RENTON, Wash. -- Unruly behavior and teens getting into trouble are just some of the reasons why the City of Renton is stepping up security downtown, including the transit center. This comes as police continue to search for suspects in connection with the shooting of a 14-year-old boy.
Police are looking for at least two suspects in Tuesday night's shooting near the transit center. The city is trying to crack down on gang problems in the downtown area. The mayor and police chief say young people are getting into fights and minor thefts in this busy hub.
The city's new safety plan includes the following:
- Police are adding three more officers to patrols from Second and Third streets to Main and Rainier avenues.
- There will be a zero-tolerance for illegal behavior at the transit center.
- Officers can issue warnings or ban someone from the transit center.
- The city is also putting in more lights, cameras and maintenance downtown.
All the additional police presence follows recent shootings near the transit center, including a 14-year-old boy shot multiple times Tuesday night. Another 14-year-old teen was shot last month.
Several bus riders at the transit center welcome the additional security.
I don't take the bus at night, said Alissa Lazaro, college student. I never take the bus at night. I get scared.
We're usually down here a lot and there's a lot of teens in this area - loud and boisterous. You never know what's going to happen, said Ron McHane, bus rider.
Oh yeah. Any sort of presence is good, additional presence that is. But people will do what they do, said Bernie Noll, bus rider.
And for the first time the city is launching a park ranger patrols, where trained volunteers will patrol trails and parks. This comes after an elderly woman died last spring when she was hit by a bike rider while walking on the trail. This new program starts in June.
