The Spotlight: Debate over drug addiction
video

As the debate over drug addiction continues, the Seattle City Council blocks the City Attorney from prosecuting open air drug use, required by a new state law. This week, The Spotlight dives into who is now responsible for enforcing the law, and should jail time be part of the solution?

The Spotlight: Unique, unsolved and often unexpected crimes
video

This week on The Spotlight we bring you crimes of a different kind: unique, unsolved, and often unexpected. We start with two local elementary school principles put on administrative leave for drug use and erratic behavior in a local grocery store. Plus, criminals wearing wet suits make off with $20,000 in cash after breaking into a home on lake Washington, and their get away car, was a kayak.

The Spotlight: Accountability vs. treatment when it comes to illegal substances
video

Washington state has adopted a new criminal drug law that will make having or using those drugs a gross misdemeanor. Critics, say it focuses too much on criminal punishment. Supporters say it will address the public disorder on our streets, provide tens of millions of dollars for drug treatment and diversion programs and hopefully save lives. This week, The Spotlight takes an in depth look at the issue of accountability vs treatment when it comes to illegal substances.

The Spotlight: Holding dealers accountable if they sell a pill that kills
video

This week on the Spotlight, anyone can be held criminally responsible for suppling a deadly dose of fentanyl to someone, but law enforcement says these are some of the toughest cases to build, and even harder to prove in court. We sit down with one undercover narcotics detective who has made it his mission to go after these dealers anyway. Plus, the suspect in a brutal 1994 murder of a mother and her three-year-old son goes before a judge for the first time. We explain why this court appearance may have come a little too late for the victim?s family.

The Spotlight: Dangers of hazing, dark side of social media, new breed of dog thieves
video

This week on The Spotlight: We're barely into May, but we've already seen too many children with guns in their hands - some fake, most stolen, and almost always a danger to themselves and others. Alcohol can be just as deadly as a bullet, though - just ask the family of a WSU student whose name is now forever linked to the dangers of hazing. And then, there?s the dark side of social media. It took about two years for an Eastside dad to finally open up about the most traumatic and shocking event of his life, he?s sharing his story now to spare others from the same pain. Also in this show: special sessions, sex offender housing, and a new breed of dog thieves, willing to disfigure your pet if the money?s right.

Fife Police use virtual reality to train officers

As law enforcement agencies around the state compete to attract new officers, Fife PD said they hope those interested in the virtual reality training will contact them for one of their four open positions.

The Spotlight: Washington's semi-automatic rifle ban faces court challenges
video

The sale, distribution and import of assault-style weapons has been officially outlawed in Washington state but big legal challenges still lie ahead. Plus, virtual reality training, bean bag guns and the Bolawarp. New tools and trainings for law enforcement officers that look like something straight out of a comic book. All of that and more, on this episode of The Spotlight.

The Spotlight: 2 people die every day in King County from fentanyl overdose
video

New data sparks an executive order that hopes to combat the fast moving fentanyl crisis in Seattle. Plus, a long battle to ban assault weapons is finally over, and a man convicted of killing an Everett police officer will spend the rest of his life behind bars. All that and more, on this week?s episode of The Spotlight.

Zombie drug: Police, addiction services warn horrific new fentanyl mix 'Tranq' is deadly
video

Tranq users get turned into real-life zombies, right down to loss of basic mental function and the rotting flesh. Some of the most chilling accounts of Tranq’s impact come from those most familiar with the drug: front line mental health professionals, addiction services, and the users themselves.

The Spotlight: Washington to become one of only nine states to restrict or ban assault weapons
video

Big decisions coming out of Olympia, starting with a change in the way guns are bought and sold making Washington one of only nine states to restrict, and in most cases ban assault weapons. Also, local law enforcement agencies are given the green light when it comes to pursuing criminals, unfortunately it won?t help you with your stolen car. All of this and more on this week?s episode of The Spotlight.

Snohomish County debuts new Snohawk5 helicopter
video

The Snohomish County Sheriff?s Office has a new eye in the sky to help locate suspects and in and search and rescue operations. Chief Pilot Bill Quistorf says the 1989 MD 500E replaces the 1966 Hughes 500p helicopter that they had been flying for years. ?It?s pretty flawless. It looks almost brand new. It has very little flight hours on it. We were very fortunate to receive federal grant funds to purchase this one. It increases officer safety to help locate suspects at night on our infrared camera and using night vision goggles,? said Quistorf.

The Spotlight: A disturbing 930% rise in assaults on Seattle firefighters
video

A disturbing 930% rise in assaults on Seattle Firefighters found in public records, we dig into the data to try to understand why. Plus, a bill aimed at banning assault weapons is one step closer to becoming law, and the one the most infamous highway homeless encampments in Washington has entered its final stages of clearing out. All of that and more, on this week?s episode of The Spotlight.

The Spotlight: A disturbing rise in assaults on Seattle firefighters
video

A disturbing rise in assaults on Seattle Firefighters found in public records, we dig into the data to try to understand why. Plus, a bill aimed at banning assault weapons is one step closer to becoming law, and the one the most infamous highway homeless encampments in Washington has entered its final stages of clearing out. All of that and more, on this week’s episode of The Spotlight.

Volunteer finds body in tent near T-Mobile Park in Seattle

In a week filled with all the fanfare of Mariners' opening day, you may have missed a moment of tragedy that played out just a long fly-ball away from T-Mobile Park.

Volunteer finds body in tent near T-Mobile Park in Seattle
video

In a week filled with all the fanfare of Mariners' opening day, you may have missed a moment of tragedy that played out just a long fly-ball away from T-Mobile Park.

Proposed bill in Washington state would set up independent office to investigate deadly police shootings
video

Most of the attention on police reform this legislative session has been focused on efforts to loosen the rules for some police pursuits. But another bill may have a much bigger impact on law enforcement in our state, and it's moving fast toward final passage. House Bill 1579 would set up an independent office to investigate deadly police shootings. One case in particular brought up repeatedly at the final public hearing was the March 2020 death of Manny Ellis in Tacoma.

The Spotlight: West Seattle man working to provide shelter to those who need it
video

Keith Hughes is used to opening his door to help people in need, but sometimes those people need more help than he can provide. As the president and only full-time staff member of the Westside Neighbors Network Shelter in West Seattle, Keith spends his nights overseeing one of the only shelters in King County that will accept anyone in need of a place to sleep at any time.

Seattle man accused of murder collects thousands in taxpayer money while in jail
video

A Seattle man accused of several violent attacks, including murder, has earned tens of thousands of dollars in taxpayer dollars while in jail. Alexander Jay is accused of attacking a woman at a light rail station and throwing her down the stairs.

The Spotlight: Seattle initiative focuses on keeping most prolific offenders from committing more crimes
video

Seattle businesses have known since a "system failure" report came out three years ago that it was the same group of prolific offenders causing most of the crimes they faced each day. Now, Seattle's City Attorney Ann Davison says an initiative she started a year ago is showing promise at keeping those same suspects from committing more crimes.