IN OTHER NEWS

Police are searching for a man whom they are referring to as a serial hotel burglar.

August 1, 2008 2:14 pm
More than 200 people gathered on the morning of July 26 to celebrate the opening of the newly expanded and renovated Woodmont Library
More than 200 people gathered on the morning of July 26 to celebrate the opening of the newly expanded and renovated Woodmont Library

Police seek hotel burglar

Police are searching for a man whom they are referring to as a serial hotel burglar.

Federal Way police have probable cause to arrest James L. Sly, 44, who is suspected of burglarizing hotels in the South King County area. He has allegedly targeted seven hotels in Federal Way, SeaTac, Renton and Tukwila.

The most recent burglary occurred July 29 at the Courtyard by Marriott in Tukwila, where three rooms were broken into between 5 and 6:30 p.m., Federal Way police spokeswoman Cathy Schrock said. Four of the hotels targeted were Marriott hotels.

The burglary spree began in January at the Federal Way Courtyard by Marriott hotel, 31910 Gateway Center Blvd. Of the seven burglaries, three occurred in Federal Way. The last burglary in Federal Way took place on July 12. Five laptops, two digital cameras and an iPod were taken in the Federal Way crimes, Schrock said.

Sly is known to check into hotel rooms using the name Colin Smith. The suspected burglar pries the door jam on hotel rooms to make an entrance, Schrock said. Police believe Sly is the burglar because of prior convictions against him, surveillance video of the suspect, who matches a Department of Licensing photo of Sly, and witness identifications, Schrock said.

Probable cause to arrest Sly in the SeaTac, Renton and Tukwila cases has not been established, Schrock said. The surveillance video was captured in the Federal Way crimes. Five of the burglaries occurred in July. Sly was last seen in a white 1981 Toyota Celica with Washington license plate number 442WNL. Anyone with information is asked to call Federal Way detectives at (253) 835-6892.

Regional economy info

Richard Davis with the Washington Alliance for a Competitive Economy (WashACE) will be the keynote speaker at the Federal Way Chamber of Commerce membership luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Aug. 6. Over 200 people are expected to attend.

“The Federal Way Chamber of Commerce has been working hard to grow the local economy by focusing on assisting business in several areas, and is delighted to have Richard Davis here to help provide additional insight on the state economy, outlook for business, and what policy makers can do to make our state more nationally and globally competitive for our economy,” said Tom Pierson, CEO of the Federal Way Chamber of Commerce, in a news release.

Event takes place at the Twin Lakes Golf and Country Club, 3583 SW 320th St. Cost is $20 with a reservation or $45 for non-members. Call (253) 838-2605 Ext. 120 or e-mail federalway@federalwaychamber.com.

Free summer meals for kids

The Federal Way School District has added a new location where it will serve free meals for children throughout the summer. Meals will be served from 10:30 to 10:50 a.m. Monday through Friday through Aug. 30 at Villa Capri Apartments, 28621 S. 25th Place.

Preschool open house Aug. 5

The Federal Way Co-op preschool will host an open house from 5 to 7 p.m. Aug. 5 at Federal Way United Methodist Church, 29645 51st Ave. S. in Auburn. The preschool is enrolling children ages two through five. Call (253) 486-7949.

Lawn furniture sale on Aug. 9

Dave Hamlin, a Federal Way outdoor furniture designer, will sell his work from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 9 at Christ Lutheran Church, 2501 320th Ave. S.W. Proceeds will be donated for the benefit of Lou Gehrig’s disease.