String of shootings in Tukwila sparks community action meeting with police

TUKWILA, Wash. – A string of shootings in a week prompted a community action meeting Monday night, bringing police chiefs of SeaTac and Tukwila to Riverton Park Methodist Church to talk to residents.

The Monday night meeting was organized by Neighbors Without Borders Action Committee; several dozen community members attended.

“We had a bad week, a really bad week … but it’s not a trend,” said Tukwila Police Chief Mike Villa.

Villa said violent crime is on the decrease in Tukwila and that statics show that the city is getting safer. The recent string of shootings, he said, were unrelated to each other and did not involve gangs.

“We’re a safe city and also for us to continue to be safe, we need this community engagement,” said Villa.

One of the victims of the August shootings was 18-year-old Bryan Dominguez-Navarro. His father told Q13 News the violence needs to stop.

“I never expected that this happen to him,” said Carlos Dominguez. “I hope everything , the violence, the drugs,” he said, adding “we are so tired about it.”

Community members asked police questions about the shootings, general crime and what they can do to help police. Police said they are working to get an officer dedicated to social media to help bridge the communication gap some community members said they felt.