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Rep. Roach's bill would
prohibit violent convicts' use of body armor
Conviction carries penalties of five years and/or
$10,000 fine
Felons convicted of a
violent offense who are found wearing or possessing body armor could
face additional prison time under a bill introduced this week by
Rep. Dan Roach.
House Bill 1922 would create a class C felony for anyone convicted
of a violent offense who is knowingly in possession of body armor.
Roach says the idea for
the legislation was brought to him by a Seattle police officer who lives in
the 31st District.
"Criminals are now trying
to use the same tools as law enforcement officers to protect themselves
and get away with their crimes. It's obvious if you are a convicted
felon wearing a bulletproof vest, you're probably up to no good," said
Roach, R-Bonney Lake.
Recently, said Roach,
Seattle police arrested a 20-year-old man who was charged with a
drive-by shooting, attempting to elude police and unlawful possession of
a firearm. He was also in possession of body armor.
"People like this need to
be taken off the streets. This measure would make them spend additional
time in prison if they are convicted of having body armor," added Roach.
Under Roach's measure,
those convicted of body armor possession could receive up to five years and/or up to a $10,000
fine.
The measure also provides
certain exceptions, such as if a law enforcement officer provided body
armor for the protection of the suspect during transport or accompanying
the officer, or if at least 15 years has passed since the person had
been convicted of a violent offense.
The measure has been
referred to the Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Committee.
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For more information, contact:
John
Sattgast, Senior Information Officer: (360) 786-7257
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