Bremerton remains on edge with killer on the loose
BREMRETON, Wash. -- Many Bremerton residents remain on edge Wednesday evening as police continue their search for someone who might have killed two people and brutally attacked a third.
All three attacks over the past 9 months have appeared random in nature and are within a mile of each other, leading police to think they might be related.
Posters depicting a sketch of the suspect are plastered on windows and telephone polls across the city.
One business owner, who asked to remain anonymous, says she's changed her routine.
"I have been really making eye contact with people paying a lot more attention than I used to," she said. "I have been walking along looking over my shoulder probably every 10 feet just because."
She says she now keeps the front door of her business locked.
A man who works at a nearby tattoo parlor is also keeping his doors locked.
"It is good to have the whole knock-knock situation just because you never know who it is or who they might use as an avenue to get in your place," said Henry Wilson Nichols of Alchemy Gallery and Tattoo.
The first victim was stabbed to death on the 800 block of Warren Avenue in May. The second victim was attacked and survived on Burwell Street near High Avenue in June. The latest victim was killed on the 1300 block of High Avenue on Feb. 3.
Bremerton police say they're taking extra steps to help protect the public.
"We have increased the number of time officers spend on the street talking to pedestrians disseminating our composite sketch and providing citizens with personal safety tips," said Lt. Pete Fisher with Bremerton Police. "We have our bike patrol out whenever possible and we are deploying random patrols both the develop leads and speak to the citizens' fear regarding these three crimes."
Bremerton city councilman Greg Wheeler says he'll hold a community meeting about the case on Feb. 23.
All three attacks over the past 9 months have appeared random in nature and are within a mile of each other, leading police to think they might be related.
Posters depicting a sketch of the suspect are plastered on windows and telephone polls across the city.
One business owner, who asked to remain anonymous, says she's changed her routine.
"I have been really making eye contact with people paying a lot more attention than I used to," she said. "I have been walking along looking over my shoulder probably every 10 feet just because."
She says she now keeps the front door of her business locked.
A man who works at a nearby tattoo parlor is also keeping his doors locked.
"It is good to have the whole knock-knock situation just because you never know who it is or who they might use as an avenue to get in your place," said Henry Wilson Nichols of Alchemy Gallery and Tattoo.
The first victim was stabbed to death on the 800 block of Warren Avenue in May. The second victim was attacked and survived on Burwell Street near High Avenue in June. The latest victim was killed on the 1300 block of High Avenue on Feb. 3.
Bremerton police say they're taking extra steps to help protect the public.
"We have increased the number of time officers spend on the street talking to pedestrians disseminating our composite sketch and providing citizens with personal safety tips," said Lt. Pete Fisher with Bremerton Police. "We have our bike patrol out whenever possible and we are deploying random patrols both the develop leads and speak to the citizens' fear regarding these three crimes."
Bremerton city councilman Greg Wheeler says he'll hold a community meeting about the case on Feb. 23.
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