Last night, Sumner Police officers, working alongside our partners from the Bonney Lake Police Department and Puyallup Police Department, responded to a large illegal street racing/street takeover gathering in our warehouse district.

The event involved numerous vehicles gathering in a private parking lot where drivers were performing dangerous stunts, including donuts and other reckless driving behavior. Because officers were able to quickly coordinate a response, they safely contained the area and prevented many of the involved vehicles from leaving.

As a result:

• 10 criminal citations were issued under the Sumner Municipal Code for unlawful race attendance.
• 10 vehicles were impounded.
• Additional evidence is being collected as the investigation continues.

Most importantly, no officers or community members were injured during the incident.

We want to recognize the outstanding work of our Sumner Police officers for their professionalism, teamwork, and commitment to public safety. We also extend our sincere thanks to the Bonney Lake and Puyallup Police Departments for their immediate assistance. This successful outcome is a great example of how regional partnerships help keep our communities safe.

We also appreciate the patience and support of the employees and businesses in the warehouse district who were impacted by this incident. Illegal street racing and street takeovers are not harmless entertainment. These events create significant risks for participants, spectators, nearby businesses, and anyone traveling in the area. They can result in criminal charges, vehicle impoundment, costly towing and storage fees, increased insurance costs, and other legal consequences.

If you're thinking about participating in one of these events, as a driver or even as a spectator, know that law enforcement agencies throughout our region are working together to identify, investigate, and hold those involved accountable.

Thank you to everyone who helps us keep Sumner a safe place to live, work, and visit.

Last week was the annual police (Blues) vs South Sound Titans softball game! Officer Allensworth joined around a dozen other officers from the Puyallup and Bonney Lake Police Departments for this year’s game that was held in Puyallup. Retired SPD sergeant Matt Kurle is the Titan's head coach, and the Blues were coached by Puyallup PD Chief, Scott Engel. It was yet another great event that always brings joy to so many! (photograph courtesy of Blue Hearts Photography)

Happy Independence Day!

Wishing everyone a fun, safe, and memorable Fourth of July with family, friends, and neighbors!

If you’re planning to drink this weekend, plan for a sober ride home now so you can spend the 4th with your family and friends — not with a DUI.

Yesterday Blue Bridge Alliance CEO Brian Spracklen presented our very own SRO, Brandon Anderson, with the 2025 Legacy Impact Award because of his devotion to the youth of Sumner and his intentional use of the BlueBridge program to build trust. His work with the youth in our commuinty set SRO Anderson apart in a way that left a lasting impression on the entire BlueBridge organization. SRO Anderson was recognized for “identifying a gap and stepping in to fill it with compassion”. We (and the rest of the city of Sumner) and so lucky to have Brandon on our team!

As we get ready for the fourth, here are some tips to remember to celebrate safely:

- Keep a close eye on children around fireworks, grills, and water.
- Remember to keep pets indoors with ID tags or microchip information up to date in case they do get loose.
- Keep a bucket of water or hose nearby if using legal fireworks, and never relight a firework that didn't go off.
- Dispose of used fireworks by soaking them in water before throwing them away.
- Be respectful of your neighbors by following local fireworks laws and keeping noise to reasonable hours.

We hope everyone has a fun and safe Independence Day!