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City of Seattle
Gregory J. Nickels, Mayor
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NEWS ADVISORY
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| SUBJECT: Police agencies announce to prevent, respond to gun violence incidents
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
6/2/2005 10:00:00 AM |
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Christie Lynne-Bonner (206) 684-5520
Police Media Relations (206) 684-5520
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Police agencies announce to prevent, respond to gun violence incidents
Reward money of up to $25,000 available
SEATTLE – Police Chief Gil Kerlikowske and the heads of local and federal law enforcement agencies, along with Mexican Consul General Jorge Madrazo-Cuéllar, today announced a united front to prevent and respond to the gun violence involving the Latino community and the availability of reward money of up to $25,000 for any information of these violent acts.
He was joined by King County Sheriff Sue Rahr, Federal Way Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick, Kent Police Chief Ed Crawford, Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement Special Agent-in-Charge (SAC) Leigh Winchell, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF)SAC Kelvin Crenshaw, Federal Bureau of Investigation Assistant SAC Bobby Hamil, Drug Enforcement Administration SAC Rodney Benson, U.S. Marshal Eric Robertson, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Friedman of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
“Our purpose is to tell the community that we are committed to prevent these incidents and to track down and arrest those responsible when someone is killed or assaulted,” said Chief Kerlikowske. “We will do this through increased cooperation and coordination, and each representative here today brings the expertise and unique skills toward this end.”
During the last year, there have been a number of gun violence incidents in Seattle and King County involving Latino victims and perpetrators. Some of those cases have been solved, while others have not. The causes of the violence range from gang and crime-related activity to what seem to be minor insults that have resulted in death and serious injuries. Ethnicity has been the common theme that ties all the cases together.
Sheriff Rahr said, “These are senseless crimes that create fear in the community. But as a community, we can be very powerful when we come together to solve a problem. I am here today to reinforce the message that together we will solve this problem.”
“Many Latino families and residents of South Park expressed their support to Chief Kerlikowske and his staff at last night’s Latino Advisory Council,” said Consul Madrazo. “Murders in South Park must end at once, and I know the actions announced today by the Chief is in the right hdirection. In addition, Seattle City Council must provide funds to strengthen the presence of police officers in South Park.”
Reward money of up to $25,000 is available for any information on the shootings in South Park dating May 29, 2005, April 18, 2005, October 4, 2004, and March 8, 2004; in Normandy Park on August 28, 2004; in Everett on September 26, 2004; and in Federal Way on October 18, 2004. People who may have any information leading to the arrest of the perpetrators should call 1-800-CRIME-13 (274-6313) or 206-343-2020.
“We need the help of the community in preventing and solving these crimes,” said Chief Kerlikowske. “We are committed to protecting them and earning their trust.”
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