By Steve Strachan

Bremerton Police Chief

It’s getting warmer, which generally means it’s getting weirder.

Mischievous comets

Sunday night, our dispatch center, Cencom, received a phone call from a man who was concerned about online reports of a comet striking the earth.

Although we believe in responding to the concerns of the public, officers explained that we were unsure of what BPD could do to prevent a comet striking the earth. It was also noted that there is no specific state or municipal law prohibiting it.

Officers felt it may fall under “malicious mischief,” but the degree and amount of damage caused would be a deciding factor. A cataclysmic impact event would likely be charged as a felony.

Tigers and diapers and bags, oh my

Tuesday, officers were called to a report of a suspicious package located behind a building in the downtown area. All employees had been evacuated from the building before our arrival.

Officer Jon Meador examined the bag and thought it was a diaper bag. He carefully opened the bag. Out came a stuffed tiger and some diapers, and the evacuees across the street literally cheered for Officer Meador.

Too clever twofer

Thursday night, officers were sent to an East Bremerton bar for a hit-and-run collision in the parking lot.

While Officer Michelle Griesheimer investigated the collision, Officer Steven Forbragd checked the area and located the suspect vehicle at a nearby gas station. The occupants had already stolen some items from the store, and were just leaving in the car.

Officer Forbragd activated his lights, and noticed that the driver and back-seat passenger were switching seats. It turns out that both were very intoxicated. Because he had seen both driving, this “too clever” maneuver resulted in a rare “twofer” for Officer Forbragd. Following his investigation, he arrested both people for DUI as well as theft.

Time at the courts

Earlier last week, Officer Forbragd responded to a call of kids drinking or using drugs in the park area near Naval Avenue Elementary.

It turned out the kids were carrying “water bottles,” not “water bongs.” The kids asked Officer Forbragd to play a game of basketball, and he couldn’t refuse.

Sgt. Plumb notes that while Officer Forbragd is definitely no Stephen Curry, or even a Chris Faidley (a starter at Whitman College), he held his own.

Officer Forbragd asked backup Officer Derek Ejde to assist. He agreed, but only lasted about two baskets before calling it quits, throwing his arms out in exasperation and utter exhaustion. Derek will be working on his overall fitness.

Graduation from rigorous program

Last week, I was honored to be the speaker at the graduation for 14 people from Kitsap County Drug Court. This program allows drug offenders to have their charges dismissed if they enter and complete a very rigorous drug-treatment program and make a long-term commitment to sobriety.

It is a great ceremony that celebrates a group of people

who have worked very hard to deal with their addiction. Over 100 friends and family were there to show their support.

After the ceremony, a couple of young people came up to me because they said they wanted to talk about Bremerton’s officers. Both had been arrested, more than once, and had been involved with the justice system. Both wanted me to know that every BPD officer they had ever encountered, even in negative situations, was respectful and treated them like human beings.

There is nothing better to hear about our colleagues as we do this sometimes difficult job!

Welcome to BPD

Finally, we welcome our new Warrant Officer, Ian Sipple, who will start in his new position May 17. Ian comes to us from the NBK Police. Welcome, Ian!