At 30th and Graham, a nine-year-old boy was dared to yell "F*!& Iraq" around the park and specifically in front of a park visitor who was originally from that country. The man chased the boy, grabbed him by the arm (some said he grabbed him by the ear) and said he was going to take him to meet with his parents. A 12-year-old girl ran home to tell her father and by the time officers arrived several adults were involved. The man admitted he went after the child but denied assaulting him. He says he is constantly being harassed by the kids in the park. The boy had no visible marks and needed no medical treatment but was visibly upset and scared of the man, who was booked into King County Jail for investigation of assault.

While walking toward the minimart at Charlestown and California, a young couple was attacked by three men who had made sexual comments about the woman. Two of the men held her while the third beat up the boyfriend and stole his wallet, which contained $250. They also stole the woman's purse. The suspects are in their early twenties. Two are white. One is Hispanic. They might be associated with an older burgundy station wagon.

In the 9000 block of 16th SW, a man pounded on an apartment door, yelling, "You're gonna be dead." A scared ten-year old resident fled through the back door, but the man chased her down an alley. She got away but told officers that the suspect has been hanging around the neighborhood and always tries to talk with her. He has even offered her money and candy, but she says that she has always run off before he gets near. The suspect is a Hispanic male, 22-29 years of age, with a shaved head and a tattoo with a skull and crossed swords.

A random computer check on a vehicle license plate proved productive for one officer: The driver was wanted on two felony warrants in King County (for possession of a stolen vehicle and for violating a protection order) and on two misdemeanor warrants for domestic violence assault and for driving with a suspended license. The Puyallup resident was booked into King County Jail.

While driving on Harbor Avenue, a woman realized she was being followed. Suddenly the suspect car drove around her, raced ahead and then stopped. The driver jumped out, ran back, and kicked the woman's passenger-side door before driving out of sight. The suspect drove a blue Toyota MR2 and had a heavy build. He was white and between 30 and 49 years of age.

Early Wednesday, at the Highpoint Community Center playground, a 28-year-old man walked in circles, stripping off his clothes and screaming hysterically that he was going to "kill everyone." The man didn't acknowledge or respond to officers, and it took three of them to take him into custody. He was taken for medical treatment and later admitted that he had smoked two cigarettes that had been dipped in PCP.

America's national "Night Out Against Crime" is scheduled for Tuesday, August 5th. Get to know your neighbors-and even have your street blocked off for the celebration. Just be sure to register before August 2nd. Contact Crime Prevention Coordinator Benjamin Kinlow at the SW Precinct: 206-684-7724.

On August 16th, head on down to the SW Precinct for the Annual Precinct Picnic, from 1-4 p.m. Dancing, music, food, raffles, magic, and more. Get to know your officers, meet some of the SWAT team, and take a precinct tour.

Ready for more crooks, capers, and cops? Visit The Thin Blue Blog, Megan Sheppard's citywide police blotter. www.thinblueblog.com