No other arrests have been made, and the attacker might not have been a transient. But the attack raised awareness and led to groups cleaning out brambles. Some of the common camps have been at Ebey Island, the area behind the I-5 rest stop near Everett Mall, and the area below the bridge on Marine View Drive near Legion Park golf course. Police shoo away illegal campers from the city's hidden lairs as often as people make themselves a cup of morning coffee. Boyd Bryant, spokesman for the Everett Police Department.
Transient camps are a perpetual thing.
Health and safety are real issues. Most don't have sewage disposal, Bryant said. Many transient campers generate trash. That can mean dangers such as syringes or broken glass. Some who set up camp are in dire economic situations, are addicted to alcohol or drugs, or may be mentally disturbed, Bryant said.