Authorities Sound Alarm about Dangerous Criminals Being Released

Local authorities are sounding the alarm about 1100 inmates being released early from state prisons because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Yakima Police Capt. Jay Seely says Yakima should prepare for a rise in crime. Seely says 41 people are being released to Yakima and they include the who's who of property crime and gang members. Seely says one person, identified as Adam Weaver is a "prolific" auto thief.
Capt. Jay Seely says usually people are released on a staggered basis back to communities but because of the pandemic, 41 people from Yakima in state prisons are being released over a short period of time. As a result Seely says they expect a spike in property and gang crime. He says the list includes many high profile gang members. Those being released to Yakima include people convicted of burglary, auto theft, gun and drug possession. Seely says they're working with state officials but they're also sounding the alarm in Yakima that a bunch of former criminals are coming back to Yakima.

The prisoners are being released early to ease overcrowding in the prison system to prevent the spread of COVID-19.