This morning at 5:22 a.m., Bellevue Police responded to a report of a carjacking at the Bellevue School District bus yard, located at 12025 NE 5th Street. Officers arrived and contacted the victim, an employee of the school district. The victim told Officers that he was walking in the parking lot of the bus yard when was approached by two individuals. The employee asked the individuals why they were on the property. Both suspects then pointed handguns at the victim and demanded his phone and car keys. The victim initially refused and was then assaulted by one of the men. The suspects stole the victim’s vehicle, a black 2017 Honda CR-V, and fled the area. Police recovered a stolen KIA nearby that they believe was the vehicle the suspects arrived in. Detectives are investigating.
In recent months, there has been an unfortunate increase in carjacking incidents across the region. The safety and well-being of our community are of utmost importance. The Bellevue Police Department urges residents to remain vigilant and take proactive measures to prevent and respond to potential carjacking situations. Here are essential tips to ensure your safety:
Preventative Measures:
Stay Alert: Always be aware of your surroundings, especially in unfamiliar or secluded areas. Stay attentive while entering or exiting your vehicle.
Keep Your Doors Locked: Ensure your doors are locked while driving and when parked. Avoid leaving windows open, especially in isolated areas or when stopped at intersections.
Parking Safety: Park in well-lit areas and preferably in locations with high visibility. Be cautious in underground or dimly lit parking lots.
Be Cautious of Strangers: Avoid engaging with strangers who approach your vehicle or in a parking lot. If someone seems suspicious or makes you uncomfortable, drive away to a safer location or call 9-1-1 to report suspicious activity.
Maintain Distance: Keep a safe distance between your vehicle and others, especially at stoplights or in traffic. This allows room for an escape if needed.
Response Strategies:
Stay Calm: In the event of a carjacking attempt, try to remain calm. Your safety is the priority.
Comply and Don’t Resist: If threatened, comply with the attacker’s demands. YOUR CAR IS NOT WORTH YOUR LIFE.
Note Details: Try to remember as many details as possible about the assailant’s appearance, vehicle details (if any), or any distinguishing features.
Don’t Pursue: After a carjacking, do not attempt to pursue the perpetrator. Instead, immediately contact law enforcement to report the incident.
Utilize Technology: If available, activate tracking devices or apps installed in your vehicle that may aid in recovery or locating the stolen vehicle.
Bellevue Beat Blog 