This past Thursday, July 19, at approximately 5:40 p.m., Bellevue Police responded to the Days Inn, located at 3241 156th Ave SE, for a report of a robbery. When police arrived, they learned that the victim was a Chinese female who spoke little English, and, through an interpreter, ultimately reported that she had been raped, assaulted and robbed in a room at the hotel. The woman is believed to be a victim of human trafficking and was targeted because the suspects know these types of incidents aren’t usually reported to police due the victim’s fear of being arrested or deported.
After the rape and robbery was reported, the Detectives worked with the victim to identify the suspects. On Satuday, July 21, one suspect, an 18-year-old male, was located and arrested at his residence in Seattle. Investigators then located and arrested a second suspect, also an 18-year-old male, at a residence in Federal Way. Detectives continue to seek additional suspects.
These suspects are believed to have committed several similar robberies in the greater Seattle area and Bellevue. The Bellevue Police Department is strongly encouraging victims who have not reported these robberies to come forward by contacting Crime Stoppers online or by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Victims are reminded that the Bellevue Police Department does not enforce federal immigration laws, and our investigators are committed to bringing these suspects to justice.
Bellevue Beat Blog 