Fifteen Vehicles in Maverick Parking Garage Damaged on June 15 in Weekend Thefts

Katie Kresly

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June 17, 2024

On June 15, 2024, residents of the Maverick Apartments, located at 15045 5th Ave SW, were upset to learn that someone had entered their secured parking garage and damaged at least 15 of their vehicles. According to the King County Sheriff's Office, "a tenant at the apartment complex... called to report 15 cars had smashed windows."

Broken car window at Maverick Apartment garage 6/17/24 (image courtesy of resident)

One of the residents, who asked for anonymity, reported that there were "broken windows, remotes taken, personal items, etc." The resident also shared that tenants have been warned by the management not to let strangers into the building and to watch for cars that may follow them into the parking garage. As of this morning, KCSO Sergeant Eric White said that other than the original report of 15 smashed windows, only "about 4 victims have called 911 to make reports."

‍That means that only 1 in 3 people have reported this crime - at their own residence.

‍On the May 6, 2024 King County Meeting on Public Safety, Chief Boe explained how statistics show that – other than drugs – “crime is down” in Burien. (see article 5/23/24) This spring, Burien and SeaTac held their annual Community Police Academy. According to some KCSO staff members and police officers, "apathy" is a huge problem; if people do not report a crime, it does not count in the crime statistics, and cities cannot justify bringing on more police.

Burien's Maverick residents have watched the homeless population explode and crime go unabated.

Daily, they see tents, open air drug use, ongoing drug sales, and a general increase in crime. We spoke with several residents and business owners in downtown Burien. They are tired of calling the police only to hear, "there is nothing we can do." So many have stopped calling.