Latest news with #KingCountySheriff'sOffice
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Cleanup continues after driver went airborne, smashes through 2 Burien, WA homes
The Brief A high-speed crash on Memorial Day in Burien damaged two homes, with a car going airborne and crashing through walls. The Kollasch family and their neighbors are cleaning up debris and have started fundraisers to aid recovery efforts. The driver, a man in his 20s, was taken into custody. BURIEN, Wash. - It was another day of cleanup at two homes damaged in a high-speed crash on Memorial Day in Burien. Mark Kollasch gave FOX 13 crews a tour of the damage at his home, and it still looks like a bomb went off. After the crash Monday, workers had to lift the car from the wreckage of two homes. "Happy Memorial Day, yeah," said Kollasch. Mark Kollasch says the long holiday weekend turned into a nightmare after a driver was accused of going airborne at a nearby intersection, crashing straight through his house. "Like 'Dukes of Hazard' to the extreme." Kollasch says the driver first sailed through the sun room. "Our dining room table was right here," said Kollasch. "Didn't hit the floor, there are no tire marks on the floor, it's just crazy," said Kollasch. The sedan flew so high, it also cleared much of the couple's furniture. "Our bed is this high, and he like flew over the bed," he said. Kollasch says the car blasted through two exterior and three interior walls, finally shooting out the other side and into the neighbor's house. "The guy still had enough force to crush their water tank and the washer-dryer," he said. "Most of the car was in there," said Kollasch, pointing to a back corner of his neighbor's house. "The whole corner of his house is gone." On Monday, crews continued cleaning up the drywall and debris. "The frames are ruined but a lot of the pictures we had up aren't ruined," said Kollasch. They also picked the family's possessions from the rubble, which will be stored somewhere else for the time being. "It's going to be our ten-year wedding anniversary this August," said Kollasch, pointing to a wedding photo that was salvaged. The Kollasch family started an online fundraiser to help them recover. "We had to buy new clothes, and it's just hard to even think about," said Kollasch. Friends of his neighbor started a separate fundraiser to help their family recover from the disaster as well. The Kollasch family is staying with friends currently. They are planning to rent in the short term, and may make a permanent move one day. "It's like the trauma of coming home to seeing this. It would be hard to feel safe even if it was rebuilt," said Kollasch. As for the man who was taken into custody, the King County Sheriff's Office says he's in his 20s and was the only person in the car at the time of the crash. The Source Information in this story came from the King County Sheriff's Office and original FOX 13 Seattle reporting and interviews. 'Shut your legs' comment, rating female staff: Snoqualmie Police Chief fired after probe DOJ to announce drug trafficking arrests in Seattle Washington state named 'sanctuary jurisdiction' by Trump admin, 35 of 39 counties listed Motorcyclist speaks out after arrest made in Auburn, WA hit-and-run nearly 2 years ago WA beekeeper working to save millions of bees involved in crash in Whatcom County FBI scrutiny puts pressure on Seattle mayor after protest clash To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter. Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national news.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Yahoo
Police, helicopters at Seattle's Alki Beach: Here's what we know
The Brief A large police presence, involving SWAT teams and helicopters, is expected near Alki Beach today. The King County Sheriff's Office says it's part of a maritime training exercise. The drill will happen from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 22. SEATTLE - West Seattle residents may notice a large police presence near Alki Beach on Thursday, but authorities say it's just a drill. According to the King County Sheriff's Office (KCSO), its TAC30 Unit and the Seattle Police Department's SWAT team are conducting a maritime training exercise from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on May 22. Several police helicopters and vessels will also be operating in the area near Jack Block Park and the West Seattle Water Taxi Terminal. What they're saying "We have made every effort to ensure aircraft flight paths stay over the water as much as possible to minimize any disruptions," the King County Sheriff's Office wrote in a press release. The sheriff's office says the West Seattle Water Taxi schedule will not be affected. While this may seem unusual, the KCSO says its TAC30 Unit and Seattle SWAT team are constantly training to provide quality police services to the people of King County. The Source Information in this story comes from a press release by the King County Sheriff's Office. Recovery effort underway after boat sinks in Possession Sound near Everett, WA Is Tacoma's Teekah Lewis cold case finally coming to a close? Here's what we know Over 100 Rite Aid and Bartell Drugs stores to close, including 8 in WA Marymoor Park announces 2025 summer concert series lineup in Redmond, WA Olympia, WA man dies at Grand Canyon after lengthy hike Washington raising price of Discover Pass To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter. Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national news.

Yahoo
22-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Six kids among hikers rescued in night operation near Duvall
A group of hikers, including six children, was rescued late on the night of April 27 after getting lost on the Cherry Creek Falls Trail near Duvall, according to the King County Sheriff's Office. The emergency call came in around 9:30 p.m., when a man reported that he and six children—ranging in age from 2 to 13—were lost. The group had no food or water, and the temperature was in the low 50s and dropping. Deputies from the Sheriff's North Precinct and Sammamish Police Department responded, along with King County Search and Rescue volunteers. A sergeant from the Sammamish Police, who is trained as a drone operator, deployed what the department refers to as an unmanned aircraft system (UAS) to help find the group. The sergeant was able to locate the hikers using the drone, and rescue teams on the ground made contact with them about a mile up the trail. The drone followed the group as they made their way back to the trailhead, providing both light and reassurance for the children. One Search and Rescue volunteer noted the drone was especially helpful not just for lighting the path, but for distracting and calming some of the frightened kids. All members of the hiking group were safely returned without injury, authorities said. The King County Sheriff's Office currently has 41 trained drone pilots across its agency.

Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Yahoo
Deputies arrest DUI suspect after high-speed pursuit through King County, sheriff's office says
A driver who nearly hit a deputy head-on was arrested for DUI and eluding law enforcement following a high-speed pursuit through King County, according to the King County Sheriff's Office. The incident began around 4 a.m. on April 26 when a deputy was driving south on 51st Avenue South. According to the sheriff's office, a Mercedes suddenly veered into the deputy's lane, nearly causing a head-on crash. The deputy said he was only able to avoid a collision by swerving out of the way. The deputy activated his emergency lights and sirens and began pursuing the vehicle, which was reportedly swerving and traveling at speeds of 80 mph in a 35-mph zone. The driver fled onto South 277th Street, then north on State Route 167, and eventually onto Interstate 405. Additional deputies joined the pursuit as it continued on the freeway. One deputy used a Starchase GPS tracking system, which allowed law enforcement to safely monitor the vehicle without an extended chase. The suspect was eventually boxed in and brought to a stop. Deputies said they found an open case of beer inside the vehicle, along with several loose beer caps in the center console. The driver was taken to Valley Medical Center for a blood draw and then booked into King County Jail. Charges include attempting to elude police and Operating While Under the Influence (DUI).
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Council votes to replace Snoqualmie police with King County Sheriff's services in North Bend
The North Bend City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to begin negotiating a new interlocal agreement (ILA) with the King County Sheriff's Office for police services, the City of North Bend announced. The decision came after months of review and public input regarding the city's current law enforcement arrangement with the Snoqualmie Police Department. The transition would mark the end of a 14-year policing partnership with Snoqualmie. Councilmembers at the May 6 meeting emphasized that the decision was not made lightly and was the result of a thorough, data-driven evaluation. 'The Snoqualmie Police Department has served us well and kept us safe,' said Councilmember Heather Koellen. 'The same will be true for the Sheriff's Department. They will protect us and keep us safe.' Under the current agreement, North Bend contracts with the City of Snoqualmie for police services. But officials say that arrangement restricts North Bend's input on key financial decisions such as officer salaries, facility upgrades, and training costs. Councilmember Chris Rustik, who chairs the city's Public Health and Safety Committee, said the new agreement with King County is expected to offer more flexibility and oversight. 'While this contract is for police services, the contract itself is with the City of Snoqualmie and limits our direct involvement,' Rustik said. 'Although opinions may vary on the best approach, it is very clear that the safety of our community is a top priority for us all.' Community feedback played a major role in the decision-making process. During public comment, local residents, business owners, nonprofit leaders, and Snoqualmie officials—including Mayor Katherine Ross—shared their experiences with current policing services. Mayor Pro Tem Mark Joselyn emphasized that the decision was based on safety and governance, not dissatisfaction. 'If I believed for a minute that becoming a contract city with the King County Sheriff's Office would make our community less safe, I would not support it,' he said. He also pointed to positive reports from other cities that contract with the Sheriff's Office, including Woodinville and Sammamish. In a prior April 8 workstudy session, the King County Sheriff's Office presented a detailed proposal and participated in an extensive Q&A with councilmembers. The city cited responsive communication and data sharing as strengths during the evaluation process. Mayor Mary Miller said the city is committed to ensuring a smooth transition, emphasizing continued transparency and community engagement. 'We will have the transition process be as smooth as possible,' she said. 'Thank you to the community for coming up and talking to us, saying exactly how you feel… Don't ever stop.' The Snoqualmie Police Department will continue to serve North Bend during the negotiation period and for up to 18 months following any official termination notice from the city, as required by the current contract.