CRIME & SAFETY
Weekly Safety Report: Theft, Trespass, and Assault hit Olympia
Two incidents occurred in Olympia, Washington this week. The first incident involved two men being cited for theft and trespass at a Target store. The second incident involved an 18-year-old male facing assault charges for allegedly assaulting a 15-year-old female at a music venue.
DNA evidence leads to arrest of burglary suspect in Olympia
A burglary suspect was arrested after he was identified through his DNA found on one of the pieces of evidence, Olympia Police Department (OPD) announced it a social media post. The incident unfolded last June when OPD responded to a commercial burglary at a local business, where the suspect was...
Shelton contractor promising to build dream homes accused of stealing over $600,000 from clients
SHELTON, Wash. — A contractor accused of stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from potential clients, pleaded not guilty to theft charges Tuesday morning. Investigators from the state’s Department of Labor & Industries and Attorney General’s Office said Stephen Ates was paid for work jobs he never completed from clients in Kitsap, Mason, and Pierce Counties.
Shelton Police Department Welcomes New Chief and Captain: An Exciting Era for Local Law Enforcement
On November 21, family and friends gathered at the Shelton Civic Center to witness the swearing-in of the Shelton Police Department's new captain and chief. Mayor Eric Onisko led the ceremony, promoting Dan Patton to Captain and Chris Kostad to Chief. Kostad succeeds Carole Beason, who retired in October after a three-year tenure as the town's chief.
Two men cited for theft at Target in Olympia, one detained
Two suspects, one of which had a prior, were arrested for alleged theft and trespass at a Target store in Olympia. On November 17, a little before 8 PM, the Olympia Police Department responded to a burglary report from a Target employee at the Harrison Avenue NW store. The employee...
Detectives trace fake bomb threat against Yelm High School to out-of-state address
Police say they have traced a fake bomb threat against Yelm High School to a juvenile suspect in New York. The suspect allegedly left a voicemail at the school Monday that indicated a "potential
Contractor Accused of Stealing from Clients, Failing to Complete Dream Homes
A contractor from Shelton is accused of stealing $677,000 from clients, promising to build dream homes but never completing the work. The victims, who paid hefty deposits, are seeking justice in court. The accused pleaded not guilty in a video arraignment.
Police Blotter for Tuesday, December 5, 2023
On 12/5/23 at 7:25 AM in the 600 block of Woodland Square Loop SE, police arrested John Joseph Payette, 41, on suspicion of 2nd degree burglary. On 12/5/23 at 11:13 AM in the 4700 block of Yelm Highway SE, police arrested Ryan C. Daley, 27, on suspicions of 1) theft shoplifting, and 2) out-of-town misdemeanor warrant.
Investigation Underway in Pierce County for Possible Tennis Ball Bomb Incident
A quiet neighborhood in Roy was startled by an early morning explosion. A bomb, possibly made from a tennis ball, was found on a damaged truck. The incident, currently under investigation by Pierce County deputies, appears to be a targeted attack.
Retailers near Maple Court housing say shoplifting is up
Employees at several stores in the Hawks Prairie Village Mall claim there is more crime in the area since the July 5, 2023 opening of Lacey’s Maple Court Enhanced Shelter, located at 8200 Quinault Dr. NE, just across the street from the mall. The shelter houses over 100 residents...
Historic Track House, Heart of Olympia's Indie Music Scene, Destroyed in Fire
The Track House, a historic property at 511 7th Ave SE, was damaged by fire on March 19, 2023. The house, known for its proximity to the nearby railroad tracks, was likely built in the late 19th century and moved to its current location between 1939 and 1945.