This is sad.

The article below is about my Dad's(step-dad) brother's son.  He apparently went on a crime spree while under the influence of Meth.  I know that this probably won't seem sad to you, but this is sad to me because Erik has always treated me kindly.  And he has small children.  And he has a Dad, Step-mom and Mom who all care alot about him.

Of course, one doesn't usually think of a mini-van as the getaway vehicle of choice.  And, as Dean pointed out, running around, pretending you have a weapon at the airport isn't so smart these days.  It was probably a good thing he only had socks and a baeball cap on.  It's hard to not think someone is either crazy or high when they are running around in only socks and a sideways baseball cap.

Police Arrest Suspect In North Sound Crime Spree

April 27, 2006

By KOMO Staff

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KING COUNTY - A 27-year-old man was arrested Thursday morning following a chase with a SeaTac officer Wednesday night, and now Edmonds police say he's the same man wanted in a string of crimes across Seattle and the North Sound earlier in the week.

King County Sheriff's spokesman John Urquhart says Erik Kirkman of Renton was reportedly driving a vehicle with license plates that didn't match his car Wednesday night, and when a SeaTac police officer attempted to stop him, he fled.

The officer rammed the suspect's car to force it to stop, and then the driver -- wearing only socks and a baseball hat -- took off running. He was stunned with a Taser but managed to climb over a fence and run off again.

He was eventually found with the help of a helicopter and police dog. Police found suspected marijuana and methamphetamine in the car. A woman passenger was arrested on a stolen property warrant.

Detectives believe Kirkman was responsible for several crimes in Edmonds, Woodway, Seattle, Shoreline, and Kenmore.

Investigators say the crime spree began Saturday night in Kenmore, when a burglar entered through an unlocked door on NE 183rd South while the homeowners slept and took a purse, DVD player, some antique clocks and other items. The homeowners never knew the burglary happened until they awoke the next morning.

Then, Sunday morning around 9:30, Edmonds police got a report of a car prowl in progress in the 600 block of Walnut Street. When police arrived, they discovered the man was trying to steal the car and a witness said the man ran off into a waiting pick-up truck with a woman inside.

About 45 minutes later, a Woodway Officer located the truck in the 22800 block of 108th Avenue West. The truck was unoccupied and determined to have been stolen out of Seattle. The officer also discovered a recent residential burglary at the location and it became apparent that the officer had actually interrupted the burglary.

Then, just 10 minutes later, police were called to a house in Edmonds, where the suspect knocked on the door and then kicked it in when the homeowner cracked the door.

They fought briefly until the suspect implied he had a gun. The suspect then grabbed the family's cell phone and stole their mini-van.

He nearly made it to Shoreline, when a state trooper recognized the minivan from the police broadcasts and tried to pull him over. Troopers say the thief then ran a red light and hit a woman in her car.

She was taken to the hospital for treatment.

In the meantime, the suspect took off again running. A pedestrian even tried to stop him, but the suspect fought him off.

Police say he then broke into another home a couple blocks away from the crash. Once again, he implied he had a gun. He then went to the bathroom and quickly shaved his head, stole some clothes, called a cab, and got away.

Police used surveillance video from the Far West cab the suspect used to help identify the suspect.

They think he could be responsible for two other burglaries in the Edmonds area. Police have not said yet in the woman arrested in the car with him is the same person allegedly seen with the suspect's getaway car on Sunday.

Comments

[Jodi]

Holy cow! So bizarre when something like that happens involving someone you know... I'm so sorry - I hope he gets the treatment he needs...

[Nancy]

That's very sad. I am sorry for your stepdad's family -- as Jodi said, hopefully this will get him the help he needs.

[Jessica]

Oh my! That's so sad, I hope things can turn around for him now. It can be so hard for a family to deal with things like this.

[Melody Peterson]

I knew Erik too, he went to the same highschool as me but I didn't know him until we worked in Alaska together. If you have info on him now I would love to send him a few photo's of Alaska and some encouragement. I pray for you and your family. ~ Melody

[Tina]

I came across Erik's profile request for a penpal. I feel for your family and can relate to relative (s) that are/have been in need of treatment. Drugs really mess you up, and almost always involve stupidity; they also hurt the ones you love the most. My heart goes out to you, your family, Erik's children, and of course Erik. I look forward to coresponding with him in friendship.

[Amy]

Hi Tina,

That is fantastic that you are going to write to him, I am sure he will really appreciate it. He is a great guy who had a rough time of it growing up and just lost his way. Would love it if you would drop me a line via e-mail and let me know how things go.

-Amy

[john stimac]

i think eriks dad was named boone and he was one of the nicest people ive ever know. he took me up mount rainer when i was just a kid. it was the highlight of me life. if their is anything i could ever do to help boone (dan) or his family i would love to help
john stimac (ballard)

[Amy]

John-

I will pass your comment along to Uncle Boone. He is still out hiking and climbing regularly- my dad Steve is his brother and went up Mt. Rainier, too- maybe you know him as well.

Anyhow, thanks for the kind comments. Please feel free to e-mail me and I'd be happy to put you in touch with the family.

Amy

[mel]

i dont know erik,bt i soon hope to, as ive contactd him thru penpal request,,,,, i dont know a bout his story and what i have read sadens me, i trely hope i can be some laughter and light in his life and i wish hm th ebest of health........ to him,his family and especially his children,

[Anonymous]

I knew Erik as well and know the drugs brought this out in him. He excelled as an althlete and from what I know came from a good family. He unfortunately got mixed up with the wrong crowd (my brother being one of them) and got involved with things that had more power over him than he did. This in no way excuses the terror he caused, people he jepordized, and the hurt his family and friends are feeling. I pray for Erik and his family that he will not be pulled back into the darkness once he is released from jail for his and his childrens sake. God Bless

[Amy]

Ahh, once again, spewing your judgemental views... do YOU speak for the Lord? Heavenly Father loves all his children and wants them to come back to him. It is sad to me when someone is led astray by their lifestyle choices. This hit home with me because the perpetrator is my cousin and has had a difficult life- divorced parents, being pulled in different directions but he was always a kind and helpful person and has two beautiful children. Yes, he was led astray from the high road by doing drugs but you never know what people have been through or what has led them there.

I am not bitter and angry over a large family- I am angry at the media who treats them like a circus freak show, whitewashes their religious beliefs outt of their shows and parents who, without the consent of their children, pimp their children out to the media for money. Not very Godly- it would be one thing if they did it to spread the Gospel- but that doesn't seem to be where their priorities lie-- simply the vanity of showing off the bizarrities(to the rest of the nation) of raising a large family. Tell me, do you think that this family is encouraging others to raise their children in the light of the Heavenly Father and teaching them the plan of salvation? Mostly what we seem to hear about is "Wow, look at the freaks with the industrial kitchen!" "Wow, look at the freaks who dress like prairie girls!" The media is horrible and that is what I have railed against. I also do think that the Duggars have placed financial decisions over following the Lord in many areas. Sorry, we'll have to agree to disagree and attacking me and my family makes you judgemental which is what you are accusing me of and therefore you are a hypocrite.

I'll pray for you. Heavenly father just wants us to love everyone despite their shortcomings. In no where in this blog will you find me saying I am perfect- far from it, but I strive to always be better.

Thanks for your comments.

[M-C]

Amy-

Erik and I were very close and I think of him often. The "real" Erik is one of the most caring, talented, funny and interesting individuals I've ever spent time with. I remember him mentioning his Uncle Steve's name many times and your name as well, he said you and he were like best friends when you were younger and he valued your relationship tremendously. I've corresponded with him over the years since his arrest and detainment. I am considering a visit with him soon though it would be challenging for me for many reasons.

I came upon your site tonight and was touched to see the efforts you have gone through to bring attention to his unfortunate circumstance. He is lucky to have such a supportive family who all still hope the very best for him.

Well wishes,

M-C