Bellevue police have arrested 23 people connected with the looting and destruction in downtown Bellevue and have recovered more than $50,000 in merchandise. Detectives have also identified nearly a hundred other suspects and are continuing those investigations.
The arrests stem from the riots in Bellevue on May 31, 2020. “That evening, we saw a coordinated attack on Bellevue businesses. The criminals exploited protests over George Floyd’s homicide and used it as an opportunity to loot and destroy businesses,” Chief Steve Mylett said.
“Bellevue has seen many peaceful protests since Mr. Floyd’s death, and we welcome them all. But the criminals who engaged in the violence are on notice; they won’t get away with it. We have dedicated extensive resources to investigate these crimes and will take as long as necessary to identify and arrest those responsible. I cannot emphasize it enough, the criminal behavior leading to these arrests has absolutely nothing to do with people raising their voices in opposition to Mr. Floyd’s death or demands to end systemic racism,” the Chief added.
Last Friday, Bellevue police served a warrant on a looting suspect in Renton. A 26-year-old man, seen driving the red truck in the video, was arrested on charges of Burglary 2nd, Possession of Stolen Property, Possession of Methamphetamine, and Dangerous Weapons. Investigators recovered $19,000 worth of suspected stolen merchandise, alcohol, and tobacco products. Detectives also confiscated an AK-47, a 10 mm Glock, stockpiles of ammunition, drugs, and cash.
Chief Mylett continued, “We are just beginning to make arrests in these cases. The public has shared at least 10-thousand pieces of video and photographic evidence of the looting and violence. The public’s assistance has been a tremendous help. We will continue to work with our regional and federal partners to hold these individuals accountable.”
Watch Chief Mylett’s news conference here.
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