Neighbors report repeated dog attacks and debris at Federal Way address; police say investigation ongoing

Multiple neighbors told the council Nov. 18 that a property on 2308th Street has generated a long series of complaints they said include aggressive dogs, significant code violations and suspected illegal activity.

"To date, there have been 75 documented police reports associated with this address," Michelle Melosha told the council, recounting incidents in 2025 she said included a 17‑year‑old being bitten and neighbors forced into a garage by loose pit bulls. Melosha asked the council to direct code enforcement and the police department to inspect and pursue every available resource to bring the property into compliance and provide neighbors a clear timeline and point of contact.

Deputy Chief Sumter provided a police update: officers discovered a deceased person in the backyard on Nov. 3 and seized three dogs for investigation. Sumter said forensic evidence tying those seized animals to the death was not found, so the department lacked legal grounds to continue detaining them; one dog remained in custody because there was no owner to return it to. He said two of the three seized dogs were returned after veterinary procedures (one after neutering) and that several other dogs associated with the property had been moved elsewhere prior to seizures. Sumter stressed the investigation is ongoing and invited neighbors to speak with police staff after the meeting for follow‑up.

City code compliance staff told the council there is an open enforcement case for the property and that a notice of violation is being prepared related to junk and debris.

The council and staff committed to follow up with residents: Deputy Chief Sumter offered to meet with neighbors directly after the meeting, and city staff agreed to provide a written status update on code compliance and police actions.