Three Arrested in Assault

MONROE – Three suspects were arrested on Wednesday, January 4th for the assault of a sixteen-year-old male that occurred on Tuesday, January 3rd. An officer contacted the victim, from Monroe, at 8:51 pm on Tuesday night as he reported the assault that had occurred a few hours earlier. The victim stated he was walking to a friend’s house on Blueberry Lane SE and Killarney Circle when three males approached him. They yelled and began punching and kicking him repeatedly as he fell to the ground. The three suspects who were known to the victim then ran from the scene. A family member transported the victim to Valley General Hospital where he was treated for serious injuries and released.

The male suspects, ages 20 and 18 of Monroe and an 18-year-old from Everett who are known for “18th Street Gang” activity were arrested on Wednesday for Assault 2 and transported to the Snohomish County Jail for booking.

For additional information on this media release, contact Administrative Director Debbie Willis at 360-794-6300.

Espresso Stand Robbery

MONROE – January 2, 2012 at 10:55 am: Officers were dispatched to a robbery with a weapon call at the Hillbilly Hotties Coffee Company in the 400 block of Butler Street, Monroe. The suspect, a white male, 19-20 years of age, short blonde hair, small mustache wearing a green sweatshirt with a hood and blue jeans walked up and knocked on the window of the stand. When asked for his coffee order, the suspect asked the employee to give him the money in the till and said he had a gun. The employee gave the suspect money and he then fled on foot from the espresso stand, running behind businesses in the west end of the parking lot. A K9 track of the area ended a short distance behind those businesses. Officers are checking area video surveillance as they continue to investigate this incident.

Anyone with information regarding this robbery is asked to contact the Monroe Police Department at 360-794-6300. Anonymous information may be left on the Department’s tip line at 360-863-4600.

For additional information on this media release, contact Administrative Director Debbie Willis at 360-794-6300.

The first nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System, or EAS, will take place at 2:00 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time) on November 9, 2011. The purpose of the test is to assess the reliability and effectiveness of the system in alerting the public.

How will the national EAS test be conducted?
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), along with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), will conduct the nationwide test on November 9, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. eastern standard time. The alert will be transmitted throughout the country and will be monitored by the EAS participants. After the test has been completed, the EAS participants will report back to the FCC on the results of the test.

What will people see and hear during the test?
Although the nationwide EAS test may resemble the periodic monthly EAS tests that most consumers are familiar with, there will be some differences in what consumers may see or hear, which is one reason for conducting a nationwide EAS test. During the test, the public will hear a message indicating “this is a test”. The audio message will be the same for everyone, however due to limitations of the EAS, the video test message may not be the same and may not indicate “this is a test”. This is due to the use of a “live” national code – the same code that would be used in an actual emergency. Also, the background image that appears on video screens may indicate “this is a test” but in some cases there may be no image at all. FEMA and the FCC plan to reach out to organizations representing people with hearing disabilities to prepare that community for the national test. In addition, FEMA and the FCC will work with EAS participants to explore whether there are solutions to address this limitation.

What exactly is the EAS?
The Emergency Alert System is a media communications-based alerting system that is designed to transmit emergency alerts and warnings to the American public at the national, Tribal, state and local levels. EAS participants broadcast alerts and warnings regarding weather threats, child abductions and other types of emergencies. EAS alerts are transmitted over television and radio broadcast, satellite television and satellite radio, cable television and wireline video services.

When is the EAS used and when would a national EAS alert be sent?
The EAS is often used by state and local emergency managers to alert the public about emergencies and weather events. The system provides the ability to send messages regionally or nationally, though it has never been tested at these levels. A major disaster such as an earthquake or tsunami could require the use of the system to send life-saving information to the public.

Why do we need a nationwide test?
Although local and state components of the EAS are tested on a weekly and monthly basis, there has never been an end-to-end nationwide test of the system. We need to know that the system will work as intended should public safety officials ever need to send an alert or warning to a large region of the United States. Only a complete, top-down test of the EAS can provide an appropriate diagnosis of the system’s performance.

How long will the test last?
We anticipate that the test will last approximately 3 minutes.

Why is the national test being conducted at this particular date and time?
In order to minimize disruption and confusion during the EAS test, it is being conducted on November 9 because this date is near the end of hurricane season and before the severe winter weather season begins. The 2 p.m. EST broadcast will minimize disruption during rush hours while ensuring that the test occurs during working hours across the country.

Will the test involve mobile communications devices?
No. The test will involve only those communications service providers – broadcast radio and television, cable television, satellite radio and television and wireline video services – that participate in the EAS.

For more information about EAS, visit the FCC’s EAS webpage at www.fcc.gov/encyclopedia/emergency-alert-system-eas. For more information about AMBER Alerts, see our consumer guide at www.fcc.gov/guides/amber-plan-americas-missing-broadcast-emergency-response. Finally, for information about other telecommunications issues, visit the FCC’s Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau website at www.fcc.gov/consumer-governmental-affairs-bureau.

August 30, 2011

MONROE – August 30, 2011 at 5:54 pm: A suspect in the Monroe bank robbery that occurred on August 29th was taken into custody without incident this evening in the 600 block of 46th St. SE in Everett. Detectives from Arlington, Monroe and Snohomish apprehended the suspect who is believed to be responsible for similar bank robberies that occurred in June, July and August of this year. This was a team effort as detectives from the three cities as well as the Snohomish County Sheriffs Office met this morning to compare notes and discuss strategy.

Of significance was a tip provided to police by a citizen after seeing the photo that was released to media from the August 29th robbery in Monroe. Information was provided which eventually led police to the Everett address. Outside the residence was the metallic blue Chevrolet Nova that was described by a witness from the City of Snohomish bank robbery that occurred on July 28th. A search warrant was obtained for the arrest and search of the residence and vehicle. Evidence items were seized from the third floor apartment and the vehicle was impounded.

The suspect, Harold C. Massena, age 52 of Everett was taken into custody and transported to the Snohomish County jail for booking.

For additional information on this media release, contact Administrative Director Debbie Willis at 360-794-6300.

August 29, 2011

MONROE – August 29, 2011 at 3:10 pm: Officers were dispatched to a robbery call at the Union Bank in the 200 block of W. Main Street. Officers arrived within minutes of the call. A bank teller described a male that had come into the bank and passed a note at the teller window demanding money. The suspect implied that he had a gun but it was not seen. The teller provided an unspecified amount of cash to the suspect. No one was hurt during this incident.

The suspect is described as a white male, mid 50’s, 5’5” and heavy set. He had gray hair and a beard and was wearing a black long sleeved shirt or jacket and blue jeans. The suspect fled the area in an unknown direction. The suspect is believed to be the same subject that robbed banks in Arlington on June 30th and Snohomish on July 28th. The suspect’s vehicle may be a metallic blue 1970’s passenger car with shiny mag wheels.

The FBI has been notified of the incident. The Monroe Police Department is continuing to investigate. Anyone with information regarding this robbery is asked to contact the Monroe Police Department at 360-794-6300. Anonymous information may be left on the Department’s tip line at 360-863-4600.

**Please note the attached picture is from the Snohomish robbery, it has been compared with the actual video from today.

For additional information on this media release, contact Administrative Director Debbie Willis at 360-794-6300.

FOR IMMEDIATE RLEASE (printable version)
August 10, 2011

Spinning for Special Olympics

MONROE: For the 9th consecutive year the Monroe Police Department will be participating in the “Spin a Thon” campaign benefiting Washington Special Olympics. In partnership with Thrive Community Fitness, this event will be held on Sunday, August 21, 2011 at 118 North Lewis Street, Monroe. The cyclists will have stationary bikes set up on Hill Street and will spin for ten hours, from 8 am to 6 pm, to raise money for Special Olympics. Some of the riders will be spinning for the entire ten hours while others work in teams to complete the ten hours. There is room for more riders to sign up for this event; please contact Sergeant Cindy Chessie at the Monroe Police Department for further information in participating or sponsoring a rider.

In support, the Seattle Metropolitan Police Museum will be displaying three completely restored police vehicles for the public to view. The vehicles are an original 1970 Plymouth Satellite used by the Seattle Police Department, a 1967 Plymouth Fury I that was used by the King County Sheriff’s Office and a 1978 Plymouth Fury used by the Washington State Patrol.

The Monroe Police Department has worked hard to campaign for Special Olympics and has thus far raised $8,334.09 in 2011. Donations will be accepted during this event with 100% of all monies collected remaining in Snohomish County benefiting Special Olympians here. Those wishing to make a donation, but unable to stop by can still donate by sending a check to Washington Special Olympics c/o the Monroe Police Department, 818 West Main, Monroe, WA 98272.

For additional information on this press release, contact Administrative Director Debbie Willis.

July 25, 2011

CITY OF MONROE TO JOIN CITIES NATIONWIDE FOR AMERICA’S “NIGHT OUT AGAINST CRIME.”

Neighborhoods throughout Monroe are invited to participate in the “28th Annual National Night Out” (NNO), a crime and drug prevention event on Tuesday, August 2nd, 2011 at Lake Tye Park.

This event is sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW) and co-sponsored locally by the Monroe Rotary and the Monroe Police Department.

National Night Out is designed to:
Generate support for, and participation in, local anticrime efforts;
Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships;
Send a message to criminals letting them know neighborhoods are organized and fighting back against crime.

The Monroe Rotary and the Monroe Police Department will be partnering with community businesses, service groups, faith groups, service providers, Monroe Fire District #3, and citizens to present a local National Night Out celebration. Free food items will be available while supplies last. Other activities include five bouncy houses, face painting, child ID kits, speed pitch, a dunk tank and fifty community booths with free giveaways and safety messages. The scheduled activities/demonstrations for the evening are:

6:00 pm Event Starts – Scavenger Hunt, free food

6:15 pm National Anthem

6:25 pm West Coast Flight – Special Needs Cheer

6:45 pm Monroe Fire District #3 Water Rescue Demo

7:15 pm Monroe Police Department K-9 Demo

7:45 pm Monroe Police Department Special Emergency Response Team (SERT) Entry Demo

8:15 pm Monroe Police Department K-9 Demo

8:30 pm Dance Off for Mascots

For additional information on this media release, contact Administrative Director Debbie Willis at 360-794-6300.

June 21, 2011

Two Officers Sworn In as One Retires 

MONROE – On Tuesday, June 21, 2011, the Monroe Police Department celebrated the hiring of two officers at a swearing in ceremony that was performed by Judge Steve Clough in front of the City Council and Mayor Zimmerman.

Officer Reed Jones, who was hired as a lateral officer from King County, grew up in West Texas and later moved to Washington where he attended the University of Washington receiving a bachelor’s degree in business finance. Officer Jones had been a deputy with the King County Sheriff’s Office since April of 2009 and was laid off at the end of 2010.  The department was very fortunate to hire Officer Jones through the lateral testing process to fill a vacant; budgeted police officer position.

Also recognized is Officer Javier Patton who began his career with our department in December 2007 after serving with the King County Sheriff’s Office. In September of 2010, he resigned his position in lieu of lay off to accept another law enforcement position. When a retirement occurred in the department in May, Officer Patton requested to be reinstated. Officer Patton is known for his high work ethic values and his Spanish skills that he uses with the community and to assist his peers. He consistently proved himself to be a valuable asset to the department and has been recognized with multiple awards to include a life saving award in 2010. We are very fortunate and privileged to be able to bring Officer Patton back to fill this vacated officer position.

On May 6, 2011, Officer Sahlstrom retired from the Monroe Police Department after 20 years of service. He brought qualities of perseverance, passion, and dedication to the job, which was shown through his consistently high work performance as well as the various awards and accolades he received throughout his career. The City of Monroe is grateful for Officer Sahlstrom’s years of service. He made Monroe a better place by keeping top quality law  enforcement service as his consistent goal and he will be greatly missed.

For additional information on this press release, contact Administrative Director

Debbie Willis.

On February 22nd, the ProAct Team learned of several firearms that had been stolen from a residence in the 22900 block of 105th St SE, Monroe.

Search Warrants and Arrests:

• February 23rd – Search warrant executed on a residence in the 21800 block of 132nd St SE, Monroe. Five stolen guns were recovered along with ammunition, heroin, scales, packaging, drug paraphernalia and cash. Daniel J. Krempl, age 23 of Monroe was stopped by officers as he was leaving his residence prior to the warrant service. Krempl was taken to the Snohomish County Jail for booking on multiple weapons charges.
• February 25th - Tyler T. Wagner, age 25 of Monroe was arrested and taken to the Snohomish County Jail for booking. Charges of Theft of a Firearm (Nine Counts) and Unlawful Possession of Firearm (Nine Counts) were forwarded to the Snohomish County Prosecutor’s Office.
• March 1st – Search warrant executed on two residences in the 12800 block of 198th St SE, Snohomish. Three stolen guns were recovered along with a 30-plant marijuana grow. Scotty W. Kane, age 31 of Snohomish was taken into custody and released. Charges have been forwarded to the Snohomish County Prosecutor’s Office.
• March 9th – Search warrant executed on a residence in the 17700 block of Tester Road, Monroe. During the search of the residence, officers seized guns, stolen gun parts and ammunition. In addition, officers found heroin, marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamines, prescription drugs, miscellaneous drug paraphernalia and cash inside the residence. Two passenger cars and a motorcycle were also seized. Jason N. Zimmerman, age 26 of Monroe was placed into custody for Possession with Intent to Deliver and taken to the Snohomish County Jail for booking. The Monroe Police Department is continuing with this investigation.

For additional information on this media release, contact Administrative Director Debbie Willis at 360-794- 6300.
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Officers’ interviewed the suspect, Darrel C. Holm, a 44-year-old male who is reportedly scheduled to be released from prison some time in 2011. He admitted to the assault on the counselor, saying “I want a third strike.” He led officers to believe he will continue this kind of behavior until he gets a third strike. Officers were told that the SOU was in modified lock down at the time of the assault.

The counselor sustained minor injuries and was seen by a nurse on site. Assault charges will be forwarded to the Snohomish County Prosecutor’s Office.

For additional information on this media release, contact Administrative Director Debbie Willis at 360-794-6300.
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