Bellevue Beat Blog

Three prolific robbery suspects have been arrested and charged in a series of violent crimes throughout King County. The two-month-long crime spree began October 12 when Daniel Recinos, Cesar Sandoval, and Ricardo Valencia-Alvarez began using vehicles they stole during violent carjackings and kidnappings to commit armed robberies at gas stations and convenience stores. These crimes occurred throughout King County, including Bellevue, Burien, Kent, Maple Valley, Mercer Island, Redmond, and Seattle. The trio allegedly threatened the clerks with pistols and even fired a shot inside the Renton business.

“These three suspects are charged with violently robbing multiple businesses without regard for the employees they traumatized,” stated Captain Shelby Shearer. “We appreciate our partners in the Seattle Police Department and King County Sheriff’s Office who worked closely with us to ensure these dangerous individuals were taken off the streets.”

During the investigation, detectives uncovered evidence of the suspects bragging about the robberies. Working with Seattle Police, the King County Sheriff’s Department, and other affected agencies, investigators were able to identify and arrest all three suspects. Investigators with multiple agencies served warrants at Recinos’ apartment in Bellevue, Sandoval’s home in Seattle, and Valencia-Alvarez’ apartment in Auburn. Detectives recovered pistols used during the robberies, stolen property, and other evidence tying the suspects to the crimes.

Racinos is charged with five counts of First-Degree Robbery, one count of First-Degree Kidnapping, and two counts of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm. He’s in jail on $1 million bail. Valencia-Alvarez is charged with seven counts of First-Degree Robbery and is in jail on $750,000 bail. Sandoval is charged with nine counts of First-Degree Robbery and is in jail on $1 million bail.

Case # 22-57117

There has been an increase in storage locker thefts, including in public storage facilities and storage at apartment complexes. As a result, Bellevue police urge you to use caution and not store valuable personal or sentimental items in these lockers.

There are some precautions you can take, such as keeping an inventory of all items in storage. Also, keep a list of serial numbers and photograph your belongings. Never share your access or key code, and make sure you have a high-quality lock. 

Additionally, ask if the facility has video cameras, then find out where they are located and if they are monitored. It’s also important to verify that the access gates are protected for employee and customer-only access. Plus, ensure there is adequate lighting around the property.

These simple steps can help prevent you from becoming a victim.

Bellevue police arrested a 13-year-old and three 15-year-old males and recovered two vehicles following an armed carjacking in Renton. A Seattle police captain notified Bellevue police at about 9:30 am that they were following a stolen car in the Phantom Lake area of Bellevue. The SPD captain attempted to stop the vehicle, and when the driver refused to stop, they did not pursue it.

As Bellevue officers were responding to assist, they located the stolen Hyundai Elantra, which had been abandoned. Moments later, a resident called, reporting a suspicious person in their backyard. Officers contacted the suspect, a 12-year-old male, and determined he was connected to the stolen car and arrested him.

Other officers on scene noticed another vehicle, a Dodge Charger, that had been involved in an armed carjacking in Renton earlier in the morning. There were three 14-year-old suspects inside. Officers attempted to stop that car, but that driver fled. The officer pursued the vehicle because the driver was suspected of having been involved in a violent felony.

The driver drove through Bellevue to West Lake Sammamish Parkway and eventually up Lakemont Blvd., where two of three suspects fled into the woods in the Coal Creek Trail system. One of the suspects remained in the car and was immediately arrested. The other two ran and attempted to hide in the woods.

King County’s Guardian One helicopter assisted Bellevue Police in following the suspects during the pursuit and as they fled onto the Coal Creek Trail.

Once enough officers arrived to secure the scene, the suspects were warned twice to give up. They eventually surrendered without incident. There were no injuries to the officers or the suspects.

For information about the armed carjacking, please contact the Renton Police Department.

We appreciate the support of the King County Sheriff’s Department’s Guardian One, Seattle Police, Issaquah Police and the Washington State Patrol.

Case # 23-1717      

Just after 6:00 pm this evening, an officer approached a vehicle with no license plates in a parking lot in the 300 Blk 120^th Ave NE. During the interaction, the officer fired his weapon. A sergeant in another patrol car also struck the suspect’s vehicle. The female driver fled the scene. Officers attempted to pursue the vehicle but stopped because the suspect was driving recklessly. There are no known injuries.

As is routine, both the officer and the sergeant have been placed on administrative leave. Kirkland police are investigating this incident and will provide any additional information.  

Bellevue police officers have arrested 236 drivers for Driving Under the Influence of drugs or alcohol from January through November 2022. That is a 36% increase in DUI arrests compared to last year and a 71% increase from the pre-pandemic arrests in 2019. With extra DUI patrols scheduled through the end of the year, that number will climb.

DUI Arrests January – November
Year	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022
Total	113	138	115	174	236

“Most of these arrests stem from officers who witnessed erratic driving and pulled the drivers over for traffic violations,” said Major Dave Sanabria. “The arrests very easily could have prevented a tragic collision.” Of the DUI arrests in 2022, 30% involved collisions, and 90% occurred at night.

Bellevue police officers will be participating in high-visibility DUI emphasis patrols through the end of the year. So far in December, officers have arrested 13 additional drivers for DUI.

“We want everyone to get home safely to their loved ones,” Sanabria added. “Unfortunately, more than 50% of traffic fatalities involve impaired drivers, and those deaths are completely preventable.”

The best thing you can do if you plan to celebrate over the holidays is to make sure you have a plan.  Either designate a driver or line up a rideshare to make sure you get home safely.

The increase in DUI arrests is due partly to the department’s participation in the King County Target Zero DUI Emphasis Patrols and the anti-crime initiative Bellevue police launched earlier this year. The anti-crime initiative focuses on targeted operations in area hotspots where thefts and criminal activity is on the rise. The anti-crime initiative includes high-visibility patrols to combat collision-causing violations like DUIs.

More Bellevue police officers will be out as you finish shopping and enjoying Bellevue this holiday season. Bellevue police have increased patrols in high-volume shopping areas; they’re on foot at the malls and stores and in cars patrolling parking garages and congested areas.

“Throughout the holiday season, we want everyone coming to Bellevue, whether it’s to shop, enjoy Snowflake Lane, or dine out, to know that we are committed to ensuring your safety and security while you’re here,” said Captain Landon Barnwell.

Barnwell stated that the high-visibility patrols are designed to not only be a crime deterrent but also to reduce the fear of crime for people enjoying all that Bellevue has to offer. “Community members are very concerned about the reports of crime they hear about on the news, and that’s perfectly understandable,” Barnwell added. “To help everyone feel safer, we are putting more officers in those high-volume areas. We encourage people to come here and be confident that the Bellevue Police Department takes their safety seriously.” 

You are encouraged to take safety precautions, such as not leaving your bags, purses, or wallets unattended while you shop or dine out. Also, never leave packages visible in your cars, and don’t bring bags out to your car in the garage as thieve frequently monitor parking areas. And always be aware of your surroundings. Finally, if you see something suspicious, say something.

The extra patrols will continue through the end of the year. 

The 18-year-old suspected of making threats against Sammamish High School remains in custody on $1,000,000 bail. The King County Prosecutor’s Office charged Isaiah Foster with Felony Harassment and Felony Cyber Harassment in court today. Foster allegedly threatened to kill a student at Sammamish High School. The student received the threat while at school on Friday, December 9, and reported it to school officials. Foster was arrested at his Seattle home less than three hours after the initial report.

Multiple Bellevue police officers responded immediately, secured the building and remained there throughout the day. Officers also provided patrols at the other Bellevue high schools as a precautionary measure.

“We understand the fear this incident caused for not only the students and faculty at Sammamish High School but the community at large,” said Chief Wendell Shirley. “We are committed to working with the Bellevue School District to ensure a safe learning environment for everyone.”

Foster’s next court appearance will be his arraignment on December 22, where he will enter an initial plea.

An 18-year-old suspect will go before a judge this afternoon for allegedly making threats against Sammamish High School.  A Sammamish student reported receiving the threat on Friday morning, December 9^th. Sammamish High School went into lockout until the suspect was arrested at his Seattle home by Seattle Police shortly before 12:30 pm. The suspect remains in custody.

Bellevue police immediately responded to Sammamish High School, secured the building, and remained there throughout the day. Officers also provided patrols at the other Bellevue high schools as a precautionary measure.

The suspect is scheduled for a first appearance at 2:30 p.m. today.

The Celebration of Life service for Officer Jordan Jackson will occur at 1 p.m. at the Meydenbauer Center at 11100 NE 6^th Street, Bellevue, on Tuesday, December 6. As we honor Officer Jackson, please note several rolling and long-term road closures on the day of the service.

A procession will precede the service, beginning at approximately 11:15 a.m. at 148th Avenue SE and SE 16th Street. The procession will close the northbound lanes on 148th Avenue NE to NE 8th Street for up to 15 minutes. Rolling closures along the rest of the procession route will last 8-10 minutes.

• The route begins at 148^th Avenue SE and SE 16^th Street, traveling north
• Turning west on NE 8^th Street
• North on 120^th Avenue NE
• West on NE 12^th Street
• South on 112^th Avenue NE, arriving at the Meydenbauer Center

Longer-term road closures will occur around the Meydenbauer Center and include:

• 112^th Avenue NE between NE 4^th Street and NE 8^th Street will be closed from 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
• NE 6^th Street between 110^th Avenue NE and 112^th Avenue NE will be closed from 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
• NE 6^th Street between 112^th Avenue NE and I-405 will be closed from 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

The Bellevue Police Department thanks you in advance for your patience during these closures. We encourage anyone who is able to line the procession route to show support for Officer Jackson and his family.

Officer Jackson died on November 21 from injuries sustained in a motor vehicle collision while on duty in Bellevue. Members of the public can donate to support Officer Jackson’s wife and two young children through www.bellevuepolicefoundation.org.