Lakewood police increase presence at city events to deter crime, violence
The Lakewood Police Department will be having more officers patrol city run events to clamp down on potential crime or violence. Author: Lionel Donovan (KING) Updated: 7:00 PM PDT July 20, 2021
LAKEWOOD, Wash. Lakewood police are letting residents know they shouldn’t be surprised to see a few more officers at events like farmers markets and drive-in movies.
The goal is making people feel safe when they go out, especially now that there are places and events for people to go to.
“Attendance has been astonishing. Once the state reopened, people just came back in throngs back to Lakewood parks and events,” said Jim Kopriva, communications manager for the City of Lakewood. “At American Lake, you were seeing a thousand people crunched together on the beach during the heat wave. And when you run out of elbow room, that’s when you can run into some problems.”
Lakewood park reopens following fatal weekend shooting
News Tribune, Tacoma, Wash. 3 hrs ago Abby Miller, The News Tribune (Tacoma, Wash.)
Jun. 28 Lakewood s American Lake Park reopened Monday at noon after being closed Saturday following a homicide there.
A teenager is charged with fatally shooting a man at the park Saturday about 7 p.m. The victim had at least five gunshot wounds, and the teenager fled the scene shortly before being arrested. The victim has not been identified.
Jaelin Jackson, 19, was charged Monday with first-degree murder and second-degree murder for the homicide. Jackson s arraignment was scheduled for Monday afternoon.
Over 1,000 people were at the park Saturday, seeking relief from the excessive heat.
Shooting in Lakewood leads to pursuit and arrest of suspect American Lake Park closed
News Tribune, Tacoma, Wash. 4 hrs ago Sean Robinson, The News Tribune (Tacoma, Wash.)
Jun. 27 One man was in custody Saturday after a shooting at American Lake Park in Lakewood sent another man to Madigan Army Medical Center with multiple gunshot wounds, Lakewood Police said. The victim s condition is unknown.
The shots were fired around 7 p.m., and led to a police pursuit of the fleeing suspect, who was arrested shortly afterward, according to Chief Mike Zaro. No one else was hurt. As of Saturday, the suspect was still being interviewed by police, he said.