Warrants Served at Apartment Complex in Mount Vernon

Mount Vernon, WA:  Around 8:30 am this morning, following several months of investigation, the Mount Vernon Police Department with assistance from the Skagit County Sheriff’s Office, Department of Corrections, US Marshal’s Office, Washington State Patrol and the F.B.I, served multiple search warrants at an apartment complex in the 1800 Block of South 2nd Street.

According to a press release from Lieutenant Greg Booth, over the past several months,  patrol officers have had frequent contact with individuals known to abuse illegal drugs and be involved in criminal activity at the apartment complex.

Lieutenant Booth said, “Through directed patrol and surveillance of the area, officers developed information leading to multiple search warrants covering all eight units of the complex. ”

The two-pronged investigation focused on drug sales and use, as well as code violations related to the building.

The Mount Vernon Fire Marshal, Code Enforcement Officers and Building Inspector also assisted in evaluating the safety and integrity of the buildings, prior to allowing occupants to return.

During the warrant service, thirteen adult residents were detained, seven of which were later booked into The Skagit County Jail on un-related warrants.

Investigators found drug paraphernalia in several units, as well as evidence of drug sales and use. Charges will be filed upon completion of the investigation.

The Red Cross was called in to assist in re-locating families from three of the units.

Lt. Booth said, ” Four years ago, the Mount Vernon Police Department dived the city into small, geographical zones and assigned Patrol Officers to each zone.  The goal was to develop better connections with individual neighborhoods, understand their needs and identify emerging problems. The outcome from this investigation exemplify what we hoped this approach would achieve.”

This is an ongoing investigation.