‘Ignorance is not a defense’: Jake says SPD needs to step up and arrest people involved in street takeovers

Capitol Hill residents are urging the city to stop street takeovers, with one neighbor saying the events are so loud they impact his heart, KOMO News reported Monday. Another told the media outlet the takeovers are “absolute anarchy” and that people will advertise them on social media because the laws aren’t enforced.

KIRO host Jake Skorheim called on the Seattle Police Department (SPD) to intervene.

“They could arrest people,” he said on “The Jake and Spike Show” on KIRO Newsradio.

KIRO host Spike O’Neill responded that SPD probably feels like it doesn’t have enough resources to step in, to which Jake replied that the excuse doesn’t hold water.

“I’m not trying to criticize you, but you said that a couple of times in the last few days about a lack of police response,” Jake said.

“Well, it’s a true element of the story involved,” Spike responded.

“But that’s not fair,” Jake pushed back. “That’s their fault. That’s not our fault.”

“If you don’t have a staff and they give you the money to have a staff, and you choose not to hire, that’s your fault,” he continued. “If you can’t respond to things, that’s not the citizen’s fault. They’ve given you the money. They haven’t stopped giving the money.”

‘A Katie Wilson problem’: Jake and Spike debate who’s responsible for stopping street takeovers

“To me, that seems like an administration problem that’s being foisted upon them,” Spike responded.

“That’s a Katie Wilson problem,” Jake said.

Spike countered, saying not to blame the officers because they are the ones who have to put themselves in harm’s way while being understaffed.

“I agree with you that they’re stretched thin, but it doesn’t mean that they can continue using that as an excuse for not doing their job,” Jake responded. “Like for you and me, ignorance is not a defense for doing something wrong — it’s against the law. We can’t just say, ‘Well, I didn’t realize that we weren’t allowed to throw street parties.'”

Spike pointed out SPD’s East Precinct is a block away from the street takeovers.

“They’re probably partying with them,” Jake quipped.

Watch the full discussion in the video above.

Listen to “The Jake and Spike Show” weekdays from noon to 3 p.m. on KIRO Newsradio 97.3