Capitol Hill residents say it's too dangerous to walk alone at night

SEATTLE — The recent spike in assaults at Cal Anderson Park and attacks on Seattle's Capitol Hill have people like Jason Jacobs afraid to walk alone at night.

He's still healing from being beaten by a group of five people on Aug. 5.

He suffered two broken ribs, a broken nose, and a broken eye socket.

"I still have blood in the eye. My vision has gotten better. (My) ribs are healing," said Jacobs.

Seattle police are still looking for his attackers.

"Violent crimes are on the rise to the point where we won't even walk through Cal Anderson," said Jeremy Morris, who has lived in the area for about a decade.

In response to the increase in assaults, the city started keeping the lights on at the park all night long, in addition to adding two park rangers to patrol the area.

A group called Social Outreach Seattle has also started a campaign called No One Walks Alone to encourage people to walk with a buddy at night.

Longtime residents are disappointed it's come to a point where they have to be so guarded at all times.

"It's an anger an violent crime issue as well as a gay issue, which is not the kind of stuff we want happening in the neighborhood. That's why the neighborhood was cool, because you didn't have to worry about things like that," said Daniela Davis, who also lives on Capitol Hill.

Social Outreach Seattle is also organizing a candlelight vigil called "Take Back the Night" in response to recent attacks.

The peaceful protest will be held on Aug. 29 and 11 p.m. at Cal Anderson Park.

KIRO