Eviction of homeless camp ends with arrests

SEATTLE – A dozen people were arrested as Port of Seattle police evicted the homeless camp known as Nickelsville from Port of Seattle property.

The homeless camp was set up in July at the port site and officials had made Wednesday the deadline for campers to get out. Port spokeswoman Charla Skaggs says about 20 left early, going “to other shelter resources.” About 80 remained when police arrived.

Skaggs said late Wednesday afternoon that the dozen who were arrested were given written trespassing warnings and have been released. She says they included some advocates for the homeless.

KING-TV reports that St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Seattle has offered a temporary location for the encampment.

Other members of the homeless advocacy group SHARE camped out Monday night outside Seattle Mayor Nickels’ home, demanding more free bus fares from the city.

Some people camped out Tuesday night outside a city councilman’s house.