RENTON, Wash. — The Renton Police Department (RPD) released statistics showing teens committing property and violent crimes increased sharply from 2022 to 2023.
The RPD released the stats a day after officers arrested three 15-year-olds who crashed a stolen car and ran from the scene.
"There's no other way to put it, but we are seeing more and more juveniles involved in violent and property crimes," Chief Jon Schuldt said. "In some cases, rates are doubling and tripling year over year.
As a society, we must figure out how to curb this trend. Our young people need help and guidance, and they need to be held accountable for their actions."
Lovell Davis, executive director of Invested in Neighborhoods, said his organization is focused on helping youth not go down the wrong path. They've created an after-school drop-in program, "All In," for kids who need a safe space.
“They don’t have a safe place to go, a safe place where they can be and grow together," Davis said. "We know that if you come from poverty, it begins to affect the way you live.”
Davis said "All In" allows kids to be vulnerable and talk about the things bothering them. In turn, they're able to get advice and mentoring.
"Every individual has dignity. In that dignity comes purpose," Davis said. "Through purpose, we begin to thrive in life."