Authorities had to bring 20-year-old Salman Haji back to the U.S. from Kenya. His bail was set at $5 million.

The victim’s daughter spoke during court about the pain of losing her mother, according to Casey McNerthney, spokesperson with the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.

“That takes a lot of courage to do, to relive the difficulty of going through that. But the victims out of here thought it was important for the court to hear,” McNerthney said.

Police said the woman was shot and killed during a robbery committed by Haji and Ilyiss Abdi

2 charged in Tukwila Costco parking lot murder

King County prosecutors announced charges in May 2024 against Haji, who was 19 at the time, and Abdi, who was 18, for the murder of Huang in January 2024.

Abdi was behind bars on $5,000,000 bail, but according to court documents, Haji had fled the country.

Court documents stated the two teens were in a stolen car and on a crime spree on January 26, 2024. They allegedly stole a car in Seattle and then tried to use stolen credit cards in Normandy Park. Then they drove to a crowded Costco parking lot and saw two elderly sisters loading their car. They jumped out and allegedly tried to rob the women, but when they resisted, Haji allegedly shot Huang once in the chest, while Abdi waited in the car. The two then sped off.

Huang died in the parking lot.

The shooting happened around 10:40 a.m., about 50 feet outside the front door of the store.

According to those close to the investigation, Huang had no prior connection to the shooter before the fatal encounter.

Following the shooting, police agencies all over Western Washington were on the lookout for the suspects and the vehicle they were driving.

“I think people wondered when they didn’t see a headline of an arrest right away, or a charge right away, if things were happening and they certainly were happening behind the scenes,” McNerthney said last year.

Court documents stated that less than a month later, Abdi was allegedly involved in another deadly incident. In that case, Abdi was charged with assault and firearm enhancement. He was previously convicted of attempted burglary.

This story was originally published on May 28, 2024. It has been updated and republished since then.

Contributing: Frank Lenzi, łÉČËXŐľ Newsradio

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A mother and father from Lacey — standing trial for the attempted murder of their teen daughter — were found not guilty of the most serious charge of attempted murder.

Ihsan Ali and Zahrra Ali were on trial for assaulting their daughter outside Timberline High School in Lacey last fall.

Witnesses reported seeing Ihsan Ali choke his daughter until she was unconscious. The girl’s boyfriend tried to help her but was also assaulted, according to , citing court documents.

Lacey parents allegedly threatened to send daughter to Iraq for marriage

The girl told investigators she was trying to get away from her parents because they planned to send her to Iraq to marry an older man, łÉČËXŐľ 7 reported. She also said her parents threatened to kill her.

Zahrra Ali was found guilty of a lesser charge of violating a protection order.

Ihsan Ali was found guilty of assault and unlawful imprisonment.

Both will be sentenced late next month.

Contributing:

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The man was shot in the chest and is being treated by the Seattle Fire Department before being transported to Harborview Medical Center in serious but stable condition.

Police have released very little information, but an eyewitness told łÉČËXŐľ Newsradio it all happened on the Pier, crowded with tourists and fans heading to the Mariners game.

The witness said a man walked up to the man in the wheelchair, allegedly accused him of being a false veteran, and took something from him. The man in the wheelchair then allegedly pulled a knife.

The other man then allegedly pulled a handgun and shot the man in the wheelchair once in the chest.

Man shot in Seattle in serious but stable condition

He was taken to Harborview Medical Center in serious but stable condition.

The gunman stayed at the scene and was arrested. Police said a handgun was recovered.

Contributing: Julia Dallas, MyNorthwest

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The department just released its mid-year crime analysis, which indicates overall crime in the city in the first six months of this year was down 25% from the same period in 2024.

“No city is immune to crime, not even Bellevue. But, in Bellevue, we prioritize strong partnerships and trust built between community members, the city’s business community, and our officers. These relationships help Bellevue Police solve crimes quickly and hold individuals accountable for threatening the safety of this community,” Bellevue Police Chief Wendell Shirley said.

Additionally, property crimes — incidents such as robbery, burglaries, thefts, and fraud are down 31%. Drug and weapons offenses are down 11%.

“Whenever there is a crime trend occurring in the city, the Bellevue Police Department, not only do we engage our resources to mitigate the problem, but we also engage the community as well,” Shirley said.

BPD conducts emphasis patrols for crimes like speeding and reckless driving. They’ve even prioritized shoplifting and organized retail theft after input from citizens and business owners.

Bellevue sees increase in assaults and violations of protection orders

The only crime challenge in the city is with assaults and violations of protection orders — which saw a 12% increase during the first six months of this year. The trend has been noted and action has already been taken.

“To mitigate that, the Bellevue Police Department we’re in the process of hiring an advocate to help really create those relationships within parties affected and help mitigate those statistics,” Drew Anderson, public information officer for BPD, said.

As always, Bellevue police encourage citizens, business owners, and visitors that if they see something, say something. Call the Bellevue Police Department or 911.

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“The sirens were going off every hour with the warning of three hours to the first wave, two hours to the first wave, and it got down to like 15 minutes to the first wave,” Edmonds resident Liz Milici told łÉČËXŐľ Newsradio. “We didn’t know how big this was going to be, if anything at all. We just didn’t know.”

There was fear and anxiety, like ‘What if this happens?’ Because your mind does flash back to Indonesia. We’ve seen the images. We’ve heard the horrific stories and tragedies that have happened in the past, and so your mind does go there,” she continued.

Milici travels to Hawaii at least once a year. She’s very familiar with the islands and had accommodations on the beach.

“I went down to the local mart and got some food and water, and I thought, ‘OK, I don’t know where I’m going, but I can’t be where I’m going to be if the tsunami is coming because I’m staying right on the waterfront,'” she shared.

Traffic jammed as Hawaii residents tried to evade tsunami

Milici headed for higher ground — a trip she said should have taken 20 minutes, but took two hours, as roads were packed with cars trying to get away from the coast.

“As I was driving to my friend’s house, the local parks that were on higher ground, they were just jam-packed with people,” she said. “That’s where everyone went. People were just hanging out at parks.”

The impact of the tsunami was minimal, and by 9 a.m. on Wednesday, the all-clear was given, and vacations on the island resumed. Milici praised local authorities for their handling of the situation and the warnings and information they provided.

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One person was injured by gunfire in the 8700 block of Aurora Avenue North at the John Fox Place Apartments, .

When police arrived, they found a man with a gunshot wound to the chest

Neighbors, like Nina Ross, heard the gunshots.

“I heard two loud bangs, and I thought a scream, but it didn’t all click until I came to take the dog outside, and I saw all the police in the lobby and on my floor and down here,” Ross told łÉČËXŐľ Newsradio. “And I said, ‘Oh god, that’s what it was.’ I saw them walk the guy out right now in handcuffs.”

The man was transported to Harborview, where he is undergoing surgery. Authorities said he is expected to survive.

Contributing: Julia Dallas, MyNorthwest

Earlier this month, Sheriff Swank appeared on “The Gee and Ursula Show” on łÉČËXŐľ Newsradio. In that interview, Swank advised citizens to never take a field sobriety test if they are pulled over by law enforcement for suspicion of DUI.

“I was stunned,” Pierce County Executive Ryan Mello said. “I’m stunned by a lot of stuff the sheriff says on his Twitter and publicly on radio shows and other news outlets — that the top law enforcement officer in Pierce County says that, does not make us safer.”

Swank has been unapologetic and has even doubled down on some of his most controversial statements and posts.

Pierce County executive says sheriff’s comments distract from public safety

Mello feels it is a distraction from the work at hand — keeping residents of the county safe.

Swank also wants to work with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on deportations, but Washington law prohibits that cooperation. The 2019 Keep Washington Working Act limits local enforcement’s ability to work with ICE and/or arrest people for immigration violations.

“The prosecutor and I and others are here to help him understand what his role is, and what his role is not. His role certainly is not doing federal immigration enforcement,” Mello said.

Mello also sees the social media posts and public statements as a distraction from urgent public safety issues.

“There are a lot of questionable things that come from the sheriff’s Twitter account and out of his mouth, and I really hope we keep our head down and stay focused on keeping this community safe,” Mello said.

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If you live, work, or shop there, you’ve probably seen the dilapidated Northgate Apartments at the corner of I-5 and Northgate Way. The mayor said that the now-vacant complex will be replaced with the Northgate Commons. The city will invest $20 million in the project.

“Our $20 million investment builds on our existing historic investment in affordable housing,” Harrell said. “We will continue to invest in projects that meet the needs of our communities.”

New low-income housing development in Northgate

The development will be built in an already bustling neighborhood. Harrell said the Northgate area has everything needed for families to thrive.

“We’re in walking distance of a light-rail station, the North Seattle College, a public library, a community center, a retail space that provides shopping, and employment opportunities,” Harrell said.

The complex will have up to 1,400 homes, including more than 400 affordable units. When the mayor was asked how the city can make such a large investment in tough budgetary times, his answer was simple.

“In a tight budget, you look at your priorities, and affordable housing is one of our highest priorities,” Harrell said. “This is us at our best — realizing that housing, and affordability, making sure we have a diverse population in our Seattle of all income levels, is who we want to be.”

According to the Office of Mayor Harrell, demolition of existing structures will commence in early 2026.

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It was a long time coming. King County was originally named after U.S. Vice President Rufus de Vane King in 1852. King was a plantation owner in Alabama who reportedly owned between 250 and 500 slaves.

In 1986, the King County Council, with support from county residents, passed a proposal to rename the county after a champion of justice, rather than a slave owner.

“Martin Luther King Jr. was much more meaningful to be named after a guy whose life was based on creating social justice, fairness, and equity for all people,” Larry Gossett, former Chair of the King County Council, said. “So, it still continues to thrill me to see people recognizing and celebrating the meaningfulness of who our county’s namesake is. And I remain proud of the role I played in bringing that about.”

The change still needed a vote from the legislature and the governor’s signature. The legislature finally passed the renaming bill before Governor Christine Gregoire signed it into law in April 2005.

The name change became official 20 years ago today, July 24, 2005.

“Changing the history of the county is symbolic. It’s symbolic to honor the best in ourselves, which is Martin Luther King Jr. A person who stood for non-violent protest,” Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell said. “This is a great time to celebrate that, particularly when we are actually encouraging people to peacefully protest what they believe in.”

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SPD responded to a welfare check, about 1:40 p.m., near 15th Avenue West and West Newton Street. Callers reported an unresponsive man, slumped in a car with the engine running.

“When the officers arrived to try to contact this individual, he took off,” SPD Detective Eric Munoz said. “The vehicle was traveling southbound and dragged an officer.”

Fortunately, the officer was not injured. Police are still searching for the suspect, and they said that during his escape, there were reports of vehicles being damaged as he got away.

If you live in that area and your vehicle was damaged, call SPD or 911.

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However, this is different — since April 1, the Seattle Police Department (SPD) has responded to 20 assaults or homicides involving a knife.

“They are easily concealed and accessible as well,” SPD Detective Brian Pritchard said. “Guns might be a little more difficult to get ahold of, so people tend to use knives to protect themselves.”

The latest attack happened Monday evening, just after five o’clock on 3rd Avenue and James Street in Pioneer Square.

Officers found a man with a stab wound to the head. Witnesses said there was a fight before the stabbing. The victim is in stable condition, and no arrests have been made. Police can’t fully explain the upward trend.

“We don’t have any indication that it’s people that are unhoused or anything like that. Like I said, it’s usually during the summer months, assaults go up and right now there tends to be more stabbings,” Pritchard said.

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“A sales tax is not the tool that any of us would have chosen in an ideal world, but the legislature didn’t give us a menu of options,” King County Council Member Girmay Zahilay said. “They gave us one tool, and it’s the only tool available to avoid devastating cuts to our core public safety services.”

The county is facing a budget deficit of about $180 million, mostly due to funding cuts at the federal level.

The shortfall would hamper the county’s ability to fund core public services like sheriff’s deputies, prosecutors, public defenders, and agencies that provide services and support for crime victims.

King County Council member Reagan Dunn votes against tax

During public comment, most were in favor of the tax, even those who expressed concern. King County Council member Reagan Dunn was the only council member to vote against the plan.

“King County has raised taxes by more than 40% on taxpayers over the last 10 years,” Dunn said. “That’s a very significant set of increases, for all kinds of different things.”

The new tax goes into effect January 1, 2026, and puts King County among the highest taxed counties in the state.

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The first 911 calls started coming in just after 7 a.m. When firefighters arrived, they said the rear of the building was engulfed.

Nine people were inside, including two caregivers. Everyone managed to get out, then they noticed that a man, who was bound to a wheelchair, was unaccounted for.

“They (firefighters) prioritized the back side of the home, which is where the 76-year-old man was last seen, and sadly, they did find him deceased,” Pierce County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Carly Cappetto said.

The Pierce County Sheriff’s Office routinely responds when there is a death investigation.

Half a dozen displaced by Pierce County fire

The most immediate problem, for now, is that at least half a dozen people are now homeless.

“Many of these residents are displaced now and so just really working with services and facilities to accommodate them and provide for them while they work through this tough time,” Cappetto said.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

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During the conversation, łÉČËXŐľ host Ursula Reutin, who does not drink, told the story of her being pulled over and doing a field sobriety test. Swank responded by saying she shouldn’t have taken the test.

“I can tell you this, if WSP made a traffic stop, first off, you should never do a field sobriety test,” Swank said. “I don’t know why you did that, even if you drink or not, but that’s for another discussion. Some other time, and I’m giving that free legal advice to everybody out there.”

Swank later added, “If you’re smart, you don’t give us more evidence.”

Former King County Sheriff responds to Pierce County sheriff’s comment

Retired King County Sheriff John Urquhart, a 43-year law enforcement veteran — with five of those years as a sheriff — is a regular listener of “Gee and Ursula” and heard Swank’s interview.

“I’m concerned that another police officer would undermine police investigations and what we do, how we hold people accountable, how we are able to charge them with a crime when appropriate,” Urquhart said. “I have to think, what next? Advice to always wear gloves to a burglary. Never take your cell phone to a homicide. What’s next.”

Swank, himself, was arrested for DUI in Pacific County in 2007. He admits to drinking too much, but he wasn’t driving. He said he believes the case was mishandled, but took a plea deal to a lesser charge because he didn’t want to embarrass the department and wanted to do what he thought was best for his family.

Dickerson was arrested on July 12, just south of Graham. Investigators said he failed to yield the right-of-way at an intersection and collided with an SUV carrying six people. Three adults and three children were sent to the hospital. So far, no charges have been filed against Dickerson, as prosecutors wait for the return of DUI testing results from the Washington State Patrol (WSP) Crime Lab.

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It is a high-tech center on the 7th floor of SPD’s headquarters in downtown Seattle, but its reach is citywide.

A team of analysts works 19 hours a day, seven days a week. They monitor video and data streams to provide real-time analysis to officers on the street. The center has already supported hundreds of investigations.

Seattle Police Department’s crime center seeing success but raising privacy concerns

The center officially went online on May 20. There have already been early successes in identifying suspects, assisting with locations, and making arrests. But there are concerns about privacy.

“We control where all of our data goes. We do not have open sharing, anybody can access it. We control who gets to look at what we get,” SPD Capt. Jim Britt said.

Barnes said the center is part of a larger plan to make Seattle safer.

“I stand on the side of crime prevention, not just responding to crime, but we want to ensure that we have less victims than we had the year prior,” he explained.

Cameras are located along Aurora Avenue in North Seattle, in the downtown core, and in the Chinatown-International District. However, more cameras are expected to be installed.

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The council passed the welcoming jurisdiction policy by an 8-1 margin. King County Council member Reagan Dunn was the lone dissenting vote.

“This action builds on King County’s legacy and commitment to ensuring immigrants and refugees are not only welcome here, but they are protected here,” King County Council member Teresa Mosqueda said.

King County measure aims to make refugees, immigrants feel safe

Immigrants and refugees comprise 25% of the King County population. The measure aims to make it clear that everything that can be done will be done to make sure our immigrant and refugee populations feel safe. Mosqueda said it’s a matter of trust.

“We know that welcoming jurisdiction policies, like the one we are enhancing today, are critical for ensuring residents can trust their local government,” she said. “When welcoming jurisdiction policies are in place, they assure that every resident is able to trust their local government. That means more people attend school, more people attend public health clinics, more people can rely on county hospitals like ours, and critically, more people can trust their local law enforcement in moments of crisis.”

The measure is meant to counter what’s happening at the federal level with President Donald Trump’s “big, beautiful bill,” passed and signed into law last week.

The council also intends to consider legislation that would ensure county employees do not cooperate with or assist with any surveillance programs.

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The Wenatchee, already one of the largest boats in the fleet, is now the most technologically advanced ferry in the fleet. The conversion cost $133 million and makes the Wenatchee the largest hybrid-electric ferry in all of North America.

“We’ve made a decision to transition away from that dirty fuel, and that climate change gas, and we’re doing it right here on the Wenatchee,” former Washington Governor Jay Inslee said.

Inslee joined current Washington Governor Bob Ferguson for a tour aboard the Wenatchee along with members of the media.

Washington State Ferries’ hybrid-electric ferry conversion

During the conversion, two of the Wenatchee’s four diesel engines and two generators were removed. Meanwhile, two battery rooms and 864 batteries were added.

“The Wenatchee is now the largest hybrid-electric ferry in the entire country. It has a 202-vehicle capacity,” Ferguson said.

The Wenatchee is expected to burn 25% less diesel. Once shore charging is installed at the docks, as early as 2029, the Wenatchee will reduce greenhouse emissions by up to 95% and burn up to one million fewer gallons of diesel each year.

“We’re leading the world in a decarbonized, maritime fleet starting right here with the Wenatchee,” Inslee said.

The ferry operates similarly to most hybrid vehicles. When the Wenatchee is running under diesel power, the batteries are charged. When the battery’s charge reaches a certain level, the diesel engines shut off and the electric motors take over. This results in a much smoother ride for passengers and significantly less vibration, which is less physically taxing on the crew.

Washington State Ferries converted the Wenatchee to its first hybrid-electric ferry. (Photo: James Lynch, łÉČËXŐľ Newsradio)

And the news gets better, especially for those who use the ferries regularly.

“Bringing the Wenatchee back online is the final piece of the puzzle to restoring full domestic service to pre-pandemic levels,” Ferguson said.

Inslee called it a major point of pride for all Washingtonians, whether they use the ferries or not.

“It’s got the most advanced electric propulsion system ferry, not just in Washington, not just in America, but in all of North America,” Inslee said.

The Wenatchee will officially go back into service next week. It will provide service between Seattle and Bainbridge Island.

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Surrounded by his wife and two of his children, Shon Barnes, 50, was sworn in Wednesday afternoon at the Northwest African American Museum.

“I see you. I hear you. And we are accountable to you. I promise to lead with urgency, empathy, and courage,” Barnes said in his message to the citizens of Seattle.

Shon Barnes pledges full Seattle Police Department staff by 2027

Barnes said community safety is job one. To be successful, Barnes has set a goal to have the department up to full staff by sometime in 2027. He also plans to collaborate with stakeholders, community leaders, and those within his own department. Community policing, he said, is at the core of who he is as a leader in the law-enforcement community.

“Leadership is not defined by the exercise of power, but by the capacity to increase the sense of power among those led. The most essential work of the leader is to create more leaders,” Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell said. “Chief Barnes exemplifies this in every city he has touched.”

Barnes was introduced by his wife, Dr. Stephanie Dance-Barnes.

“Shon understands trust is not something that comes with a title. It is something that must be earned over time through actions, transparency, and consistency,” Dance-Barnes said.

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Prosecutors declined to file charges, at least for now. Snohomish County Prosecutors are handling the case to avoid any conflict of interest. The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office’s (KCPAO) civil division represents the assessor’s office and all King County agencies.

This doesn’t mean Wilson won’t be charged. In fact, he could still be charged at any time before the statute of limitation expires. The problem seems to be that prosecutors have yet to get all the evidence from Seattle police and/or that they haven’t made a charging decision at this time. If charges are filed, Wilson will be notified of the court date and location.

King County Assessor arrested

Wilson was arrested last week for allegedly stalking his former fiancée, Lee Keller, and for violating a court order to stay away from her.

The two had been involved in a long-term relationship that went bad. Wilson was arrested near Keller’s home last Wednesday night.

King County Assessor’s ex-fiancĂ©e continues to speak out

During Wilson’s initial court appearance following his arrest, Keller showed up unexpectedly and addressed the court.

“I’m here to tell you I’m very concerned about my safety,” Keller said in court. “I currently have an active restraining order in place and John Wilson continues to violate it.”

Wilson opted not to appear in court last week. However, his attorney, John Palito, was there representing him.

“Ms. Keller has stated John Wilson never assaulted her. There has never been any threats of physical assault. There are allegations that he violated an order of protection. That’s it,” Palito said.

There have been calls for Wilson to resign his position as King County assessor, and last month, the King County Council unanimously passed a vote of no confidence against him. But Wilson said he won’t step down and is currently running for King County executive.

This story was originally published on July 7, 2025. It has been updated and republished since then.

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“We showed up June 27, and there was a notice on our window saying we were being evicted July 31,” Little Red Hen General Manager Kyle Snodgrass said.

The Hen, as it is commonly called by regulars, started serving cold beer and offering live country music in 1933. It’s been at the same Green Lake location since 1968.

Seattle’s Little Red Hen has been in the community for decades. (Photo courtesy of the Little Red Hen)

Generations of families have found their own “cheers” at the Little Red Hen.

“This is a place where you don’t even invite your friends down here, you just know they’re here. You come down here and walk in, and you know at least thirty or forty of them will be here,” Snodgrass said.

The venue has also been a hub for up-and-coming artists, providing them with the opportunity to perform live and hone their talents for bigger and better things.

“The live music that is offered to new musicians, you say the Showbox, but you have to have a platform for these musicians to grow to play at a Showbox,” Snodgrass said.

The venue is so popular that Stone Temple Pilots shot the video for the song “Plush” at the Hen. That video launched their careers.

Little Red Hen closing over lease agreement

Snodgrass said the eviction comes amid a dispute over a lease agreement. He is hopeful that the dispute can be settled and the bar can remain open for its loyal customers, adding to its 92-year history in the Pacific Northwest. Hope is all they have, and lawyers are working to save the Seattle institution.

“It’s devastating for the community. It’s a place where people come, and they become family just walking in the door,” Snodgrass shared.

Customers are rallying to do what they can to help save their favorite country bar. If you’d like to help, follow on Instagram.

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