BREMERTON — There are events that remind us it’s important to have good, experienced police officers making split-second decisions to keep people safe.

Quick decisions

Last Saturday, Officers Cory Ditmer and Bryan Hall responded to a report of a domestic assault at the 100 block of Sheridan Road. A man spoke to them through the door, but refused to open it. After hearing muffled screams inside, they quickly made a decision, used a battering ram and broke the door down.

The officers located a male and female inside the apartment. She had obvious injuries, and was taken to Harrison Hospital. She reported that the man had forced himself on her following a night of drinking, then assaulted her.

The suspect was booked into jail on numerous charges including felony assault, rape and unlawful imprisonment. Excellent job by Officers Ditmer and Hall!

One up on drunk drivers

Also last week, officers assisted the Sheriff’s Office on a vehicle crash just off of Highway 304 in Gorst.

After the crash, witnesses said they saw the clearly intoxicated driver hiding something in the bushes. We arrived just before the Sheriff’s deputies and found the man.

Even before checking his record, officers figured he had been arrested for DUI before, because he was yelling, “Nobody saw me drive!” and, “I don’t have the keys!” Officer Hall’s K-9 partner Ando checked the area of the bushes, immediately located the keys and the man was arrested for DUI. Ando — 1, Drunk Drivers — 0.

Stop committing crimes

A good example of officers going “above and beyond” was evidenced this week on a call that would not get much attention from some police departments.

Last week, Officer Spencer Berntsen took a report from a victim who had their golf clubs stolen from their parked car. They were very good clubs, worth well over $1,000.

This week, Officer Berntsen spent the time to visit local pawn shops and located the stolen golf clubs. The person who pawned the clubs has now been identified, and was arrested and jailed today. He told Officer Berntsen we should stop bothering him, and Officer Berntsen replied, appropriately, “Then stop committing crimes.”

Meth dealer with firearms

Our Special Operations Group completed last week conducted a very good case, in which four firearms were recovered from a convicted felon who was dealing meth.

As we talk about “nonviolent drug offenders” and “mass incarceration,” we need to be mindful that some of the people involved in drug dealing are very violent and absolutely need to go to prison — for a long time.

Luring suspect off the streets

You may have seen last week that officers arrested and jailed the suspect in a series of luring and lewd-conduct cases that had been occurring over the last several weeks. This week, Det. Beau Ayers sent along a message noting the outstanding work on this case by Officer Jake Switzer. Beau writes:

“Officer Switzer began with very little information, but that did not stop him. After conducting extensive research via databases and social media, he was able to put together a strong case.

“He continued contacting the victim, gathering more information. He was able to obtain a confession and went above and beyond. Officer Switzer was able to get this person off the street before the suspect could victimize anyone else and harm other people. A job very well done!”

This is the kind of case that really causes anxiety and fear, especially to those who have to walk in those areas for work or school. Great job Officer Switzer, and thanks Det. Ayers for going out of his way to recognize it.