Aug. 23, 2024
As part of the Lakewood City Council meeting Aug. 19, 2024 Lakewood Police Chief Patrick D. Smith recognized officers and residents alike for going above and beyond to help members of the community.
Lakewood community members recognized were:
Rebecca Erber: In March 2024 Lakewood Animal Control Officer Corene Buck responded to a call about a Pitbull attack. When she arrived she found a Pitbull and small white dog loose and a 70-year-old woman who was severely injured. Erber intervened in the dog attack by using a stick to fight off the aggressive dog until help arrived. This act demonstrated remarkable courage, strength, compassion and competence during this critical incident. Despite the danger posed by the aggressive dog and the smaller dog, Erber bravely confronted the situation, using only a stick to drive the dogs away from the injured victim. Her quick actions and selfless concern for the victim prevented further harm and were crucial in ensuring the victim’s safety. The woman who was attacked experienced significant injuries including bites and severe bruising. She expressed deep gratitude for Erber’s intervention, noting that her actions likely prevented even more severe injuries or possible death.
For her exemplary bravery and assistance, Rebecca Erber was recognized for a commendation in recognition of her extraordinary courage, strength, compassion, and competence during this emergency.
Dr. Alan Hart: was recognized for his extraordinary dedication and service to the city and community he calls home. Afounding member of the Lakewood Emergency Response and Preparedness Group in 2004, Hart played a pivotal role in the development of the city’s first emergency management plans through its new police department. His commitment to ensuring the safety and preparedness of Lakewood’s citizens is unwavering. For 18 years, Hart has served with distinction on the Lakewood Public Safety Advisory Committee, providing invaluable thought, insight, and expertise to its important work.
In addition to his advisory role, Hart completed Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training and is a dedicated volunteer in the program, demonstrating his hands-on commitment to community safety. His exemplary service was recognized in 2011 when he received the Governor’s Volunteer Award for his outstanding contributions.
We celebrate Hart’s remarkable dedication, service, and the profound impact he has had on the Lakewood community. His legacy of service and commitment to public safety will continue to inspire future generations.
Mike Ott: During an elder fraud case investigation, Investigators Stephen Moffitt and Shawn Noble employed a ruse to lure the suspect to Tacoma Towing. Mike Ott and the employees of Tacoma Towing assisted with the ruse, helping to convince the suspect to come to Tacoma Towing during several phone conversations. Mr. Ott’s assistance was crucial to the investigation and facilitated the suspect’s arrest.
Lakewood police department members were recognized for the following:
Officers Wabinga, Kirkham and Sgt. Maulen: In November 2023 Officer Wabinga came across a suspicious vehicle while on patrol. Inside were two people who were unresponsive and showing signs of drug use. One of the people finally woke up, but the other showed signs of distress with blue lips and irregular breathing. Officer Wabinga requested medical assistance and began life-saving measures, including giving the person four doses of Narcan. West Pierce Fire & Rescue medical teams arrived and were able to revive the person. Without the intervention of Officer Wabinga the person likely would have died from drug overdose. With the help of officers Kirkham and Sgt. Maulen, the trio saved the person’s life and fulfilled their oath to protect and serve the community.
Officers Bentz, Draft, Mahaffey, Wabinga and Walker: In October 2023 Officers Walker, Mahaffey, and Bentz responded to a robbery and sexual assault at a massage parlor. The suspect, who posed as a client, threatened the victim with a pistol, zip-tied her, and assaulted her. A neighboring business owner intervened after hearing her screams. The officers canvassed for security footage, consulted an on-duty prosecutor about a stolen cellphone, and obtained a warrant for the phone to try to find the suspect. They also arranged a sexual assault nurse examiner visit for the victim.
Officers Bentz, Mahaffey, and Walker demonstrated exceptional dedication in handling the scene, recovering and preserving evidence, and canvassing the neighborhood. Ofc. Walker conducted a thorough interview with the victim using language services, coordinated transport, and pursued the cellphone warrant.
Later, Officers Wabinga, Dragt, and Walker located a suspect near the incident site. Officers Wabinga and Dragt faced uncomfortable and explicit comments from the suspect to advance the investigation. They also traveled outside Lakewood to locate the victim and strengthen the case.
Officer Pyon: In September 2023 Officer Pyon was sent to check on a resident whose family said when they would call her, she would answer but not speak. Afte speaking with the resident he learned that the phone allowed them to hear their family, but the microphone was broken so the caller on the other end of the phone could not hear when they talked back. The phone was the resident’s only way to communicate with family. Officer Pyon purchased a new landline for the resident with his own money. This selfless act went above and beyond Officer’s Pyon’s regular duties to make sure the resident was cared for. This undoubtedly left an impression on the resident, as well as the family members who can now communicate with her without problem.
Sgt. Paynter, Officers Catlett, Dier and Teclemariam: In November 2023, a known felon was arrested after a pursuit. Police obtained a warrant to search the felon’s vehicle. This led to further investigation and probable cause to search his residence in Tacoma. The search found four ballistic vests, four firearms—including an AR pistol, a Polymer 80 with a 100-round drum, and a Tec22—a suppressor, $4,000 in cash, over a pound of methamphetamine, a quarter pound of fentanyl powder and 1,000 fentanyl pills. The felon required medical attention and was taken to the hospital for treatment. He was released and not immediately arrested. A month later due to the hard work of the Lakewood Special Response Team, the suspect was arrested on numerous felony charges, including robbery, unlawful possession of firearms and unlawful possession of controlled substances with intent. Following his arrest police were granted permission to further search the suspect’s property and vehicle. Officers found 10 firearms, substantial quantities of Fentanyl, Methamphetamine, Heroin, and Cocaine. A loaded AK-47 was recovered from his Mercedes, which was the vehicle he used to run from police. The suspect was charged as a habitual property offender. The successful operation and subsequent recovery of dangerous substances and firearms are a testament to the hard work and dedication of all law enforcement involved. Their collective efforts in apprehending the suspect and ensuring justice for the community are commendable and deserving of recognition.