Lakewood PD Increase Presence At City Events Following Shootings

LAKEWOOD, WA — The Lakewood Police Department will be sending more officers to patrol city-sponsored events, following two recent shootings at local parks.

The first of those shootings was on June 26 at American Lake Park, where an argument escalated into a deadly shooting.

American Lake Park was closed for several days following the incident, but has since been reopened. A suspect has been arrested in that case.

The second shooting was July 9, in Fort Steilacoom Park parking lot, just outside the weekly drive-in movie. None of the suspects were attending the movie showing. No arrests have been made, and the case remains under investigation.

The city manager says that, to avoid cancelling upcoming events and to make sure that the public can safely enjoy summer festivities, the Lakewood Police Department has been asked to increase officer presence at all city-sponsored events going forward:

"These disturbing incidents have prompted consideration of increased security at Lakewood parks and functions. Lakewood parks and events are safe, enjoyable, and family-friendly – Lakewood police and City staff are hard at work to keep things that way."

City-sponsored events include the Lakewood Farmers Market, Drive-In Movies at Fort Steilacoom Park, and the upcoming 25th Anniversary Celebration.

Related: City Of Lakewood Plans 25th Birthday Party, Other Summer Events