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Dog credited with helping bust wanted criminal in Georgetown amid concern over growing crime

Fajita the chow/German shepard mix is getting credit as Seattle police caught a wanted man in Seattle’s Georgetown neighborhood early Tuesday morning. Homeowner Ed Ball heard his dog growling then spotted the man on his surveillance video trying to get into cars on the street.

Ball said it’s just another example of what’s become the norm as they deal with growing crime.

“He knew what he was doing,” Ball said of the guy trying to get into his car.  “He actually had a gas canister in his hand.“

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Ball had $2,700 in damage done to his car in January after another thief stole his gas.

“Punched about three holes in my tank and had to get a complete replacement,” he said. “Just got it back.”

This morning he called 911, and guided Seattle police as he saw the suspect go into nearby Georgetown Playfield. Police told KIRO 7 the guy gave a fake name and ran from officers. They ran him down a few blocks away.

When they finally got his real name, they realized he had a warrant out for his arrest from the Department of Corrections. They arrested him on that, and for giving a false report, and obstruction for running from police.

This is one example of growing crime in the Georgetown area KIRO 7 has recently detailed. From 2017 to 2018 robberies rose from 13 to 19. Aggravated assaults increased from 34 to 41 and motor vehicle thefts jumped from 69 to 85.

In February, KIRO 7 covered a contentious meeting as King County leaders talked about opening a Sobering Center in Georgetown. Neighbors feel they were blindsided by the decision without their input.

“I think there's a difference between saying not in our backyard ever,” Holly Krejci told KIRO 7. “And we have a lot in our backyard and we're tired and we need help.”

Despite pleas from neighbors to pause that project, King County is moving forward with the Sobering Center.

Ball said he’s fed up and is considering moving out of Georgetown. On Tuesday, he and Fajita did their part to help police catch one suspected criminal.

“The hero is actually Fajita,” Ball said. “She’ll get a good dinner tonight.”