A missing 19-year-old Bellevue resident was found safe in Renton early this morning following a region wide search by law enforcement and more than 50 volunteers.
The incident began at 8:15PM Friday evening when the parents of 19-year-old Zayb Bajwa flagged down Bellevue PD Officers and notified them their son had fled from his caregivers at around the 5400 block of Coal Creek Parkway. Zayb is an individual on the autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) and being missing and out of care placed him in an extremely vulnerable situation. Zayb’s mother and caregiver confirmed that Zayb had no prior history of running off from his family.
Understanding the delicate circumstances with Zayb’s case, the BPD quickly dispatched a search perimeter along the area and began canvassing the trail and other surrounding neighborhoods. More than 50 volunteers also assisted Police in this effort. However, as the area quickly grew dark, Officers from multiple jurisdictions turned to unmanned aerial devices (UAS) during search and rescue efforts in an attempt to find Zayb’s body heat along the search perimeter. Reverse 9-1-1 was also initiated at this time.
The Department received help from King County Search and Rescue as well as other law enforcement agencies from the region – including the Clyde Hill Police Department, the Redmond Police Department, and the Renton Police Department.
At around 12:30AM on May 18, Renton PD Officers found Zayb safe and uninjured in Renton. He was then taken to Valley Medical Center for evaluation.
The Bellevue Police Department sends its gratitude to the volunteers in the search efforts as well as the neighboring agencies who ensured Zayb was found safe and reunited with his family.
The Bellevue Police Department (BPD) will hold a final Steering Wheel Lock Giveaway event this Saturday in Factoria – concluding the program’s resounding success for the City of Bellevue and its neighboring communities.
More than 1,000 steering wheel locks have been handed out to motorists during a time when the City of Bellevue has seen a 47-percent increase in vehicular thefts – primarily targeting KIA and Hyundai owners. Over 300 locks were provided to vehicle owners during last month’s Giveaway event at the BPD’s Crossroads Substation.
WHAT: Steering Wheel Lock Giveaway WHEN: 12:00 – 4:00 PM, May 18, 2024 WHERE: BPD Factoria Substation (Across from Nordstrom Rack) 3915 Factoria Blvd SE Bellevue, WA 98006
Saturday’s event will be the final opportunity this spring for motorists to receive a free steering wheel lock. Owners attending the event will receive a FREE wheel lock as well as be given crime prevention information for their vehicle. No appointment is necessary, and locks will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. There is a one-lock limit per person.
Additionally, owners of KIA and Hyundai vehicles may be eligible for a free software upgrade from the manufacturer. In fact, KIA is holding an Anti-Theft Event starting on Friday and running through the weekend in Factoria Mall. KIA owners who stop by may be eligible for a software upgrade to their vehicles.
The Bellevue Police Department strongly urges owners to use this upgrade as well as take these measures that could reduce their chances of becoming a victim of theft by considering the following:
Have all recall work and software updates performed by an authorized dealer as soon as possible.
Use a steering wheel lock.
Consider purchasing an alarm system.
Place a tracking device, such as an AirTag, in your vehicle to aid in recovery.
If you are an owner of a KIA or Hyundai, please use the QR Code below to see if your vehicle is eligible for a software upgrade.
This month, Bellevue Police Department celebrates the second anniversary of its Women Empowered (WE) Self-Defense Workshop Series.
The Women Empowered program is the official self-defense program for women taught at Gracie University in Torrance, California and at more than 200 Certified Training Centers around the world. The program teaches techniques and principles that address 20 threat scenarios through a series of 15 different classes. It also provides a safe space to discuss some of the psychology of an assault, the phases of an assault, and how they may differ when the assault is committed by a stranger versus a friend or family member.
Image of the next Women Empowered course at Bellevue City Hall on May 19 from 1:30-3:10pm.
More than 2,000 women from across the Puget Sound region have participated in the WE Workshop since May 2022 – with some traveling as far as 60 miles to participate.
“Being the one of the few police departments in the world that is certified to offer regularly occurring workshops like this is a special thing for us.” said Bellevue PD Officer Craig Hanaumi – the creator the of BPD’s Women Empowered Series. “With lots of help from our colleagues and friends in our community, we believe that the caliber of instruction in our workshops meets the standards set at Gracie University’s for-profit schools, and we are proud to provide this to women for free.”
Image of a collage showing past WE classes at Bellevue City Hall.
No experience is required to participate as girls as young as eleven and women as old as 80 have participated. Only preregistration is required by emailing chanaumi@bellevuewa.gov to secure a space.
There are two more Workshop classes available for the remainder of May, and the Bellevue Police Department invites the media to attend this empowering program. Details for each event are as follows:
WHAT: Women Empowered Self-Defense Workshop WHEN: 1:30-3:00p, May 19, 2024 WHERE: Bellevue City Hall (450 110th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA 98004)
WHAT: Women Empowered Self-Defense Workshop WHEN: 1:30-3:00p, May 26, 2024 WHERE: Bellevue City Hall (450 110th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA 98004)
Below are some testimonials from participants of the Women Empowered Self-Defense Workshop Series:
“Officer Craig’s presentation and thinking style is what I think is most unique and the best feature. He presents in a way that is approachable, and it isn’t just “I tell you what to do, Steps 1-2-3. Go.” He presents a situation, asks for thoughts and ideas, inviting anyone, encouraging newbies, to try things. He reminds us every time how to practice safely, carefully, respectfully. Like how to make sure to tuck in your arm/hand so that practicing partners won’t get hurt, and shows how we should do it in real situation.
In a session last year, there were some domestic victims who participated and spoke at the end about past situations. It was heartbreaking to hear it. Made me realize how it’s a place of communication, respect. A safe place.
It grounded my rational fears of how one needs to stay alert and watch out for others. It weighs on me how important it is to have some basic skills, some knowledge of what to do. We get that fighting chance when we take the time to learn these tools, and for Bellevue to give us that opportunity is invaluable. I hope it continues indefinitely.” – Ching Fong, participant of the Women Empowered Self-Defense Workshop
“I’ve attended 3 self-defense classes. I am so grateful for them, first of all as a single mother, I have a tight budget so the fact that this class is free is incredibly helpful. I’ve always wanted to learn self-defense but could never afford it.
I have 7.5 years in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction and while I lived on the street I let a lot of horrible things happen to me because I didn’t know how to defend myself. Although I’ve found recovery and I don’t put myself in those situation anymore, this world seems to keep getting more and more dangerous so it’s never too late and my daughter is watching. I’d like to raise her in this type of environment.
Thank you for allowing these classes to happen. I will continue to attend until the moves are second nature to me and I can teach my daughter.” – Robyn, participant of the Women Empowered Self-Defense Workshop
The Bellevue Police Department arrested a 29-year-old male suspect for assault early last Friday during a domestic violence dispute in Factoria – all of which started on social media.
According to police reports, Officers responded to a domestic disturbance incident at the 4200 block of Factoria Boulevard SE. The victim, a 22-year-old female, called Bellevue PD to report the suspect (her boyfriend) took her cell phone and drove away from their apartment. Officers quickly located the suspect in a gray 2001 Maza Protégé in a parking lot in the 4000 block of Factoria.
After interviews with both the suspect and the victim, it was determined the altercation started when the suspect noticed the victim was texting an unidentified male on Instagram. The situation quickly escalated when the victim refused to adhere to the suspect’s demands to hand her phone over to him. This caused a physical dispute where the suspect allegedly grabbed her clothing with both hands near the upper chest and neck area – prompting the shirt to tear and causing pain around her chest and the side of her neck. The suspect also prevented the victim from reporting the disturbance to law enforcement – breaking Washington State law.
Officers determined probable cause and arrested the suspect for Assault (4th Degree) and Interfering with Reporting of Domestic Violence.
Friday’s incident highlights an ongoing trend – particularly among youth – where confrontations or conflicts online lead to altercations and violence offline.
Image of a graphic saying “Online Dispute, Offline Violence”
According to the University of Connecticut, young people reported in a 2021 study that four particular social media features as the leading cause of escalating conflicts: comments, livestreaming, picture/video sharing, and tagging. In fact, about 80-percent of incidents involved comments. Further, high school “fight pages” – a webpage where students record and share fights – were found to be common on social media.
This new reality does exist for law enforcement. To combat this trend, LinkedIn provided these proactive tactics that could be used by anyone – especially parents – if they spot or hear about an escalating conflict on social media: acknowledge emotions, avoid personal attacks, clarify intentions, seek common ground, and know when to disengage. Further, an investigate report from last fall also suggested parents should ask their children questions like “How was your day on social media?” when learning about their child’s day.
Please contact the Bellevue Police Department if you feel an online dispute has escalated or is escalating into dangerous territory. The best way to prevent a crime is to say something the moment you see something is wrong.
Last week, the Bellevue Police Department arrested a man connected to a sex trafficking incident involving a 21-year-old female victim in Bellevue’s Factoria neighborhood – culminating a month-long investigation which started with a domestic violence call.
During the week of April 8, Bellevue PD Officers responded to a domestic violence incident in Factoria. Officers contacted the victim who fled the apartment with the assistance of nearby construction workers and identified several red flag indicators of sex trafficking. This was confirmed by the victim. The case was then assigned to the BPD’s Human Trafficking Unit for further investigation where they learned the victim was exploited in Washington as well as numerous states outside of Washington.
The case culminated in a search warrant of the suspect, 31-year-old Cedric A. Dorsey. Having numerous prior arrests, Dorsey was not only deemed high-risk but was also believed to have weapons – including an AK-47 – at his current residence. This led to the BPD holding a SWAT operation on Thursday, May 2 at approximately 6:00am on the 4100 block of 124th Ave SE.
When Dorsey failed to comply with BPD, it prompted the BPD’s Crisis Response Team (CRT) to initiate negotiations. The CRT worked with Dorsey’s mother to establish communication with the suspect and convince him to turn himself into law enforcement.
At 6:57am (close to an hour of the total operation), Dorsey exited the apartment and turned himself into the custody of the Bellevue PD where he was arrested for Trafficking Persons 2nd Degree, Prostitution Promotion 1st Degree, and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.
Following the operation, the Bellevue PD’s Investigative Team conducted a search of the unit and found about $12,000 in cash, and three firearms in Dorsey’s apartment, including two revolvers and a Century Arms BFT47 (pictured above) with a 30-round magazine. Not only is this firearm banned in Washington State, but it was also previously reported stolen in October 2022.
“From the Bellevue PD Officers quickly spotting the red flags associated with sex trafficking to the work of the Department’s Human Trafficking Unit, this collaborative operation was truly a textbook example on how to hold an individual accountable for conducting a horrible sex crime on another person,” said Andrew Popochock, Assistant Chief for the Bellevue Police Department. “Sex trafficking is a crime and unfortunately does happen in communities like Bellevue. That’s why we’re asking the public that if they believe someone may be a victim in a sex trafficking operation to immediately call law enforcement so that we can hold these criminals accountable and save lives in the process.”
According to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, Washington State saw a 70-percent increase of human trafficking victims in a six-year timespan. This included 192 cases of sex trafficking. Victims often demonstrate warning signs of physical abuse, giving lines that appear scripted or rehearsed, unable to speak without the presence of their abuser, or withholding to provide personal identification.
Anyone who is, knows, or has information on someone who may be a victim of exploitation is asked to contact the BPD Human Trafficking Unit (HTU) at ViceHT@bellevuewa.gov.
This morning shortly after 7:30 a.m., Bellevue Police responded to a report of an assault involving a gun at the Regent at Bellevue Way Apartments located in the 10600 block of NE 29th Street. A witness reported seeing two men arguing at that location and witnessed a suspect, who was reportedly holding a handgun, assault the victim. Responding Officers located the suspect leaving the scene in a vehicle and attempted to make a traffic stop, however the suspect fled. Officers subsequently chased the vehicle across the 520 floating bridge into Seattle. The suspect struck at least two other vehicles during the chase. Fortunately, there were no injuries as a result of those crashes. The suspect, a 36-year-old male, subsequently crashed his vehicle in the yard of a residence on Greenlake Way N. near the intersection with Ashworth Ave. N. in the Greenlake neighborhood of Seattle and was arrested following a short foot chase.
The suspect crashed this vehicle in the yard of a residence in Greenlake following a police pursuit that began in Bellevue
Seattle police recovered a firearm in the street near the scene of the arrest that police determined was the gun involved in the original incident. Police later determined that the gun had been reported as stolen.
This stolen firearm was recovered near the scene of the arrest
A subsequent investigation revealed that the suspect had assaulted two known individuals during an argument at the apartments. The suspect, a convicted felon, was booked into the King County jail for investigation of assault first degree, assault fourth degree, eluding police, hit and run, and felon in possession of a firearm. The case will now be forwarded to the King County Prosecutor for review.
The Bellevue Police Department (BPD) today confirmed the juveniles arrested for a carjacking at gunpoint last Friday are connected to a theft at a luxury retail shop in Bellevue that same day – with more than $106,000 worth of stolen merchandise lifted from the store.
The targeted store was a Bottega Veneta, a high-end Italian fashion boutique located at The Shops at the Bravern, 11111 NE 8th Street.
According to the store manager of Bottega Veneta, the suspects arrived at the shop at around 6:44pm in a white Hyundai Elantra. As previously reported (see below), the vehicle was confirmed stolen ahead of Friday’s crimes.
The five suspects – wearing all black and with ski masks covering their faces – quickly entered the store and immediately began ripping the merchandise from the display cases. In just about a minute, the suspects had stolen 29 handbags, purses, and tote bags, according to the store manager.
Screenshots from the video of the theft can be seen here:
Image of the stolen white Hyundai ElantraImage of the suspects stealing from the retail shop
Following the burglary at Bottega Veneta, the suspects then – in an effort to dispose of the stolen Elantra and elude from the scene – targeted the grandmother driving the black BMW at random. The suspects followed the victim until she parked at the 10000 block of SE 13th Place Bellevue, and then proceeded to commit the carjacking.
Image of the stolen white Hyundai Elantra
The suspects who were previously taken into custody for last week’s carjacking and who are also involved with the theft have been additionally booked for Theft of the First Degree (Shoplifting).
The Bellevue PD is continuing its investigation into Friday’s incidents. Additional information about the location of the stolen goods as well as the full scope of suspects involved in both crimes are forthcoming and will be released at a later date.
BELLEVUE, Wash. – The Bellevue Police Department (BPD) announced today three current and former officers of the BPD – Officers Kealii Akahane and Jeff Sebers and former Officer Caleb Worthington – will receive the coveted Washington State Law Enforcement Medal of Honor during the May 3rd ceremony in Olympia. The Officers will be recognized for their exceptional and meritorious conduct while in the performance of duty during an incident on June 6, 2022.
Akahane, Sebers, and Worthington earn this honor after saving the life of a young individual who was under distress and drowning in Phantom Lake. For his actions on that day, Officer Akahane previously received the Carnegie Medal – an award provided to officers or citizens who “risk death or serious physical injury to an extraordinary degree saving or attempting to save the lives of others.”
“Every day, the Bellevue Police Department proudly serves its community without expectation of acknowledgment or special praise. It’s who we are, and we’re proud to serve this great City. But, there are special circumstances that arise where special recognition must be made, and Officers Akahane, Sebers, and Worthington deserve this esteemed honor,” said Wendell Shirley, Chief of Police.
According to the State of Washington, recipients of the Law Enforcement Medal of Honor are reserved for police officers who are either killed in the line of duty or distinguish themselves by exceptional meritorious conduct. Click here to see past recipients including former BPD Officers Jordan Jackson and Greg Lum, 2023 and 1998 honorees.
Shirley continued, “Because of these Officers’ work, not only was a life saved, but they embodied the values of courage, selflessness, and heroism we all strive to achieve in an emergency.”
Media interested in attending the reception should RSVP with PIO Drew Anderson at daanderson@bellevuewa.gov. Details about the reception ahead of the Law Enforcement Medal of Honor Ceremony are as follows:
WHO: Bellevue Police Officers Kealii Akahane and Jeff Sebers and former BPD Officer Caleb Worthington
WHAT: Reception for Law Enforcement Medal of Honor Ceremony
WHEN: Friday, May 3, at 2:30pm
WHERE: Evergreen Christian Community Main Campus in Olympia
Media interested in attending the Medal of Honor Ceremony should contact the Washington Attorney General’s Office at david.heitzman@atg.wa.gov.
Four juveniles were arrested Friday evening following a carjacking incident beginning in Bellevue and spanning all the way to Washington State’s southern border.
The case started close to 7:00pm on Friday when BPD Officers responded to reports of a carjacking with a firearm at the 10000 block of SE 13th Place Bellevue. The four suspects – a 14-year-old male, a 15-year-old male, and 16-year-old male, and a 17-year-old male – followed the victim in a white Hyundai Elantra to the victim’s residential neighborhood before exiting the vehicle and holding the victim at gunpoint.
Following a brief exchange, the suspects then stole the victim’s black BMW X5 vehicle along with their purse, shopping merchandise, potted plants, an Apple iPad, two tabletop baby seats, and three car seats. The stolen Hyundai was quickly found abandoned by Officers near the scene of the carjacking. It was there where most of the victim’s belongings were found and left behind.
The Bellevue PD continued its investigation of the carjacking and was quickly contacted by Officers with the Tumwater Police Department who reported receiving a call involving suspects matching the stolen vehicle and suspicious individuals dumping items involved with the Bellevue incident near a dumpster in the city limits. The individuals were confirmed to be the suspects of the carjacking.
Then at approximately 9:00pm that evening, members of the Joint Base Lewis-McChord notified BPD about the suspects attempting to enter the base along its entrance at 41 Street near Exit 120 on Interstate-5. It was at this time when the Washington State Patrol joined the case where Officers followed the vehicle southbound I-5 to the City of Vancouver. WSP Officers stopped the vehicle at 9:20pm along I-5 near Exit 14 and arrested all four suspects during that time.
Image of stolen BMW from Friday, April 26, 2024.
Bellevue Officers took the suspects into custody at the WSP’s Chehalis Office and were booked at the BPD for Robbery (1st Degree) and Possession of a Stolen Vehicle. The stolen BMW was towed and secured at the Department’s garage for further investigation.
While the City of Bellevue remains a safe community, crime does happen. The Department asks residents to stay vigilant while conducting errands or commuting around the city. And if you see something suspicious, immediately contact the BPD for assistance.
Meet the new Bellevue Light Rail Unit (BLU) during the City’s ribbon-cutting ceremony on April 27
BELLEVUE, Wash. – Ahead of the grand opening of Sound Transit’s 2 Line on April 27, the Bellevue Police Department (BPD) is preparing to officially roll out its new police unit – The Bellevue Light Rail Unit (BLU) – a dedicated unit designed to foster a safe and positive riding experience for individuals and families wishing to use the new Link Light Rail Service through Bellevue.
“As the City of Bellevue continues to Link up with the greater Puget Sound region, our officers are committed to helping continue Bellevue’s reputation as being the go-to place to safely work, live, and play. The BPD’s new Light Rail Unit accomplishes this goal,” said Wendell Shirley, Chief of Police. “Whenever you’re riding the 2 Line and see a BLU officer at your station or on your train, just remember: they’re there for you.”
Officers Victor Pirak and Larry Perreira, Members of the Bellevue PD’s new Bellevue Light Rail Unit (BLU).
Each of Bellevue’s six Link stops is within the patrol duties of the BLU team, helping to ensure the BPD accomplishes its mission to reduce crime and the fear of crime in the community. This is why BPD’s BLU has partnered with Sound Transit and King County representatives to determine the best strategy to deploy the Unit’s Officers throughout the City of Bellevue.
“We appreciate the City of Bellevue’s partnership in supplementing Sound Transit’s on-board and in-station security teams to help keep our Eastside light rail passengers safe,” said Russ Arnold, Sound Transit deputy CEO and chief service delivery officer.
The BPD invites the community to meet its new BLU unit at the City’s official light rail ribbon-cutting ceremony on April 27 at the Bellevue Downtown Station. More details about the event can be found here.
Bellevue Beat Blog 