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• 1 Nubbee // Apr 22, 2009 at 6:01 am

  This is heartbreaking. Please let us know if there is anything we can do for him or his family.

• 2 chopper_74 // Apr 22, 2009 at 6:26 am

  Echo that. And please, any info? No matter how trivial, contact SPD.

• 3 ballard approval // Apr 22, 2009 at 6:26 am

  Who would have through, being on 85th's new development at night while looking like weird all's homoerotic counter part will bring trouble? this calls for common sense and useless blog entries.

• 4 Happy // Apr 22, 2009 at 6:49 am

  Hey ballard approval,
  your funny! Why don't you factor in to your humor that there are people suffering. Are you so detached from reality that you think a one liner is going to fly here? Get a Soul!

  Dear Family,
  Our prayers are with you. Please let us know what we can do.

• 5 chopper_74 // Apr 22, 2009 at 6:59 am

  ballard approval….well, I doubt that.

• 6 noeffect // Apr 22, 2009 at 8:03 am

  Ballard approval you can suck it! Todd is a cool guy that lives for his daughter and playing music. We met as the only guys in line to pick up our kids at school, he was a nice guy. I just saw him not to long ago he stopped by my bar just to say hello and tell me about some gig's he had coming up.

• 7 TTTCOTTH // Apr 22, 2009 at 1:22 pm

  This is from the KING 5 article:

  “People at neighboring bars say they have seen problems recently with street thugs around last call”

  This is a nightly occurrence in Ballard. It's time to take a stand or the streets will be seceded to the thugs.

• 8 angelatini // Apr 22, 2009 at 2:30 pm

  I met Todd a long time ago, and haven't seen him in forever, but he IS a really nice guy. Ballard approval's comments are completely inappropriate, judgemental and childish. Grow up. Good vibes for Todd.

• 9 Bark more, Wag Less // Apr 22, 2009 at 2:36 pm

  A warning to Ballard: this is what happens to a neighborhood when you start to tolerate human trash building up: dug addicts, bums, gang bangers, banditos.

  Welcome to Greenwood, only the good die young.

• 10 rounder // Apr 22, 2009 at 2:47 pm

  This is getting out of control, I have never had any sort of confrontation but reading all these happenings around ballard pisses me off. I do think as a community we need to fight back, we cannot let criminals take over.

• 11 rounder // Apr 22, 2009 at 2:49 pm

  Anyone else read this?…This is how Ballard should roll….

  Actual ad on Craig's list
  > To the Guy Who Mugged Me Downtown (Downtown,
  > Savannah, Georgia )
  >
  > I was the white guy with the black berry jacket
  > that you demanded I hand over shortly after you pulled the
  > knife on me and my girlfriend. You also asked for my
  > girlfriend's purse and earrings. I hope you somehow come
  > across this message. I'd like to apologize. I didn't
  > expect you to crap your pants when I drew my
  pistol after
  > you took my jacket. Truth is, I was wearing the jacket for a
  > reason that evening, and it wasn't that cold outside.
  > You see, my girlfriend had just bought me that Kimber 1911
  > .45 ACP pistol for Christmas, and we had just picked up a
  > shoulder holster for it that evening. Beautiful pistol, eh?
  > II bet the bore looks huge when pointed at your head,
  > doesn't it?
  >
  > I know it probably wasn't a great deal of fun
  > walking back to wherever you'd come from with that brown
  > sludge flopping about in your pants. I'm sure it was
  > even worse since you also ended up leaving your shoes, cell
  > phone, and wallet with me. I couldn't have you calling
  > up any of your buddies to come help you try to mug us again.
  > I took the liberty of calling your mother, or
  > “Momma” as you had her listed in your cell, and
  > explaining to her your
  situation. I also gave your credit
  > card away telling them to hurry up and use it. I gave your
  > shoes to one of the homeless guys over by Vinnie Van Go
  > Go's, along with all of the cash in your wallet, then I
  > threw the wallet itself in a dumpster.
  >
  > I called a bunch of phone sex numbers from your
  > cell. They'll be on your bill in case you'd like to
  > know which ones. Alltel recently shut down the line, and
  > I've only had the phone for a
  > little over a day now, so I don't know what's
  > going on with that. I hope they haven't permanently cut
  > off your service. I was about to make some threatening phone
  > calls to the DA's office with it. Oh well.
  >
  > So, about your pants; I know that I was a little
  > rough on you when you did this whole attempted mugging
  > thing, so I'd like to make it up to you. I'm sure
  > you've
  already washed your pants, so I'd like to
  > help you out. I'd like to reimburse you for the
  > detergent you used on the pants. What brand did you use, and
  > was it liquid or powder? I'd also like to apologize for
  > not killing you and instead making you walk back home
  > humiliated. I'm hoping that you'll reconsider your
  > choice of path in life. Next time you might not be so lucky.
  > If you read this message, email me and we'll do lunch
  > and laundry. Peace! – Alex

• 12 jm // Apr 22, 2009 at 2:55 pm

  The news media does report that guns sales are way up from last year due to the Bush/Cheney recession.

• 13 snoopy // Apr 22, 2009 at 3:00 pm

  Gun sales rise whenever a democrat is elected to office. Its because the paranoid repubs think that their “right” to own weapons will be revoked. Silly little kids…..

• 14 Mr.B // Apr 22, 2009 at 3:07 pm

  This calls for common sense and the use of a spell check. Come on man, 31 words isn't that hard to scan over.

• 15 "ballard approval" sucks // Apr 22, 2009 at 3:34 pm

  I am sincerely sorry for Todd's family and friends. What a tragedy. I wish for a miraculous recovery for him.

  As far as the comments of “Ballard Approval” goes, please disregard the babbling of an obviously ignorant piece of trash. Nobody deserves to be beaten to within an inch of their life because of the way they look, or the area of town they were walking in or for any other thing this supreme f***stick seems to think is a valid reason to be attacked. Perhaps if it was his brother, father, or himself who had been attacked he wouldn't be so quick to make a joke out of it and blame the victim.

• 16 lazy // Apr 22, 2009 at 3:35 pm

  are you suggesting Rounder that this guy should've had a gun?

  he was in a bar, and we know this usually doesn't mix very well.

  definitely a tragic mugging–especially if he doesn't recover. hopefully folks will start paying attention when alone at night to avoid becoming easy targets.

• 17 d.baker // Apr 22, 2009 at 4:21 pm

  I don't get the quote/unquote. We DO have the right, its called the second amendment.

  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Amendment_t...

• 18 Pub Intell // Apr 22, 2009 at 4:21 pm

  Although it would serve the mugger right, I have a feeling that this is likely a fantasy story of what somebody wishes had happened.

  Regarding the horrible event in Greenwood:
  I don't think I would feel any safer if everybody leaving the bars at closing (many intoxicated) were armed.

• 19 TTTCOTTH // Apr 22, 2009 at 4:47 pm

  So the solution is to walk in pairs and not deal with the criminal scum? Once they realize they're the hunted, things WILL change. Until then, prepare for more victims.

• 20 chopper_74 // Apr 22, 2009 at 5:19 pm

  Thank you again TTTCOTTH, that's exactly what needs to be done. Folks, quit looking the other way, prepare to defend your neighborhood, help out your neighbors, look out for yourself and your neighbors, start building a community that doesn't experience these issues constantly. People, all of us deserve the neighborhood we end up with, all of us…think about it.

• 21 chopper_74 // Apr 22, 2009 at 5:34 pm

  To not use the rights guaranteed to us by the constitution, is to loose the rights guaranteed us in the constitution. I'm not suggesting that folks run out a buy a gun, because, some of you probably shouldn't, it's a serious responsibility, huge liability, and won't help if it isn't used, let's say, righteously. That said, I know of several cwp's in the neighborhood. It may surprise you, just like it would surprise some thug that thinks he's stumbled upon some easy target, but they will defend themselves and their neighbors if needed. I'd hope that all these thugs think twice about the number of armed citizens in Ballard.
  We aren't so stupid, or afraid, and if we end up with a couple of those low-lifes in the ER, (a refreshing change, I might add) the word will get around pretty quickly.

• 22 chopper_74 // Apr 22, 2009 at 5:38 pm

  Alcohol and guns cannot mix. Not only is it against the law in bars, it's common sense.

• 23 jm // Apr 22, 2009 at 6:13 pm

  The violence is all over town – especially near the bars and night clubs. Pioneer Square, Pike Market, Belltown, University District and Greenwood. If you're out late, better be ready for the worst.

• 24 ballard sucka#2 // Apr 22, 2009 at 6:24 pm

  oh man, that is horrible. My thoughts are with Todd and his family. Robbing someone is one thing, beating them afterwards takes it to another level. I hope the people who did this are caught and dealt with severely. I especially hope that the poor little girl doesn't have to grow up without her daddy.

• 25 Trix // Apr 22, 2009 at 6:53 pm

  That particular section of Greenwood is a thug zone, outside the Yen Wor and the Crosswalk especially. Being armed probably wouldn't help you out there, either, as I don't doubt for a minute the Crosswalk thugs and Yen Wor thugs might also be carrying. And very drunk.
  I hope this guy recovers. And I hope they catch who did this to him.

• 26 old swede // Apr 22, 2009 at 7:52 pm

  snoopy,

  If it makes you feel any better, last I checked there were about 1.5 times as many Concealed Pistol Licenses as registered motorcycles in the state of Washington. Enjoy the next sunny day.

  Cheers.

• 27 Forrest Boettger // Apr 22, 2009 at 8:42 pm

  Hello to all who know my Big brother Todd. Thank you all for your support during this very difficult time for my brother, his daughter and our family. I am in San Diego and have set up a relief fund for Todd and his daughter to help pay for his medical bills, rehabiltation, and to help care for Lillian. If you would like to danate any money to help him out you can go to any US Bank and donate to the “Todd Boettger Relief Fund” If you could spread the word for my brother that would be very much appreciated. Thank you so much.

  Sincerely,

  Forrest Boettger, little bro

• 28 Forrest Boettger // Apr 22, 2009 at 8:47 pm

  I have set up a fund at US Bank to help my brother and his daughter if you would like to help you may go to any US Bank and donate to the “Todd Boettger Relief Fund” I seriouosly thank you from the bottom of my heart for caring.

  Forrest Boettger, Little Brother

• 29 silence.kit // Apr 22, 2009 at 9:37 pm

  Slight exaggeration.

• 30 silence.kit // Apr 22, 2009 at 9:38 pm

  Another exaggeration. Come on. It's one incident. It's horrible, yes, but it's one incident. This is not a common occurrence.

• 31 silence.kit // Apr 22, 2009 at 9:41 pm

  Some of you people are so paranoid. It's ridiculous.

• 32 Edog // Apr 22, 2009 at 10:52 pm

  Thats right! Right to guns, and I want my Bazooka, 50 cal, and anti-tank missle system!

• 33 chopper_74 // Apr 22, 2009 at 11:14 pm

  humor, is, the best medicine…

• 34 chopper_74 // Apr 22, 2009 at 11:26 pm

  Thank you sir, that's some info we can use. My heart goes out to your family, hope that he is well soon.

  “Todd Boettger Relief Fund” at any US bank branch…

  I'll be doing what I can, and spreading the word for your brother.

• 35 Edog // Apr 22, 2009 at 11:39 pm

  Up with Dogs!

  Most poeple don't have the presence of mind to use a weapon in a hot siutation. And there is the possibility that a “thug” could get your gun/weapon from you.

  A dog is a man's best friend, and no outsider is going to break that relationship.

  I used to live out east in a city with high crime. A great deal of aggravated robbery. The police there said that in the entire history of the neighborhood I lived in, no one with a dog was ever botherd.

  The size or breed of dog was not an issue. According to the detective, people want to be able to control the situation, and a dog is something they can not control.

• 36 TTTCOTTH // Apr 22, 2009 at 11:50 pm

  Right, we should except attempted murder, robberies, and assaults by thugs and scum. We always have people like you to make apologies for them.

• 37 SPG // Apr 22, 2009 at 11:53 pm

  This is getting way off topic, but the NRA has actually fueled the paranoia to run up those gun sales.
  Remember that nutjob who shot those cops in PA? His friends all said he did it because he was afraid of Obama taking his guns.

• 38 silence.kit // Apr 23, 2009 at 3:32 pm

  That's exactly what I was saying!!!

  Way to misconstrue my words to fit you paranoid way of thinking.

• 39 Forrest Boettger // Apr 23, 2009 at 5:00 pm

  Thank you so much my friend, this has been such a hard thing for me emotionally and I thank you for your kindness

• 40 angelatini // Apr 23, 2009 at 6:15 pm

  Forrest,
  I knew Todd from hosting karaoke at the Rickshaw. He was a really good guy, and I am so sorry for what has happened to him and to your family. If, at any point, you wanted to organize some type of benefit for him, please let me know. I know he was very into music, and I have many contacts that would be happy to help organize for both him and Lillian, myself included. Please let me know if I can be of assistance with something like that.
  Thanks,
  Angela

• 41 jules // Apr 23, 2009 at 8:40 pm

  Really sorry to hear about this. I hope that he ends up healing and being OK. please know that you & your family are in my thoughts & prayers and i am VERY sorry that this happened to your brother!

• 42 boardbrown // Apr 23, 2009 at 8:53 pm

  Any update on his recovery?

• 43 Forrest Boettger // Apr 23, 2009 at 10:13 pm

  Dear Angela,

  Thank you so much for your kind words about my brother Todd. As the only brother I have and only being 15 months apart we have always been very close. I have been in contact with most if not all the news agencies in the Seattle area. I have set up a fund for Todd and Lillian and am asking everyone who knew him or who just wants to help. The account is set up at US Bank under the Todd Boettger Releif Fund. All proceedes will go towards Todds medical bills and his rehabilitation if he makes it and to help take care of his daughter Lillian. Todd is still in a drug induced coma , medically paralysed , and on a ventalator. Anything that you can do to bring awareness to the Karaoke community would be great as my brother LOVED to sing. Again if you need anything such as pictures of him as he was vs. how he looks right now I woudl be happy to email them and work with you on making a flyer or email to send out or post in Todds local hang outs. Many blessings to you and thank you so much for caring enough about my wonderful big brother. Peace to you and yours.

  Forrest Boettger, little bro

• 44 Forrest Boettger // Apr 23, 2009 at 10:14 pm

  From our family to you, thank you for your kind words.

  Forrest Boettger, little bro

• 45 Forrest Boettger // Apr 23, 2009 at 10:17 pm

  Todd has been in the ICU since his attack. He has been in a drug induced coma, drug induced paralasys, and on a ventalator. Stable at the moment but still critical. Day by day my friend.

  Forrest Boettger, little bro

• 46 jules // Apr 23, 2009 at 10:17 pm

  forrest:
  any news on his condition as of today?

• 47 jules // Apr 23, 2009 at 10:19 pm

  thank you kindly for the update. this just makes me feel ill. please please please let him know that alot of people in ballard/fremont/greenwood are pulling for him and that there actually are people out here in this world that still do care about others and wish them the very best! take care of yourself, and please keep us posted. best regards, forrest.

• 48 Forrest Boettger // Apr 23, 2009 at 10:22 pm

  Thank you so much for your supprot during this rough and terrible time for my brother Todd. We have set up an account for my brother and his daughter Lillian to help pay for the medical bills and if Todd recovers his rehabilitation. Anyone can go into any US Bank and deposit money into the Todd Boettger Releif Fund anywhere in the USA. Thank You.

  Forrest Boettger, little bro

• 49 Forrest Boettger // Apr 23, 2009 at 10:30 pm

  Actually after talking with the Seattle times this exact crime has happened 4 times in the last 2 months, not to my brothers extent but knocked out and robbed. It seems the crimes are getting a bit out of control in you lovely city, the city I was born in. Todd and I both went to Greenwood Elementary. How many people will it take being hurt? Maybe they have to kill someone? Well my brother lies close to death at this very moment. It is just my personal opinion and maybe its a bit stronger than most because this hits me right at home but 4 brutal attacks in two months……………come on……. take back your streets people.
  Forrest Boettger, little bro

• 50 Forrest Boettger // Apr 24, 2009 at 2:20 am

  you can contact me at <collectionoftrees@yahoo.com>

  Forrest Boettger, little bro

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