Seattle police credit Ballard residents for alerting officers to reckless Audi speeding along Northwest Leary Way

Seattle, Washington – Community reports played a decisive role in helping Seattle police stop and cite a driver accused of repeatedly speeding through Ballard.

The situation first came to light on Jan. 21, 2026, when officers received a report of a black Audi being driven recklessly along Northwest Leary Way. According to police, the vehicle was seen traveling at high speeds during the early morning commute, around 7:30 a.m., and again later in the afternoon at approximately 3 p.m. The pattern raised concerns among residents who feared for the safety of pedestrians and other drivers.

With help from community members, officers were able to identify the vehicle in question. North Precinct Captain George Davisson quickly alerted Ballard sector patrol officers and requested that a Community Response Group officer assist in locating the car. It did not take long. The CRG officer found the Audi, conducted a traffic stop, and cited the 22-year-old driver for serious violations.

But the matter did not end there.

On Feb. 12, Captain Davisson received another complaint involving the same vehicle, once again accused of speeding. Acting swiftly, he notified patrol officers and sought support from the Seattle Police Department’s Traffic Section. Within 24 hours, a Traffic Section officer located the Audi, stopped the driver, and issued additional citations for multiple serious traffic offenses.

Police officials credited the outcome to the vigilance and cooperation of Ballard residents. By promptly reporting what they observed and remaining patient as officers coordinated their response, community members provided crucial information that allowed police to intervene.

The department expressed appreciation for the public’s involvement, emphasizing that community tips can make a meaningful difference in addressing ongoing safety concerns. In this case, steady communication between residents and officers helped bring a recurring traffic problem under control.