The Inconsequential Case of Akers vs. Safeway/Capitol Hill/Sat May 18/11:45 pm: On June 10, I received this e-mail from a man named Michael Akers.

Hello there Charles,

I had the misfortune of being thrown into a wall and arrested for criminal trespass on May 18 at the Capitol Hill Safeway on 15th and John. I refused to show my ID to purchase cigarettes, as I am 33 years old, and the friend I was with is 27 and had already shown hers. Needless to say, an argument ensued, which resulted in me seeing what the inside of King County Jail is like. While I had had a bit of alcohol, I am pretty bristly about the whole ID issue even when stone cold sober.

I am hoping that, as you are the compiler of the Police Beat, you might be interested in my story and upcoming trial. I have put up a little website with all the details--incident report, my version, and more. Please check it out at http://www.blarg.net/~makers.

On June 11, I went to the police station and located the report that concerned Akers' Safeway incident. The crime he committed is classified as "Criminal Trespass," and was investigated/ reported by Officer Elliott. Here is his report:

"At approximately 11:46 p.m., I was dispatched to the Safeway in reference to a subject being detained at the location. Upon arrival, I made contact with Deputy Darrion Holiwell of the King County Office [sic], who was working uniformed security at that location. Deputy Holiwell told me that he [apprehended] a white male [for] yelling at the [store] manager.

"The manager [then told] me that the disturbance started when the cashier asked Akers for identification to purchase cigarettes and he refused. Akers began to yell profanities at her, causing a disturbance. The manager [intervened and] told Akers that the sale was over and he had to leave the store. Akers refused and [at that point] Deputy Holiwell approached and took over the situation.

"I attempted to speak with Akers about the incident, but he was very argumentative and uncooperative. He would not remain seated in the office and he would not follow verbal requests. I noticed the strong odor of some unknown type of alcoholic beverage on Akers' person and his eyes were red. I also noticed that his speech was slurred and he was unsteady on his feet. Akers was then transported to the King County Jail, where he was booked for criminal trespass."

After drinking a great deal at the Twilight Tavern on June 12, I went home and checked out Akers' website, www.blarg.net/~makers. I found in the "trail info" link this almost interesting paragraph, which will conclude this week's Police Beat.

At this time my attorney and I are gathering information from witnesses we have contacted already, and witnesses we are still attempting to contact. My best witness, who saw the whole incident and agrees with my version of the story, is currently in Japan with the U.S. Army. Hopefully, we will be able to get in contact with him before the trial date....