Bellevue Beat Blog

Law enforcement agencies representing Bellevue, Issaquah, Redmond, and Kirkland jurisdictions today announced the launch of the Eastside Safe Streets Task Force, a regional partnership aimed at reducing the increased reckless driving, modified exhaust, and street racing incidents.  

Starting this weekend and running indefinitely, police officers representing the four agencies will combine resources to patrol neighborhoods most likely to attract reckless driving incidents and events that encourage street racing in the city. Community members are also encouraged to participate by calling non-emergency lines for their respective departments or dialing 911 if they are witnessing a crime or a life-threatening event.  

Law enforcement will issue tickets to motorists who are speeding or driving a vehicle with a modified muffler – which increases the noise of the vehicle. Motorists who are driving recklessly or racing other vehicles may be arrested or criminally cited for these dangerous actions on the roadway. 

“Reckless driving and street racing incidents have no boundaries and occur across all cities and jurisdictions. The Eastside Safe Streets Task Force is a thoughtful partnership that will combine resources, address the region’s growing concerns, and hold people accountable for threatening the safety of others,” said Wendell Shirley, Bellevue Police Chief.    

“The safety of our community remains our highest priority. As Chief of Police of Issaquah, I am proud to support the Eastside Traffic Safety Task Force, a regional partnership focused on reducing serious injuries and fatalities caused by impaired, distracted, and dangerous driving,” said Paula Schwan, Issaquah Police Chief. “Through coordinated enforcement, public education, and data-driven strategies, we are working to prevent tragedy and keep our roads safe. Traffic safety is not about citations; it is about saving lives. With the continued support of our partners and community, we can make lasting progress toward safer streets across the Eastside.”  

“Reckless driving and street racing put lives at risk and disrupt the sense of safety in our neighborhoods,” said Redmond Police Chief Darrell Lowe. “By working together across jurisdictions, we’re sending a clear message that this dangerous behavior won’t be tolerated and that keeping our roads safe is a shared responsibility.” 

“Speeding is a significant public safety concern that increases the risk of serious injuries,” said Kirkland Police Chief Mike St. Jean. “We’re pleased to partner with our neighboring agencies on a coordinated effort focused on safer speeds and safer roads for everyone.” 

According to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, there have been about 1,973 speeding-related fatal crashes in the state since 2015. This includes about 411 speeding-related fatal crashes in King County during that time frame. For 2025, Bellevue Police responded to 4 fatal traffic crashes and 36 traffic crashes where an individual sustained a serious injury. A 2024 survey by the Commission also found that only about 27.2% of all drivers reported to have never driven more than 10 mph over the speed limit.  

Prior to the launch of the Eastside Safe Streets Task Force, the Bellevue Police Department announced its own traffic safety emphasis – the Safer Roads Initiative. Through the month of January, Bellevue Officers issued 299 speeding tickets, a 62% increase compared to 2025 (185 tickets), and 19 tickets for motorists driving with a modified exhaust, a 375% increase from 2025 (4 tickets).  

The Bellevue Police Department announced today the agency made 157 shoplifting arrests during its annual “Stop the Lift” holiday campaign in 2025.  

“Bellevue Police’s shoplifting emphasis was once again successful thanks in part to the strong relationships this agency has built with businesses and community members. I commend this work and our strong partnerships and look forward to continuing these efforts throughout 2026,” said Wendell Shirley, Bellevue Police Chief. 

During the “Stop the Lift” campaign, Bellevue Police reported 229 shoplifting incidents in Bellevue, a 9% decrease compared to 2024’s holiday campaign. However, 69% of those cases (157) resulted in an arrest, which represented a 4% increase compared to the 2024 holiday timeframe.  

The “Stop the Lift” campaign experienced continued success because Bellevue Officers partnered with retail stores in the area to deter and reduce shoplifting incidents from occurring. The effort included high visibility patrols in and around Bellevue’s retail establishments and criminal enforcement when shoplifting was reported to law enforcement. The campaign provided Bellevue Police and businesses a multi-prong approach toward retail theft prevention and response during the holiday season.  

While shoplifting continues to be the number one reported crime in Bellevue, shoplifting incidents in 2025 decreased 19% (1,260 incidents) compared to incidents in 2024 (1,548) during the same time frame. Shoplifting incidents represented about 44% of all property crime cases for the city in 2025.   

The Bellevue Police Department’s efforts against retail theft continue beyond the holidays. Community members are encouraged to call 911 if they witness a suspect attempting to steal from a shopping mall or snatch a box from a neighbor’s house.  

The Bellevue Police Department announced the creation of the Safer Roads Initiative as an additional method the agency will deploy to address the increased concerns from community members about reckless driving and street racing incidents across the city.  

Starting this weekend and running indefinitely, Bellevue Police will have officers focus on reducing speeding incidents and events that encourage street racing in the city. This new initiative will run citywide, and data provided by the BPD Crime Analysis Unit will assist officers in determining the locations where frequent reckless driving and street racing incidents could occur. Community members are also encouraged to continue calling the department’s non-emergency line (425-577-5656) when they witness individuals speeding or endangering the community.  

Bellevue Police officers will issue tickets to motorists who are speeding or driving a vehicle with a modified muffler – which increases the noise of the vehicle. Motorists who are driving recklessly or racing other vehicles may be arrested or criminally cited for these dangerous actions on the roadway. 

The initiative continues the Bellevue Police Department’s proactive approach to reduce dangerous driving. Last year, Bellevue Officers issued 63% (5,737) more traffic citations compared to 2024 (3,530 citations). This includes officers issuing 962 citations for drivers traveling 10 miles per hour (mph) over the speed limit and 246 citations for motorists traveling 15mph over the speed limit. The department’s traffic enforcement also contributed to 11% (1,531) less collisions last year compared to 2024 (1,715) and 3% (312) fewer impaired driving arrests in 2025 compared to 2024 (323).  

According to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, there have been about 1,973 speeding-related fatal crashes in the state since 2015. This includes about 411 speeding-related fatal crashes in King County during that time frame and 42 speeding-related fatal and serious injury crashes in Bellevue from 2014-2023. A 2024 survey by the Commission also found that only about 27.2% of all drivers reported to have never driven more than 10 mph over the speed limit. 

Bellevue Police ask community members to continue to report speeding, reckless driving, participating in street racing, or vehicles traveling with a modified muffler by calling either the non-emergency line (425-577-5656) or emailing bellevuepd@bellevuewa.gov. Community members should provide the make, model, color of vehicle and license plate number when reporting infractions to law enforcement. 

Following a report issued by the King County Medical Examiner’s Office, the Bellevue Police Department announced it is currently investigating the death of a 27-year-old community member as a homicide. 

According to police reports, Bellevue Police were dispatched to a call for service on Monday, October 27 at approximately 7:23 p.m. on the 13700 block of NE 10^th Street. Responding officers found a female unresponsive after arriving at the residence. Despite lifesaving attempts from the Bellevue Fire Department, the individual was pronounced dead at the scene.  

Following agency procedure for every death report, Bellevue Police launched an investigation with detectives determining the female’s death appeared suspicious. Bellevue Police’s Investigations Division has since continued its investigation into this incident.  

The Bellevue Police Department does not believe there is an ongoing threat to the public. Any further information about this case will be published via the Bellevue Beat Blog.  

At approximately 12:24 p.m. on Friday, December 12, Bellevue Police responded to a call for service at the Bellevue Transit Center at 10850 NE 6th Street. It was during the response when an on-duty Bellevue Police Officer was involved in an officer-involved shooting. Both the Bellevue Officer and the suspect sustained injuries and were transported to an area hospital.  

Per state law and an agreement with the King County Independent Force Investigation Team (KC-IFIT), the incident has been officially transferred to KC-IFIT. An independent investigation of this case will be conducted by this team.

Any additional information will be provided by KC-IFIT for the remainder of the investigation. 

UPDATE: Denise has been found and she is safe. Thank you to all community members for your help in locating her!

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Bellevue Police are asking for the public’s help to locate a woman that was last seen in downtown Bellevue this past Tuesday.

On Tuesday, November 25th, Bellevue Police responded to a dentistry office located near the intersection of Bellevue Way and Main Street. Police later learned that 54-year-old Denise Silva, who had been at the dental office for an appointment, had left the area on foot and was missing. Silva’s parents, who reported her missing, told police that she is considered endangered due to a previous brain injury that causes her to be confused and disoriented. Police are further concerned due to the fact that Silva left on foot, was unfamiliar with the Bellevue area, and did not have warm clothing appropriate for the low overnight temperatures in the area.

Silva is described as 5 foot 7 inches tall, 165 pounds with brown eyes, and was last seen wearing a light grey fleece with black pants and black sneakers. Bellevue Police are asking residents in the area of west Bellevue to check their properties, specifically out buildings, for Silva, and to call 911 if she is located.

The Bellevue Police Department announced today the agency will hold its fourth-annual “Stop the Lift” holiday campaign in an effort to raise awareness about retail and porch theft incidents across the city.  

Between Black Friday and Christmas, Bellevue Officers will partner with retail stores in the area to deter and reduce shoplifting incidents from occurring. The “Stop the Lift” campaign includes high visibility patrols in and around Bellevue’s retail establishments, criminal enforcement when shoplifting is reported to law enforcement, and crime prevention messaging on social media. The campaign provides Bellevue Police and businesses a multi-prong approach toward retail theft prevention and response during the holiday season.  

Last year’s “Stop the Lift” holiday campaign was a success for both Bellevue Police and the community. According to the department’s Crime Analysis Unit, officers made 161 shoplifting arrests and investigated 244 shoplifting incidents from the Black Friday to Christmas time frame.   

“Shoplifting is the most common crime in Bellevue, but this police department is committed to collaborate with local businesses in making sure individuals who attempt to shoplift are held accountable,” said Wendell Shirley, Bellevue Police Chief.  

From January to October 2025, shoplifting incidents have decreased 22% (1,006 incidents) compared to incidents last year (1,296) in the same time frame. Of the shoplifting incidents that occurred this year, Officers have made 630 arrests. However, shoplifting crimes are still the top crime for the city and represent 43% of all property crimes in Bellevue.  

Law enforcement is also asking Bellevue community members to get involved with the “Stop the Lift” campaign. Community members should take these simple steps to protect themselves and their families while shopping in public spaces:   

1. Contact store management if you witness a shoplift occurring  (do not intervene) 

2. Never leave packages visible in your vehicle  

3. Do not leave bags, purses, or wallets unattended  

For residents choosing to purchase gifts online, please follow these simple crime prevention tips:  

1. Install a visible camera  

2. Use a porch lock box  

3. Provide conceal instructions for delivery drivers  

4. Ask for a signature requirement for deliveries  

Bellevue Police ask community members that if they see something, say something. Residents are encouraged to call 911 if they witness a suspect attempting to steal from a shopping mall or snatch a box from a neighbor’s house.  

The Bellevue Police Department urged community members to think ahead and arrange a sober ride while traveling in and around Bellevue during the holidays following an uptick of arrests where the driver was driving under the influence (DUI).  

So far for the month of November, Bellevue Officers have made 20 DUI arrests within city limits, with seven DUI arrests occurring over last weekend (November 14-16). Additionally, data collected by Bellevue Police’s Crime Analysis Unit showed a 7% increase in DUI arrests in 2025 (270) compared to last year (253).  

“Community members should enjoy and celebrate the holiday season, but there is absolutely no excuse to drive under the influence. Bellevue Police ask individuals to be proactive and put the safety of our roads and others first. This starts by getting a sober ride home if you’re impaired,” said Wendell Shirley, Bellevue Police Chief.  

Impaired-driving arrests are always preventable. The Bellevue Police Department urges residents to take advantage of many other options to ensure a safe ride home and a safe community – including taking public transit, ridesharing opportunities available on smartphones, carpooling and vanpooling, walking, or calling a friend or family member. 

Bellevue Police is a part of the King County Target Zero Task Force, a collaboration of stakeholders such as law enforcement, city/regional/state/tribal governments, community organizations, and schools to create equitable traffic safety programs that would reduce collisions, injuries, and fatalities across King County. The agency is also part of the city of Bellevue’s Vision Zero initiative, adopted in 2016, which aims to eliminate traffic deaths and serious-injury collisions on city streets by 2030.  

According to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, about 49% (3,081) of all traffic fatalities involved a driver who was impaired. Last year marked the first time in four years where traffic fatalities decreased in Washington state.   

The Bellevue Police Department announced today that it is investigating a traffic collision that occurred late Thursday evening on November 6 in the city’s Lake Hills neighborhood.  

While on a call for service in the area, a Bellevue Officer observed a 44-year-old male illegally crossing 148^th Ave SE at approximately 10:02 p.m. in between SE 22^nd and SE 24^th Streets. Officers attempted to help the individual cross when a driver traveling northbound on 148^th Ave SE hit the subject. The subject sustained serious injuries and was transported to Harborview Medical Center.  

The Bellevue Police Department’s Traffic Unit immediately launched an investigation into this incident. Law enforcement does not believe the driver was impaired prior to the collision. Any further information about this case will be published via the Bellevue Beat Blog.  

On Tuesday, October 28 from 3:00-5:00 p.m., the Bellevue Police Department will meet with community members at the Polaris at Eastgate community for a Halloween event ahead of the holiday.  

Media wishing to attend Tuesday’s event should email an RSVP to PIO Drew Anderson at daanderson@bellevuewa.gov. 

Community members will receive trick-or-treat safety tips and candy from Bellevue Officers during the afternoon event. They will also have the opportunity to meet Fluffy, the Bellevue Police Department’s specialized robot dog. Fluffy is a piece of equipment that is deployed whenever there is an incident that could risk the safety of officers or the general public.  

“The Bellevue Police Department is fortunate to have strong relationships and support from community members in every corner of the city. Officers will always find opportunities to connect with residents, because these relationships help ensure we maintain this city as a safe place for everyone,” said Wendell Shirley, Chief of Police.  

“We’re thrilled to welcome the Bellevue Police Department to Polaris at Eastgate for this festive and educational Halloween event,” said Addison Carr, Community Manager with Polaris at Eastgate. “Events like these help build strong connections between residents and local law enforcement, and we’re proud to be a space where those relationships can grow. We look forward to a safe and fun afternoon for families in our community.” 

With Halloween this Friday and trick-or-treating opportunities happening throughout the week, the Bellevue Police Department would also like to ask community members to take these simple precautions to ensure the holiday is a safe environment for everyone. These safety tips include: