Washington

Published on: November 7, 2023

Man Issued More than 300 Deadly Threats to Arresting Deputies

A man in the Florida Keys who allegedly claimed he was a mercenary reportedly threatened the safety and lives of deputies, their wives and children, and a K9 officer hundreds of times when he was arrested for driving under the influence.

Late in the afternoon on October 2, a man was driving a Kia SUV on Highway 1 in Monroe County. According to reports, deputies spotted the driver, who was allegedly going over the posted speed limit and was operating the vehicle in an unsafe manner.

The deputies performed a traffic stop, and when they reached the vehicle, they alleged that they could smell a strong odor of marijuana. They also reportedly spotted a can of Bud Light that appeared to be open.

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Published on: February 24, 2021

Reserve Officer Tried to Sic K9 on Police During DUI Arrest

by Staycie R. Sena

An off-duty Washington reserve officer accused of driving under the influence while operating a stolen police car allegedly resisted arrest and tried to summon his K9 to attack.

49-year-old Shane Jones was a deputy with the Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office for 17-years before he retired from his position.

In November, Jones became a reserve officer for the Soap Lake police.

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Published on: September 1, 2019

Court Will Treat Councilman’s 4th DUI Charge as His 1st

by Staycie R. Sena

According to the attorney working for a Washington City Councilman who has been charged with his fourth DUI, the charge will be viewed as a first-time offense.

On Monday afternoon, 42-year-old Matthew Staniszewski, a Washington City Councilman, was allegedly found behind the wheel of his Honda that was reportedly idle and askew on the side of the road in a position that was blocking oncoming traffic.

An officer approached the vehicle and reported that empty miniature bottles of liquor were laying on the floor of the car, and Staniszewski allegedly appeared rather disoriented.

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Published on: November 29, 2017

Drunk Man Allegedly Having Sex While Driving Crashes with Infant in Car

by Staycie R. Sena

A Washington couple engaged in sexual activity while driving with the woman’s 3-month-old daughter in the car were the victims of an accident when they slammed into a tree on Wednesday. They were both intoxicated at the time of the crash.

The day before Thanksgiving Michael Tonkin was driving down a winding mountain road with a female companion and her baby. Tonkin and the woman were fully disrobed, and she was reportedly straddling him in the driver’s seat as they has sex. According to statements by police both Tonkin and the woman were inebriated.

Tonkin allegedly lost control of the car as he tried to navigate the bends in the road, causing him to swerve off of the shoulder and crash into a tree. Onlookers said they spotted the pair emerging from the vehicle completely nude after the wreck.

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Published on: November 3, 2017

Psychic Accused of Bogus Business after Prior Fraud Conviction

by Staycie R. Sena

A woman working as a psychic out of a business in Mount Vernon, Washington, has been charged with defrauding clients after she was convicted for the same offense nearly ten years ago in Florida.

69-year-old Linda Marks, a woman claiming she is a psychic, stood trial in 2006 in Florida for scamming mostly ill and vulnerable clients for more than $2 million over a period of eight years by offering supernatural solutions to their dilemmas. Just before she was given a four year sentence she made a statement to the court apologizing for her actions. Marks explained that she learned to steal as a result of growing up in a gypsy community, and a family member trained her in fortunetelling. “This is our heritage. This is the way we are taught to survive,” she said.

Marks has now moved her business to Mount Vernon, Washington. A woman recently sought the help of Marks for romantic, physical and family problems which were causing her to suffer from depression. Marks allegedly informed the woman that she was afflicted with a curse, and she could be cured through spiritual means.

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