July 4 late-night car crash

On July 4, Vashon Island Fire & Rescue was called to the scene of a serious, two-car collision at 11:44 p.m. at 26779 Vashon Hwy SW, where both of the cars involved were totaled, with one flipping over.

According to Fire Chief Matt Vinci, the drivers of both cars had self-extracated themselves from their vehicles. First responders tranported both to St. Anne’s Hospital, in Burien. Neither had life-threatening injuries, Vinci said.

Mike Mellis, information officer for King County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) confirmed the details of the crash, and said that the accident was investigated by two patrol deputies on duty that evening.

He said he did not have further information on the case — including whether the drivers had been tested for alcohol at the scene — because the responding deputies had written their report in a system shared with the Washington State Patrol, which was pending approval.

Woman arrested after ax chase

Deputies made an arrest Wednesday, July 3 at Mukai Apartments on SW 178th Street after reports of a woman chasing a man around while both were carrying bladed tools.

The sheriff’s office received a 911 call from the apartments that afternoon at 1:19 p.m., according to a spokesperson for the King County Sheriff’s Office. The caller reported seeing a female, wielding an ax, chasing a male who was wielding a shovel.

After deputies arrived on scene and the situation was de-escalated, law enforcement personnel determined there was probable cause to arrest a 33-year-old female suspect on suspicion of Investigation of Residential Burglary and other felony crimes, according to the sheriff’s office.

The suspect was arrested and later booked into the King County Jail. A 40-year-old male victim sustained minor injuries, according to the sheriff’s office.

The case is under investigation by detectives. As of Monday, July 8, the prosecutor’s office had not formally charged the suspect, so The Beachcomber is not yet naming her.

Represent Vashon in new county group

King County is looking for residents, business owners, youth over 16, community leaders, and nonprofit staff to join one of 10 Community Advisory Groups representing the unincorporated parts of the county — including Vashon-Maury Island.

The groups are a chance for residents to collaborate with neighbors, bridge information between the community and the county, and give our local government a piece of your mind.

The groups will be made of 10 to 13 people, according to the county, and will meet at least once every three months, in-person or virtually. Members make a two-year commitment and receive a small stipend.

Applications will be received through July 28, according to the county’s website. The county plans to inform committee members that they’ve been selected by August, with work beginning in September.

Anyone who resides on the island is eligible. Learn more by visiting publicinput.com/ukcadvisorygroups. You can also send an email to AskLocalServices@kingcounty.gov or call 206-477-3800 with questions.

Strawberry Festival front row seats

Vashon Presbyterian Church is offering limited parking and front lawn chairs for the Strawberry Festival parade on Saturday, July 20.

Parking and chairs are by reservation only. There is no fee, but donations will be accepted and forwarded to the Journeymen Institute. E-mail to Bob Spangler at rwspang@centurytel.net to make a reservation; indicate how many parking spots and seats are requested. If a wheelchair space is required, note that as well.

The second of two cars involved in a serious late-night accident on Vashon Highway on July 4. (Vashon Island Fire Rescue photo.)