‘It’s not going to be The Dukes of Hazzard.' Police welcome flexibility on pursuits, critics fear more crashes This summer police in Washington will have more leeway to pursue fleeing drivers. Supporters of the initiative say it will help stem crime and reckless driving. Opponents say the rollback is dangerous and goes against expert advice. Amy Radil
Crime Too many King County sexual assaults are pleaded down to lesser crimes, advocates say Advocates for sexual assault survivors say King County is letting too many defendants plead guilty to lesser charges - often, to non-sex-crimes. Ann Dornfeld
Cleared of felony, Seattle cop who killed Indian student Kandula could end up in municipal court The Seattle City Attorney has announced it is reviewing the case of the police officer whose vehicle struck and killed a pedestrian last year. Officer Kevin Dave could face a penalty for negligent driving in the crash that killed 23-year-old graduate student Jaahnavi Kandula in January 2023. Amy Radil
The Kia Boy and me In July 2023, Aimee Muul’s 2017 Hyundai Elantra was stolen. While her car was missing, it was featured on a Kia Boyz Instagram story a couple of times and shown being used by young men to do stunts. Aimeé Muul
Crime Viral teen car theft trend has some Seattle 'Kia Boys' facing adult consequences One teenager's charges for allegedly stealing cars using a simple trick popularized on TikTok technique raises questions about how to handle the flood of recent youth car theft cases - especially when they land in adult court. Ann Dornfeld
Law & Courts Seattle will start enforcing its anti-graffiti law again Appeals court ruling allows Seattle to enforce anti-graffiti ordinance Amy Radil
Crime Condenado residente del área de Seattle por robar más de $70 mil dólares en una estafa relacionada con tarjetas de residencia El nuevo año ha traído una pequeña muestra de justicia para tres parejas de inmigrantes indocumentados. En total, fueron estafados por más de 70 mil dólares por un hombre que les aseguró ayudarles a obtener residencia legal en Estados Unidos. El acusado obtuvo el dinero, nunca lo entregó y ahora está cumpliendo su condena en una prisión estatal. Gustavo Sagrero Álvarez Juan Pablo Chiquiza
Crime 'In deep': Seattle area man sentenced for stealing $70K-plus in green card scam The new year has brought a sense of justice for three undocumented immigrant couples who were collectively defrauded of more than $70,000 by a man who said he would help them gain legal status. He took their money and never delivered, and is now serving time in state prison. Gustavo Sagrero Álvarez
Law & Courts Last known set of remains connected to Green River Killer case identified One of the final mysteries surrounding the Green River Killer was solved Monday as investigators confirmed, through DNA testing, the person whose remains were known as “Bones 20” has a name: Tammie Liles. Natalie Akane Newcomb
Crime WA lawmakers consider whether to tweak or repeal laws governing police chases Regulating police vehicle pursuits emerged as a highly charged issue at the state Legislature in recent years. Lawmakers enacted strict regulations in 2021 in the wake of widespread anti-police protests, then loosened those restrictions slightly last year amidst reports of suspects brazenly fleeing police stops. The issue is back on the agenda during this session, in the form of an initiative and other legislative proposals. Amy Radil
