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ENTERTAINMENT | Singer/songwriter Nick Deonigi plays Renton this weekend. [8] Farm Life | The ARTfarm in Skyway gives city kids a chance to experience life on the farm, including building chicken coops. [Page 3]
FRIDAY, AUG. 7, 2015
Occupied home burglaries still an issue Criminals taking advantage of windows left open in heat BY BRIAN BECKLEY bbeckley@rentonreporter.com
National Night Out The city’s annual community-building event made its way to Thomas Teasdale Park on Tuesday with plenty to do for the whole family. Kids and adults alike had a chance to look at police vehicles, play games and grab a free hot dog. To see a full slideshow from Tuesday’s event, visit www.rentonreporter.com. BRIAN BECKLEY, Renton Reporter
Renton Police are again warning residents to close and lock their first-floor windows at night despite the warm temperatures as burglars continue to take advantage of open windows. Earlier this week, for example, a burglar entered an occupied home in the 900 block of Aberdeen Avenue Northeast. According to police, the unknown suspect entered through a window that was left open. Police issued a similar warning earlier this spring for the Fairwood, North Renton and Kennydale neighborhoods and even captured a suspect they believed responsible, but now say that it is becoming a city-wide issue. In July, for example, a burglar entered a home in the Highlands through an open front window and stole a purse off of a nightstand while the house was still occupied. [ more BURGLARIES page 5 ]
Cause of downtown fire still unknown About three weeks after a fire destroyed the building occupied by Afghan Cuisine, Thai Gold Triangle Restaurant and Program SER there is still no clear cause. Renton Fire Marshal Angela St. John has classified the fire as “undetermined,” meaning investigators cannot scientifically prove what started it, although they may have their theories. Investigators were, however, able to determine that the fire started in a back office area of the restaurant Afghan Cuisine. The Renton fire marshal’s investigation did not find any accelerants, ruling out the possibility of an arson. “There was no indication of an arson at all, so we’re not
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classifying it as that,” said St. John. The case may be updated with new information, depending on what the insurance company’s investigation turns up. Attempts to contact the building owner were unsuccessful. “It’s not uncommon for insurance companies to do forensic testing on appliances,” said St. John. “Very likely they will come back with the same determination – undetermined – on the fire.” Any clean-up and demolition is still pending the insurance company’s investigation, according to the fire marshal. Since the fire Toby Ibrahimi and his father Ali Ahmad have just been waiting for news about their restaurant Afghan Cuisine. [ more FIRE page 10 ]
Wilson and the Seattle Smile, the Russell Seahawks opened their 2015 training July 31 in Renton. Turn to Seahawks are camp page 16 for additional photos. KELLEY back in town! BALCOMB-BARTOK, For the Renton Reporter
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BY TRACEY COMPTON tcompton@rentonreporter.com