OLYMPIA, February 4, 2021— The Washington Fraternal Order of Police (WAFOP) issued the following statement today by President Marco Monteblanco:

“The Washington Fraternal Order of Police has serious concerns with the decision of Pierce County Superior Court Judge Stanley Rumbaug to ignore the prosecutor’s recommendation and instead rule that a suspect in a drive-by shooting should be released from custody without bail. Releasing a dangerous suspect accused of firing 23 shots sends a chilling message to local residents that their safety is not of the utmost importance. It also tells peace officers everywhere that, despite putting their lives on the line to apprehend such suspects and keep the community safe, their efforts are not respected or valued,” said Monteblanco.

“We urge Judge Rumbaug to reconsider his decision and ask that his judicial colleagues across the state take a more conservative, safety-conscious stance when considering whether to release suspects in life-threatening criminal activities.”

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