MY DAMN NEIGHBORHOOD EXPANDED: AN UPDATE

Since yesterday's post more information has been released concerning the school shooting at Armin Jahr Elementary School, and the murder of Washington State Trooper Tony Radulescu (the incidents are unrelated.)

An eight-year-old girl was accidentally shot in her third grade class when a classmate slammed

his backpack on his desk, discharging the weapon he carried in the backpack. The girl's condition is stabilizing, though she faces more surgeries in the future. Things are look good for this little girl! The boy has appeared in court, and been released on bail into the custody of an uncle.

In the matter of the slaying of Trooper Tony Radulescu, the primary suspect, Joshua Jearl Blake, shot and killed himself when SWAT was spotted staging near his hideout. To interject a personal note, seems Blake had no interest in cop killing when the officers involved were ready for him. Not surprised he took the cowardly exit when he engaged in a cowardly attack. I wish the family and friends of Trooper Radulescu were allowed a trial to aid in their recovery. South Kitsap County is a small community, so when an officer dies in the line of duty the degrees of separation range from one degree to three. I have heard nothing but praise for Trooper Radulescu.

Gorst has been rather active these past couple of days. This morning's cup of coffee was poured to the sound of circling helicopters. Initial thoughts ran to concerns of another felony gunman. I was soon to learn we lost a sailor stationed on the USS Ronald Reagan. The sailor drove his SUV into Sinclair Inlet after clipping another vehicle. No other fatalities or injuries have been reported in this incident.

The communities in this slip of Washington State, Gig Harbor to Silverdale, are closely knit together. With any luck the next few days will be tragedy free for all of us.

Links:
Joshua Jearl Blake AKA Douche Bag
Armin Jahr Shooting Victim
Armin Jahr School Community
USS Ronald Reagan Sailor

MY DAMN NEIGHBORHOOD EXPANDED: GUN PLAY AND BLADES

Ash Wednesday observances for 2012 resembled Hollywood's depiction of a 19th century 4th of July celebration with guns firing off as Kitsap County residents made their way through the day. Okay, perhaps that was a little over the top, but it got your attention.

The 22nd of February began like any other quiet day along the sleepy eastern shores of Puget Sound. This changed at 1:29 PM when a 3rd grade girl was shot by a classmate. Current reports state the girl remains in critical condition. The shooter is in custody, and the police believe the shooting was accidental. Charges have been filed against the shooter. More importantly, the victim is at the best hospitals in the area, and I'm looking forward to the reports of her status changing from critical to stable.

Nearly twelve hours later, a Washington state trooper made a routine traffic stop a few miles

from our home. The driver shot and killed the trooper, and remains in hiding. With luck the freedom of the killer is limited. As I write this sirens are tearing through the quiet post rush hour morning while two helicopters patrol the air.

As if these shootings were not tragic enough we have a potential serial killer in Bremerton. The killer is targeting people in the area in which my wife. This would be of less concern to us if she did not work the late shift on the weekends, putting her on the sidewalks around the killer's preferred hunting hours. His weapon of choice is a knife, and this choice has made it possible for one of his victims to escape, thereby allowing the authorities to spread picture of the creep. This investigation now involves Bremerton Police, Port Orchard Police and Sheriff Departments, the Seattle police department, and the FBI. I hope this jerk's time on the streets will soon end.

Taking a look at recent events in Kitsap County, I'm wondering if it might not be a bad decision to take a financial hit by moving to the green zone. But then again we live in a dangerous world, and hiding under the bed covers will achieve nothing beyond living a wasted life. So forget the move. We will get by the best we can, just like everybody else.

Links:
School Shooting
Washington State Trooper
Bremerton Killer