La Center police report shows fewer total calls in December 2024; department warns against leaving vehicles unattended while warming

Commander Sample presented the La Center Police Department’s December staff report at the Jan. 22 council meeting, reporting a decline in total response calls compared with December 2023 and describing several incidents and enforcement trends.

The commander said community-initiated calls fell from 113 in December 2023 to 62 in December 2024 while deputy-initiated activity was roughly steady (32 in 2023, 31 in 2024), for totals of 145 in 2023 and 93 in 2024 for the month. The department reported 13 reports taken in December 2023 and 15 reports in December 2024, including malicious mischief, a tire slashing, a warrant arrest from a traffic stop, domestic-violence-related information reports and a fraud report concerning a vehicle purchase using fraudulent funds.

Traffic enforcement produced 7 infractions, 8 criminal charges and 10 warnings in December, with speeding and driving while suspended among the most common violations. The commander said the visible presence of deputies near the schools has reduced speeds in those locations.

Commander Sample warned residents about an increase in vehicle thefts during cold weather when vehicles are left running and unattended to warm or defrost. “Unattended vehicles are easy targets for thieves,” he said, advising residents not to leave vehicles running and unattended and to avoid leaving valuables inside. He noted remote-start systems and locking doors while warming are safer alternatives.

Council members asked a technical question about the statute for maximum speed while passing; the commander said he would look up the specific RCW reference. No council action resulted from the police report.