Renton’s Police Chief tells KVI juvenile crime in the King County city is “getting more and more brazen” after several recent highly publicized crimes involving armed suspects stealing cars and leading police on lengthy chases.
Chief Jon Schuldt tells KVI there are “many issues at play here” because the problem also affects other south King County cities.
Click the play button below to hear host John Carlson’s interview with Chief Schuldt.
Asked about the propensity of the King County Prosecutor’s office to legally handle juvenile suspects with a diversion policy that avoids jail time for defendants awaiting trial, Schuldt says, “it’s kind of snowballing, right? And that’s where we go (for solutions) when we talk about (juvenile suspects) being more brazen because the lack of accountability. When you’re getting a slap on the wrist (as the juvenile defendant) you’re gonna keep crossing the line, crossing the line and your crimes are going to be greater and greater and greater (i.e. more brazen or violent).”
Schuldt concluded, telling Carlson, “I couldn’t agree with you more.”
One recent juvenile suspect arrested in Renton was found to have cut off four different electronic ankle monitors issued to the 15-year-old while released from custody for home detention.
KVI’s John Carlson can be heard weekdays from 6a-9a on Talk Radio 570 AM and 101.5 FM HD3.
