Police in riot gear stand by, but strike rally is peaceful

Published 9:00 pm Wednesday, November 22, 2000

Herald staff

BOTHELL — Police hoped for peace but prepared for chaos as a rally by striking newspaper workers got under way Wednesday.

More than 400 strikers rallied peacefully at a Seattle Times printing plant Wednesday evening in Bothell.

Bothell police spokesman Elmer Brown said the department called in officers from all over Snohomish County, including Marysville and the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office, and had them stand ready near the rally, out of sight, as a precaution in case the crowd became unruly.

All the officers were equipped with riot gear, such as helmets, body armor, shields and batons; however, they weren’t needed, Brown said.

"The rally was very civil, very peaceful," Brown said.

It’s the first time Bothell police have dealt with a large strike, Brown said.