News Release

For Immediate Release
May 11, 2026

FROM THE OFFICE OF: Councilmember Bob Kettle

CONTACT: Brad Harwood, Communications Director
206-798-7577 or brad.harwood@seattle.gov

Public Safety Chair Kettle on value of Real Time Crime Center in recent assault arrests

Urges city officials to maintain public safety investments

SEATTLE – Today Councilmember Bob Kettle (District 7), who serves as chair of the Public Safety Committee, issued the following statement in response to last week’s arrest of a suspect accused of randomly beating a 77-year old man in downtown. Seattle Police detectives used footage obtained by the City’s Closed-Circuit Television cameras to identify the suspects.

“The recent arrest of a second suspect in the assault of a 77-year-old man near Third Avenue and Pine Street is a significant milestone. This development highlights the critical public safety value of the Real-Time Crime Center (RTCC) and the Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras program. 

“It’s highly probable that this arrest would not have been possible without the RTCC. Given the brazen and callous nature of this attack, it’s also likely these individuals have committed similar acts before and would’ve continued to do so if not for this tool.

“The analysts who staff the RTCC provide a clear contribution to Seattle’s safety that far exceeds the cost of their salaries. Their work is a force-multiplier and demonstrates how technology can enhance the capabilities of the cop on the street. We’re making significant progress to achieve our goal of 1,250 officers by the end of this year. It is imperative to maintain these types of investments in the City’s public safety programs. We must continue our forward progress on public safety.”

About the City Council
The Seattle City Council is the elected legislative branch of the city’s government. It’s comprised of nine councilmembers serving four-year terms and representing 800,000 constituents — seven selected by districts and two through citywide positions. For the latest news and information, please visit seattle.gov/council.

# # #