Author: bellevuepd

A suspect is in custody and a Bellevue Police Officer is recovering in the hospital after an overnight incident in Bellevue.

On Saturday morning at 4:18 a.m., Bellevue Police responded to a report of a burglary in progress at the AutoNation Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM dealership in Bellevue, located at 120 116th Avenue NE in Bellevue. Officers arrived and located a male suspect attempting to steal a safe. The suspect was confronted by an Officer, and an altercation occurred. The suspect strangled the Officer and subsequently fled in a stolen vehicle. Due to the fact that the suspect had assaulted an Officer, Bellevue Police initiated a pursuit.

Shortly after the pursuit was initiated, the suspect was involved in a head-on crash with another vehicle at the intersection of NE 8th Street and 124th Avenue NE in Bellevue. While Officers were attempting to take the suspect into custody, the suspect ignored Officer commands and subsequently stole a Bellevue police car. A pursuit involving several surrounding agencies ensued. Spike strips were used to deflate the rear tires of the vehicle, and the pursuit ended when a Tukwila Police Officer utilized a pursuit intervention tactic (PIT) on the patrol car in the 6800 block of S. 228th Street in Kent. A short foot chase resulted, and the suspect was taken into custody by Tukwila and Bellevue Officers. Police are working to identify the suspect. The Bellevue Officer who was strangled was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and is expected to recover. Bellevue Police Detectives are responding to continue the investigation.

This weekend, the Bellevue Police Department will be holding two events in an effort to reduce vehicle thefts in the city. Police Officers and volunteers will be on hand to distribute free steering wheel locks at the following times and locations:

• Saturday, September 23, 1-5 p.m. Crossroads Police Substation
• Sunday, September 24, 1-5 p.m. Factoria Police Substation

The effort comes as the city and region face a marked increase in vehicle thefts in the past year. The City of Bellevue has seen a 17 percent increase in vehicle thefts overall in 2023. What is especially concerning, however, is the increase in thefts of vehicles made by two manufacturers: Kia and Hyundai. Bellevue Police have received 44 stolen Kia reports and 66 stolen Hyundai reports so far this year, a 340% and 239% increase, respectively. The Bellevue Police Department strongly urges owners of these vehicles to reduce their chances of becoming a victim of theft by considering the following:

• Have all recall work and software updates performed by an authorized dealer as soon as possible.
• Use a steering wheel lock.
• Consider purchasing an alarm system.
• Place a tracking device, such as an AirPod, in your vehicle to aid in recovery.

Free steering wheel locks will be given on a first-come first-served basis and will be available while supplies last. One lock per person.

The Bellevue Police Department is proud to announce the largest and most comprehensive recruitment effort in the Department’s 70-year history. The recruiting push, anchored by the launch of a new state-of-the-art recruiting website, www.joinbellevuepd.com, comes as the department looks to fill several Officer vacancies. The effort was made possible in part through the generous support of the Bellevue Police Foundation. This innovative platform and campaign, which was designed by Epic Recruiting, is designed to provide those interested in launching a career with the Department with comprehensive information about the Department, the community it serves, and the rewarding career opportunities it offers. The website highlights the natural beauty of Bellevue and its’ surroundings, as well as the unique opportunities and benefits of working as an Officer in Bellevue, such as a new take-home car program, jiu-jitsu training, strong community support, and thanks to a recently approved labor agreement, best in the region Officer pay and benefits and a $16,000 signing bonus for experienced Officers.

Bellevue Chief of Police Wendell Shirley expressed his excitement for the new effort, stating, “This new website and marketing campaign couldn’t come at a better time for us, and it’s a testament to the strong partnership between the Bellevue Police Department and our community. We are very proud of this new recruiting effort that showcases the unique advantages of serving as a police officer in our beautiful city.”

The new recruiting website boasts a mobile-friendly interactive interface, offering visitors an immersive experience that highlights the numerous benefits of a career in law enforcement with the Bellevue Police Department.

Among the key features of the recruiting effort are:

Impactful Videos: Professionally produced videos with current Officers and professional staff sharing their experiences and the impact they make in the community.

Social Media Campaign: A social media marketing campaign on Youtube, X, and Instagram highlighting the many reasons to work at BPD.

Targeted Ads: Targeted internet ads that will reach and inform those that are interested in serving with BPD and connect them directly with a recruiter.

The Bellevue Police Department encourages individuals who are passionate about public service, community safety, and making a positive difference in the lives of others to explore the opportunities available. With a commitment to a diverse organization, the department welcomes candidates from all backgrounds and experiences.

For more information about the Bellevue Police Department and to explore career opportunities, please visit the new recruiting website at www.joinbellevuepd.com.

Next week, the Bellevue Police Department will launch a new, fully automated digital engagement tool designed to keep crime victims and 911 callers informed and up to date on the status of their cases. The SPIDR Tech system sends out text or email messages from the onset of an incident and keeps the victim informed throughout the case. When the case has concluded, the system sends a satisfaction survey so the department can learn and improve service.

“We are here to protect and serve, and we want to make sure our community is getting the best service possible,” said Chief Wendell Shirley. “SPIDR Tech will ensure crime victims have the important information they need as their case progresses, and we receive valuable information to better evaluate our performance.”

When someone calls 911, SPIDR Tech sends out an acknowledgment text or email with the incident number. If the officer is delayed, they’ll get an update. If the case is assigned to a detective, the victim will receive customized messages with contact information and status updates. At the conclusion of the investigation, there will be a survey asking about their experience with the Bellevue Police Department.

Additionally, everyone can opt-in to receive news and updates directly from the police department communications team. “We want to keep our community informed about what we’re doing and the cases we are solving,” Shirley stated. “Opting into our communications is an excellent way to stay connected.”

You can sign up to receive text or updates from the Bellevue Police Department about community events, special updates, and other important information by texting BPD to 425-517-3574.

A recent armed robbery at a Bellevue convenience store was solved after a team effort by the Bellevue Police Department.

The robbery took place on June 23, 2023, at 11:00 p.m. at a Shell Gas Station near Bellevue College. The perpetrator, dressed entirely in black and armed with a handgun, robbed the clerk and then fled on foot. Bellevue Police patrol and K-9 units swiftly converged on the scene, established a perimeter, and conducted a thorough search of the area, however the suspect was gone.

The case was assigned to the Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit. A Detective was able to locate video footage in the area that linked the suspect to a vehicle, and subsequently to an apartment complex in Bellevue, which proved instrumental in the investigation. The Detective was able to confirm the suspect’s identity and confirm his presence in the area of the robbery using cell phone location data.

The Bellevue Police Department’s Special Operations Group (SOG) then took on the task of locating the suspect and following him until the Bellevue Police SWAT team could move in and safely make an arrest. The team was also able to establish that the suspect was staying at a residence in Shoreline. The Bellevue Police SWAT Team executed a safe and strategically sound warrant service on August 29th in Shoreline, resulting in the apprehension of the suspect, Erick Anderson.

During a search of the Shoreline residence, Detectives located a firearm in Anderson’s bedroom, along with black sneakers bearing a distinctive white pattern believed to have been worn during the robbery.

The Bellevue Police Department’s Crime Analysis division assisted the case as well by disseminating intelligence related to this case and aiding in the analysis of the suspect’s patterns and criminal records.

Bellevue Chief of Police Wendell Shirley, speaking about the case, stated: “I commend the dedication, teamwork, and professionalism exhibited by all personnel involved in bringing this investigation to a successful conclusion. The residents of Bellevue can sleep well knowing that their Police Department is committed to ensuring their safety.”

The suspect, Erick Anderson, is now in custody, has been charged with robbery in the first degree and unlawful possession of a firearm, and is being held on a bail amount of $250,000.

A stolen vehicle recovered at the Bellevue Square Mall yesterday led to the arrest of four suspects, two of whom were wanted in connection with separate felony crimes. Yesterday at 11:50 a.m., Bellevue Police Officers responded to the Bellevue Square Mall Parking garage. An observant Security Officer with the Kemper Development Company located an unoccupied stolen Kia in a parking garage. While at the scene, Officers learned from Security Officers that five suspects who had been seen in the vehicle were inside the mall. Police located the five suspects in the area, and a foot chase ensued. Officers were able to detain four out of the five suspects and placed them in custody. Three of the four suspects were juveniles, two 15-year-olds and one 16-year-old. Officers recognized one of the 15-year-old juveniles as a suspect in a felony assault incident in Bellevue that occurred on September 10th in which the juvenile had allegedly threatened a female with a firearm and then fled the scene in a stolen vehicle. One juvenile was released to his mother, one was booked into the King County Youth Center for possession of a stolen vehicle, and one 20-year-old adult male was booked into the King County Jail as he was found to be in possession of credit cards that did not belong to him. Further investigation found that these credit cards had been stolen in an armed robbery earlier in the day in Tukwila. Tukwila Detectives were notified and are following up.

Bellevue Police Captain Rob Spingler, speaking about this case, stated: “Police agencies in the region and across the nation continue to see a high number of Kia and Hyundais being stolen and used in other crimes.” Spingler continues, “this case should serve as a reminder to owners of these vehicles to be sure to update their theft prevention software through the manufacturer, utilize an alarm system, or utilize a steering wheel lock.” The Bellevue Police Department will be holding two steering wheel lock giveaway events later this month. The events will be held at the following locations:

September 23    10 am – 2 pm   Bellevue Police Crossroads Substation

September 24    1 pm – 5 pm   Bellevue Police Factoria Substation

This morning at about 2:30 a.m., Bellevue Police responded to a report of a shooting that occurred at a residence in the 4100 block of 146th Ave SE in Bellevue. When Officers arrived, they located a 38 year-old female inside the residence that had been shot. The female was transported by Bellevue Medics to Harborview Medical Center in stable condition and is expected to survive. Investigators believe that someone fired several shots from outside the residence, one of which struck the victim. Bellevue Police Detectives are requesting that residents in the neighborhood check their surveillance cameras for any activity between 2 and 2:30 a.m. and provide the footage to Bellevue Police by calling 425-577-5656 or E-mail PDtipline@bellevuewa.gov. Police do not believe that this was a random shooting, and would like to reassure residents that there is no ongoing danger to the community at this time.

Earlier today, Bellevue motorcycle Officer Kevin Bereta was released from Harborview Medical Center after he was involved in a serious motorcycle crash while escorting the Vice President of the United States on August 15th. After spending over three weeks at Harborview Medical Center and undergoing several procedures for his injuries, Officer Bereta was discharged from the hospital this morning at 11:30 a.m. There was a large contingent of Bellevue Police Officers and staff present at Harborview to show their support for Officer Bereta. Bellevue Police Chief Wendell Shirley stated: “I would like to give a huge thank-you to all those who provided messages of support for Officer Bereta, who will continue his recovery at home. I also want to recognize the Seattle Police Department, Washington State Patrol, and the many other agencies that offered their support and assistance to our police family during this difficult time.”

A fund to assist the Bereta family has been created by the Bellevue Police Foundation. Donations may be made online.

Early this morning around 2:30 a.m., Bellevue Police responded to a reported attempted carjacking on Bel-Red Road near the intersection with 156^th Avenue SE. Officers contacted the victim, who told them that he had been involved in a minor traffic collision involving a white Kia. When the victim got out of his vehicle to check for damage, two males exited the Kia, pointed pistols at the victim, and demanded his car keys. The victim did not give up his keys, and the suspects fled in the Kia. This case is similar to recent incidents in other jurisdictions in the region involving suspects causing a minor traffic collision and then attempting an armed robbery of the victim. The Bellevue Police Department offers the following tips to drivers:

Stay Alert and Aware – Always be conscious of your surroundings, especially in unfamiliar areas. Avoid distractions like texting or being engrossed in your phone while driving.

Plan Your Route – Use well-lit, populated roads, especially at night. Avoid shortcuts through alleys, deserted areas, or poorly lit streets. Avoid driving late at night if possible.

Lock Your Doors and Windows – Keep your doors locked while driving, and windows up when in unfamiliar areas. Do not exit your vehicle if you feel that it is unsafe to do so.

Trust Your Instincts – If something doesn’t feel right, trust your gut feeling and take precautions. Call 9-1-1 if you need police assistance. Leave enough space between your vehicle and the one in front of you to allow for quick maneuvers if needed.

Avoid Confrontations – If another driver becomes aggressive or confrontational or displays a firearm, do not engage or challenge. Call police as soon as possible. Your car is not worth your life.

On the morning of September 5^th at around 8:45 a.m., an adult female was walking in the Enatai Neighborhood Park located at 10661 SE 25^th St., when she was approached by a suspect holding a handgun. The suspect demanded the victim’s cell phone and fanny pack. After taking the property, the suspect ran to a green Kia driven by a second suspect and fled the area in the vehicle. Bellevue Police responded and contacted the victim, who was not injured. The Kia was abandoned and later recovered by Police in Mercer Island.

The suspect is described as a thin black male in his 20s, between 5’9” tall and 6’ tall and was wearing an olive green hooded sweatshirt with the hood up and a black bandana with a white skull image on it covering his face. The driver of the involved Kia was also wearing a black bandana with a skull image covering his face. Bellevue Detectives are investigating and have the involved vehicle, which is being processed for evidence.

Bellevue Police believe this was an isolated incident in the neighborhood, and ask all residents to be vigilant and report suspicious behavior by calling 9-1-1.