Editor's note: Streetwatch took the week off. The following are some of the most memorable from recent months.
Tues., Mar. 30, 4:45 p.m. Eighth Avenue.
Victim was sleeping at a self-made camp next to a motel that is no longer in business. The motel is located on the east side of the 1600 block of Eighth Ave. Victim is a single-leg amputee and had his wheelchair sitting by as he slept under a covered area. He awoke to see the suspect running away with his wheelchair. Officers did perform an area search, but were unable to locate the suspect or the wheelchair. Victim requested he be returned to his camp.
Sat., Apr. 10, 3:00 a.m. East Precinct Police Station, Twelfth Avenue.
Reporting officer was working as desk clerk in the east precinct station. At around 3:00 a.m. victim walked into the precinct and said she was homeless and cold, and asked if she could sleep in the lobby for a while. Officer allowed her to rest on a bench in the public area near the window. At 5:30 a.m. victim took her bags of belongings and left. Minutes later she returned, claiming that someone had stolen her wallet. She stated her wallet contained no cash, but did have her bus pass and food stamp card. During the several hours the victim was sleeping in the precinct lobby there were many people coming in and out of the facility, including other citizens, police officers and janitorial staff. Victim was provided with a case number.
Fri., April 16, 2:34 a.m., 15 Franklin Avenue East
Officer was dispatched to investigate a disturbance at Franklin Avenue under the freeway. The officer arrived and observed multiple individuals scattered underneath the I-5 overpass and heard a woman screaming and crying loudly. Officer located one of the complainants who was yelling, "He went that way," while at the same time pointing up the hill towards the homeless encampment.
Officers traversed the hillside and a large fence blocked access to the victim. When the officer reached the victim, a transient female, her face and nose were bleeding. Victim was extremely intoxicated and had difficulty standing and understanding officer's questions. Victim stated two males had gotten into a "jealousy fight" over her, but then turned their aggression towards her. She said she was knocked to the ground where she was repeatedly punched and kicked. Officers escorted the victim down the hillside to an opening in the fence line where Seattle Fire Department (SFD) was waiting to administer first aid. SFD personnel stated the victim complained of pain to her right shoulder and ribs. Victim also stated that the two males live in the hillside encampment but left the scene before officers arrived. Officers conducted an area search with negative results and the victim was transported to Harborview Medical Center.