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Mount Vernon officials report 71 arrests after increased patrols in North River commercial area
Summary
Mayor Peter Donovan and Police Chief Daniel Christmann said emphasis patrols generated 120 proactive cases in three weeks and 71 arrests this month in the North River commercial area; city cites cooperation with retailers, jail and prosecutors and says new officers have been hired.
Mount Vernon Mayor Peter Donovan and Police Chief Daniel Christmann said increased emphasis patrols this month have produced 120 proactive cases in the North River commercial area and 71 arrests for drug-related crimes, theft, burglary, malicious mischief and outstanding warrants.
Donovan told residents the city has hired new officers and is working with retailers around Riverside Drive and College Way to “push back on the criminal activity that we've observed in recent months in some of the commercial areas of our city.” He said the city will use “every legal tool available to us to return these areas to the safe and comfortable shopping districts that we expect to have in Skagit County.”
The mayor said the patrols generated 120 proactive cases in the North River commercial area — near the Safeway, Hobby Lobby and Goodwill — over the past three weeks and that there have been 71 arrests in that area so far this month. “We've noticed the problem, and we are not okay with letting it continue,” Donovan said.
Donovan attributed part of the problem to staffing shortages in previous years and to “state legislation that has limited an appropriate police response,” saying those factors “have contributed to the type of bold lawlessness that you may be seeing in Mount Vernon and in most other cities in Washington state.” He did not cite a specific statute or bill during the statement.
Officials said the police department has worked with local retailers to cite and prosecute individuals for open drug use, drug distribution and disruptive behavior; even incidents such as shopping cart theft have resulted in citations. Donovan said the county jail and local prosecutors have been cooperative in processing cases.
The mayor also addressed people experiencing homelessness, saying city staff will try to connect unhoused residents with shelter, food and medical services. “If you are unhoused living on the streets of Mount Vernon and you choose to engage in illegal activity, we have staff who are committed to finding you as well and getting you connected to our local justice system,” Donovan said.
City officials urged residents to report suspected illegal activity by calling 911 and said the success of enforcement efforts depends in part on merchants’ willingness to assist in policing private property.
The mayor closed the update by thanking residents and partners for cooperating with the police department’s efforts to reduce crime in the commercial corridor.
