Joan McGilton
Mayor
Here are photos from Monday night’s ceremony as taken by Scott Schaefer
With the aid of his "boss" Debra George and a walker, Jeff stood up in front of the council.
Jeff listens to Mayor McGilton read the proclamation as his Uncle Mike Lindorff, Debra George and Lucky Krakowiak look on.
After receiving a standing ovation from the crowd, Jeff also received a huge hug from councilmember Kathy Keene.
Jeff was all smiles after being honored by the city for which he has worked so hard.
Jeff was the victim of a hit-and-run in a White Center crosswalk at 16th SW and SW 106th in November. He went in to a temporary coma, suffering from brain trauma, multiple broken bones and other injuries. His recovery slowly continues over the months as he fights to re-learn to walk and perform basic daily functions.
Kearney, a White Center resident, has worked for years as part of Burien Team Clean Sweep, which is part of the nonprofit Discover Burien Association. A familiar face around Burien and White Center, he has volunteered untold hours at community events, ranging from the Father’s Day Car Show to Winterfest to the Burien Farmers Market.
Sadly, the hit-and-run driver is still at large. Discover Burien is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the responsible person. Anyone having information should contact the King County Sheriff’s Office at 206-296-3311 or 911.
The suspect vehicle had damage to the left front fender, and lost its driver’s side exterior rear-view mirror at the scene. It is probably maroon in color, a Chevrolet or GMC product, and is likely one of the following models:
- GM or Chevrolet full size pick-up: 1988-1989
- Blazer or Jimmy: 1992-1994
- Suburban: 1992-1999
- GMC Yukon: 1992-1999
- Chevrolet Tahoe: 1995-1999
If you recognize the suspect vehicle or have any leads, please call the King County Sheriff’s Office at (206) 296-3311 (24 hours) or 911.
Read our previous coverage on Jeff’s story here.
UPDATE 3/31/10: According to KING5 News (see video below), King County Sheriff’s Officers tracked down and arrested three suspects from Tuesday’s wild burglary chase in White Center.
Police got a tip that led them to a motel where they found the suspects, a possible getaway vehicle as well as stolen merchandise.
As we reported from the scene Tuesday near the intersection of 18th SW and SW 107th, police had barricaded streets, brought in a K-9 unit and chopper, and were scouring the neighborhood in body armor while carrying some rather intimidating rifles.
Reports are that the burglars were caught red-handed in a house, then challenged by gun and machete-toting homeowners who chased them down.
Here’s KING’s report:
PREVIOUSLY:
Late Tuesday morning (March 30), the King County Sheriff’s Department and Seattle Police had a major show of force near the intersection of 18th Ave SW and SW 107th Streets in White Center, as they searched for two burglar suspects who were trying to rob a nearby home.
According to Sgt. John Urquhart of the Sheriff’s office, three burglars were caught red-handed when homeowners walked in and interrupted a robbery in progress. Two of them fled the scene and one was arrested.
Reports are that one of them may live in the area or may be hiding in a nearby home.
Streets were blocked off, the Sheriff’s “Guardian One” chopper hovered overhead, a K-9 unit was brought in and several police officers were seen carrying M-16 rifles as they combed the area searching for the remaining two suspects.
“I was on the phone with my homegirl,” said a bystander named Richard. “…they were driving through with a truck, got stuck in the mud, got out, started waving guns, she called the cops and stuff like that…”
Our own Bart Bryan was on the scene to capture the following video and photos:
The Kent Police Department has created a website showcasing photos of 160 recovered stolen items including electronics, wallets, purses, backpacks, stereos, baby clothes and even a wedding dress; some of which may have been originally swiped in the White Center/unincorporated South King County area.
According to police, a man and woman who are suspected of breaking into more than 100 cars have been busted. Now, they want to return the stolen items to their rightful owners.
The suspects were apparently caught when they used stolen credit cards at local businesses. Police then followed their trail and recovered the stolen stuff in a storage locker as well as at local pawn shops.
According to the website:
Suspects Mode of Operation:
Type of crime: Vehicle prowls (car break ins)
Method of entry: Break window or force door lock
Types of vehicles: Different types and styles but they favored FORD F-series trucks
Property targeted: luggage, purses, laptop computers, GPS units, assorted tools, backpacks, cameras, MP3 players, I-Pods, cell phones, CD players, car stereos, jewelry, anything of value.
Estimated time range of criminal activity: Past 3-4 months
Focus area of vehicle prowl activity: Kent, Tukwila, Renton, SeaTac, Burien, South Seattle, Unincorporated areas of South King County. Collateral areas that may have been impacted as well are: Des Moines, Federal Way, Auburn, Bellevue.
If you were the victim of a car break-in between Oct. 1, 2009 and Feb. 4, 2010, your stolen items may be in police custody – check this website now and see if you recognize anything; if you do, contact Officer Bateman at (253) 856-5894 or via email: kbateman@ci.kent.wa.us.
The recovered stolen property includes (click on links below to see individual pics):
Is this your Pirate Stuff? The Kent PD might have it...
- Laptops
- Cell phones
- MP3 players
- Car Stereos
- Unusual, miscellaneous stuff like:
Some items have been claimed and returned, but most are still in evidence and awaiting rightful return to their owners – so check out the website here.
According to KIRO 7 Eyewitness News, Monday night (March 1st), a teenage boy was knocked unconscious after an altercation that started on a Metro Bus in White Center.
KIRO reports that the boy was apparently being harassed by a group of kids on the bus, when one of them struck him and knocked him out.
While police rounded up the suspects, the victim’s age, identity and condition are not known.
Read KIRO’s full story here.
by You may remember Jeff Kearney, the mentally-challenged man who was the victim of a hit-and-run crime last November at a marked crosswalk on 16th SW and SW 106th in White Center (read our previous coverage here).
Jeff was recently discharged from Burien Nursing and Rehab, where he had been staying for the last several weeks after spending time at both Harborview and Highline Medical Center.
He is now recuperating at his home, and Burien Rehab Director Nate Neff sent us this email update:
Scott –
I just wanted to give you a quick update.
Jeff Kearney went home yesterday.
He had been wanting to go home for several days and had been vocalizing it. He has made quite the journey from his tragic accident. While here his feeding tube was removed and he began eating on his own, his cognition cleared up and he was able to clearly speak his needs and wants. Also, his strength increased greatly and he became able to propel himself in his wheelchair. He is still planning on getting some more rehab at home but Jeff was ready to go home.
We wish him the best of luck and are grateful for the opportunity to care for him.
- Nate
Hit and run victim Jeff Kearney at the Mark Restaurant in Burien on Friday, Feb. 12th.
On Friday (Feb. 12th), we caught up with Jeff in person at the Mark Restaurant and Bar in Burien, where we found him enjoying a Roy Rogers drink, courtesy his good friend and Discover Burien Events Supervisor Debra George.
Jeff sat at a table near the bar, with his blue protective helmet sitting in a chair nearby.
We spoke with him for a few moments, mostly small talk, and noticed that his old, familiar smile was still there. We asked him how he was feeling, what he was doing, and his face lit up on the occasions we mentioned various women he knew and the hugs he associates with them. While a bit slow to respond, Jeff seemed keenly intent on resuming his work, as well as the numerous relationships with many locals, and it was an uplifting experience to see, especially considering how terribly he was struck and injured (reports say the SUV/truck that hit him was going around 35mph).
Debra George reminded us though that Jeff still needs help walking, but is getting stronger with each day.
This man has come a long way, but he still has a way to go, and we wish him the best. We have a feeling that by the time the Burien Farmer’s Market opens again in May that he’ll be back to his old self.
Sadly, the hit-and-run driver is apparently still at large. A $1,000 reward remains in effect, and the investigation is continuing.
The suspect vehicle, which struck Jeff in a crosswalk on 16th SW and SW 106th in White Center, had damage to the left front fender, and lost its driver’s side exterior rear-view mirror at the scene. It is probably maroon in color, a Chevrolet or GMC product, and is likely one of the following models:
- GM or Chevrolet full size pick-up: 1988-1989
- Blazer or Jimmy: 1992-1994
- Suburban: 1992-1999
- GMC Yukon: 1992-1999
- Chevrolet Tahoe: 1995-1999
If you recognize the suspect vehicle or have any leads, please call the King County Sheriff’s Office at (206) 296-3311 (24 hours) or 911.
And if you wish to visit Jeff or send him your wishes, feel free to contact Debra George at the Mark Restaurant in Burien: (206) 241-MARK.
A hit-and-run rampage happened Monday night around 7:45pm in White Center when a van struck at least four different vehicles before fleeing to Burien.
The crime occurred at the intersection of 4th Ave SW and SW Roxbury before the driver drove off and later abandoned his van in Burien.
According to Sgt. John Urquhart of the King County Sheriff’s Department:
There was a H & R accident at 4th & Roxbury last night about 7:45 PM.
The driver of the other car was taken to Harborview with non-life threatening injuries.
The suspect vehicle took off striking a car, (causing considerable damage) at Olson & Myers Way, then continuing southbound.
My understanding is that other cars were hit as well as it drove on.
The suspect car finally pulled into a random driveway at SW 130th and 8th Ave South.
The driver and two passengers fled on foot and could not be located, even with a K-9 dog.
The suspect vehicle was a 2000 Toyota Siena.
The hit and run driver is still at large, and the reasoning for the crime is still undetermined.
This week marks the fourth anniversary of the death of Nicole Pietz, who was last seen at her Lynnwood home by her husband on January 27, 2006.
The body of Pietz, 32, was found strangled Feb. 6, 2006, in a wooded area near South 114th and Des Moines Memorial Drive in Burien (see map below).
Her car, a 2003 Jetta was found in the University District about two weeks later.
After four years, this case remains unsolved, according to Sgt. John Urquhart of the King County Sheriff’s Department.
The reward for information on the case that leads to an arrest or conviction is at $36,000. In addition, Gail Schneider, Nicole’s mother, has said the family will pay the legal costs for anyone who comes forward with information germane to the case, but wishes to use the services of an attorney.
The case is active and still under investigation by the Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit.
Here are some photos provided by the family of Nicole:
Pietz’ body was found nearby in a wooded area near South 114th and Des Moines Memorial Drive:
View Larger Map
Anyone with information in the case is asked to call the King County Sheriff’s Office at (206) 296-3311 (24 hrs).
Lots of Readers have been asking about Jeff Kearney, the mentally-challenged man who was the victim of a hit-and-run last November in White Center (read our previous coverage here) and has been staying at Burien Nursing & Rehabilitation.
Debra George of Discover Burien says:
Jeff is doing better and although his memory comes and goes he seems to be having better days.
They say he will be able to walk well enough to be discharged from his current rehab facility in two weeks.
He then will enter another rehab facility for three weeks where they will work on motor skills.
They think he will be able to go home after that, and continue with some outpatient treatment.
Once he is out, I am planning on picking him up and bringing him into Burien everyday just so he can go to some of his familiar places.
Far as we know, the hit-and-run driver is still at large, there is still a $1,000 reward, and the investigation is continuing.
The suspect vehicle had damage to the left front fender, and lost its driver’s side exterior rear-view mirror at the scene. It is probably maroon in color, a Chevrolet or GMC product, and is likely one of the following models:
- GM or Chevrolet full size pick-up: 1988-1989
- Blazer or Jimmy: 1992-1994
- Suburban: 1992-1999
- GMC Yukon: 1992-1999
- Chevrolet Tahoe: 1995-1999
If you recognize the suspect vehicle or have any leads, please call the King County Sheriff’s Office at (206) 296-3311 (24 hours) or 911.
And if you wish to visit Jeff or send him your wishes, feel free to contact Burien Nursing & Rehab at 206-242-3213 or email admissions@burienrehab.com.
One man was arrested when a marijuana “grow house” operation was busted in the Top Hat neighborhood Friday morning, Jan. 22nd by Bellevue Police, working with the King County Sheriff’s Department SWAT team.
“This was a joint mission with the Eastside Narcotics Task Force (ENTF) and SWAT on a search warrant for a grow house in Burien,” said Officer Carla Iafrate, Bellevue Police Public Information Officer. “A couple flash bangs were used for distraction when breaching the doorway. One adult male was arrested.”
The ENTF is a partnership of the King County Sheriff’s Office and police departments from Bellevue, Redmond, Kirkland and Mercer Island.
Bellevue P.D. was apparently involved because it was serving the search warrant, according to Sgt. John Urquhart of the Sheriff’s Department.
No other details of the operation are available at this time.
Jeff Kearney, the well-known mentally-challenged man who was the victim of a hit-and-run on Nov. 17th in White Center (read our previous coverage here) has been moved to Burien Nursing & Rehabilitation.
Jeff was moved from Highline’s Specialty Campus in Tukwila to Burien Rehab just before Christmas.
Discover Burien’s Debra George says:
They are working on getting him walking and moving his right side better.
He is beginning to eat on his own some.
And Burien Rehab’s Nate Neff adds:
Jeff is here and we are happy to have him.
Jeff arrived just before Christmas on Dec. 23. and has adjusted to Burien Rehab and this new setting.
He is currently making gradual improvements and participates in physical and occupational therapy daily.
The therapy team is working on Jeff’s ability to stand as well as his hand eye coordination.
Jeff continues to progress and we enjoy having him here.
Here’s a pic of Jeff courtesy Burien Rehab – check out his groovy goatee!:
Far as we know, the hit-and-run driver is still at large, there is still a $1,000 reward, and the investigation is continuing.
The suspect vehicle had damage to the left front fender, and lost its driver’s side exterior rear-view mirror at the scene. It is probably maroon in color, a Chevrolet or GMC product, and is likely one of the following models:
- GM or Chevrolet full size pick-up: 1988-1989
- Blazer or Jimmy: 1992-1994
- Suburban: 1992-1999
- GMC Yukon: 1992-1999
- Chevrolet Tahoe: 1995-1999
If you recognize the suspect vehicle or have any leads, please call the King County Sheriff’s Office at (206) 296-3311 (24 hours) or 911.
And if you wish to visit Jeff or send him your wishes, feel free to contact Burien Nursing & Rehab at 206-242-3213 or email admissions@burienrehab.com.
Here’s the latest update on Jeff Kearney, the well-known mentally-challenged man who was the victim of a hit-and-run on Nov. 17th in White Center (read our previous coverage here).
According to Discover Burien Event Manager Debra George, who visits him almost daily at Highline Medical Center’s Specialty Campus in Tukwila:
Jeff is starting to eat by mouth some, but is still very scattered memory wise – it seems to come and go.
He is not able to get up out of bed yet, but he is able to be in a wheelchair.
He had his trach out on Tuesday and he is talking pretty good. He is getting items in his head mixed up but he is saying some of his old lines, such as “whats your name?”
It seems as he tires he gets more confused on who people are and his short term memory is not so good – such as I come in and he says I know you, you’re Debra George, and then a little later in the conversation he tells me to tell Debra hi for him.
Each day it seems to get better, we are hoping they will start to get him up and in physical therapy for his arms and legs next.
- Debra George
Discover Burien, Event Manager
Jeff Kearney is recovering at Highline Medical Center's Specialty Campus in Tukwila.
The hit-and-run driver is still at large, there is still a $1,000 reward, and the investigation is continuing. The suspect vehicle had damage to the left front fender, and lost its driver’s side exterior rear-view mirror at the scene. It is probably maroon in color, a Chevrolet or GMC product, and is likely one of the following models:
- GM or Chevrolet full size pick-up: 1988-1989
- Blazer or Jimmy: 1992-1994
- Suburban: 1992-1999
- GMC Yukon: 1992-1999
- Chevrolet Tahoe: 1995-1999
If you recognize the suspect vehicle or have any leads, please call the King County Sheriff’s Office at (206) 296-3311 (24 hours) or 911.
If you’d like to visit Jeff, he’s taking visitors now at his location at Highline Medical Center’s Specialty Campus, which is located at 12844 Military Rd South in Tukwila (phone: 206-244-0180). Jeff is in room #229.
Loading ...
