Reward offered to locate

local BB gun assailants

November 14-Crimestoppers is offering a $1,000 reward and two bicycle clubs are offering another $7,500 to find the person or persons responsible for shooting bicycle riders and pedestrians with BB a gun.

The random attacks, which by Friday involved at least eight victims, one seriously, occurred in Burien, White Center, South Park and West Seattle.

Detectives said they believe two teenagers are responsible for the attacks.

Anyone with information is asked to call 9-1-1.

King County

State troopers plan to nail

people driving hammered

November 13-Vehicular homicide has increased by 700 percent in King County over the past year, the Washington State Patrol announced.

This grim news was released as troopers in King County were preparing to kick off the Holiday Enforcement Emphasis and additional weekend patrols for the 2007 holiday season.

"We know that as long as there are still deaths out on our highways, we have work to do, which is why we will be conducting this emphasis patrol along with many [law enforcement agencies] this holiday season," said Capt. Steve Burns, Washington State Patrol district commander. "However, stricter laws and enforcement can only go so far to get dangerous drivers off the road, and we need your assistance in order to successfully enforce and educate everyone out there," Burns said.

"If you or one of your friends or family members have been drinking, don't drive, use a designated driver; call a friend, a taxi or a tow truck to get home. While this may be inconvenient, it could save a life."

Of the 26 fatality traffic collisions in King County so far this year, seven involved alcohol and resulted in charges of vehicular homicide-compared to just one in 2006, Burns said.

Overall, traffic fatality collisions investigated by the Washington State Patrol have decreased in King County this year with 23 fatality collisions compared to 30 fatality collisions in 2006.

Burns noted that the reduced number of traffic fatalities continues to improve statewide when compared to the total number of collisions investigated.

Through Nov. 12, the Washington State Patrol has investigated 252 traffic fatality collisions statewide compared to 283 traffic fatalities in 2006.

Troopers assigned to participate in this year's holiday enforcement patrols and those working additional weekend shifts are anticipated to make high numbers of arrests despite the increased public outreach campaign of "Drive Hammered, Get Nailed."

In all of 2006, the WSP made 20,633 impaired driving arrests, removing these dangerous drivers from the road. The total 2007 figures are currently being compiled.

Reducing the number of DUI related collisions is a top priority for the WSP. In 2006, the WSP investigated over 2,269 DUI related collisions in Washington State-64 of those with a fatality, and 851 with an injury.

Compiled by Ralph Nichols