Bellevue Police investigators have identified three teen girls who are suspected in a series of car break-ins and other crimes throughout the region. The arrests come following an investigation spanning five jurisdictions.
On January 25th, Bellevue Police responded to 18 overnight car prowls in the Lake Hills neighborhood. The incidents appeared to be related; three teen girls were seen using hammers to break the windows of victim vehicles.
The suspects were described as teenage girls and were seen on surveillance footage wearing distinctive pajama pants and hoodies. A Bellevue property crimes Detective was assigned to the case, and soon learned of several similar incidents around the region involving suspects that matched the description of those involved in the Bellevue incident, including an armed robbery in Federal Way on January 28th (FWPD Case# 24-01186), as well as possible additional similar incidents in Tacoma, Seattle, and Auburn. P0lice believe at least two of the juveniles involved in the Bellevue crimes may have been involved in similar crimes following the Federal Way robbery.
After assistance from surrounding agencies and other sources, Bellevue Police arrested two of the involved girls this past Friday. The first suspect, A 13-year-old Federal Way Resident, was arrested for suspicion of possession of a stolen vehicle, malicious mischief, and motor vehicle prowling. The second suspect, a 14-year-old Federal Way resident, was arrested for suspicion of possession of a stolen vehicle, motor vehicle prowling, and malicious mischief. Police have identified the third juvenile female suspected in the Bellevue prowls, a 16-year-old Federal Way resident, and charges of possession of a stolen vehicle, motor vehicle prowling, and malicious mischief will be forwarded to the King County Juvenile Prosecutor for consideration. The second and third suspects were already in custody at the King County Youth Detention Facility for charges unrelated to the Bellevue incidents.
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