Author: bellevuepd

As the summer driving season gets underway, so is the 100 Safe Days of Summer campaign. Friday and Saturday nights, June 9-10, law enforcement across King County will conduct high-visibility emphasis patrols to help keep drivers safe. For the second year in a row, Bellevue will host the Washington State Patrol Mobile Impaired Driving Unit so officers can process suspected DUI drivers on scene. During last year’s two-night campaign launch, 40 agencies participated, making 28 DUI arrests in just 16 hours.  

Summer is typically one of the most dangerous times of the year on the roadways. It is especially dangerous for young adults as more are out and about and are easily distracted.

“We had a record number of DUI arrests in Bellevue in 2022 with 267, a third of those occurring during in summer,” said Sergeant Leo Ramos, who supervises Bellevue’s DUI enforcement and collision investigators. “Our goal with the emphasis patrols is to reach a DUI driver before a collision happens.”

Last year, Washington state reached a 20-year traffic fatality high with 750 fatal collisions; over 50% involved an alcohol or drug-impaired driver. “DUI collisions are 100% preventable,” Ramos added. “All anyone has to do is plan for a safe ride home or hire a ride-share. It is that simple.”

Bellevue police routinely conduct additional high-visibility patrols throughout the year. The efforts support the city’s Vision Zero initiative to eliminate traffic deaths and serious-injury collisions on city streets by 2030. 

Bellevue and Kent police officers arrested four armed robbery suspects around 1:00 a.m. Tuesday in Kent. The four are accused of robbing a marijuana dispensary at gunpoint in the 3000 block of 156th Ave SE in Bellevue.

Officers responded to an alarm shortly before 11:00 p.m. Monday at the business. The employees reported that four suspects armed with handguns entered the store and stole cash registers and product. They fled the scene in multiple vehicles with trackers attached to the money.

Officers tracked the suspects to an apartment complex in the 23400 block of 91st Ave S. in Kent. Investigators identified one of the suspects’ cars and saw loose cash and product around the vehicle. With assistance from Kent police, officers surrounded the building where the trackers were located. Two suspects ran out of the back of the complex and were arrested by waiting officers. The other suspects surrendered at the front door.

“This is outstanding work by both our officers and Kent PD to work quickly to arrest these armed and dangerous suspects,” said Major Dave Sanabria. “The technology also played a significant role in allowing us to follow the suspects safely and ultimately get them into custody.”

Two adults, an 18 and 22-year-old male, were booked into the King County Jail. Two other juvenile suspects, both 17-year-old males, were booked into the King County Youth Detention Center.

Detectives have taken over the case and are serving search warrants at the apartment and the vehicles.

We appreciate the assistance from Kent Police.

Case # 23-30740

Officers arrested three suspects and recovered thousands of dollars in merchandise, disrupting an organized retail theft ring. The three suspects, 18, 22, and 27 years old, were arrested outside Bellevue Square on Saturday, May 20th, after security witnessed them stealing from stores inside the mall. When officers arrived and contacted the suspects, two attempted to flee but were quickly apprehended.

The trio has been identified as part of an organized retail theft ring out of Bogota, Colombia, allegedly committing crimes along the I-5 corridor from California to Washington.

“Sergeant Tony Romero has spent the past few months investigating this group and working with asset protection officers with Kemper Development, Lululemon, American Eagle, Macy’s, Hollister and regional law enforcement partners to track their movement,” said Major Dave Sanabria. “That legwork and cooperation enabled us to quickly identify the suspects, build a strong case, and refer charges to the King County Prosecutor’s Office.” Sgt. Romero is assigned to the Downtown Unit, which primarily focuses on cutting crime in the downtown corridor.

Detectives learned that these suspects are part of an organized retail theft group that operates out of Los Angeles, CA, and originated in Bogota, Columbia. Two of the suspects were using forged Columbian IDs.

The group is suspected of multiple thefts in the Bellevue area since March, resulting in over 76 thousand dollars in lost merchandise. When they were arrested, officers also located multiple foil-lined shopping bags that are used to conceal merchandise and neutralize the anti-theft sensors.

All three suspects were arrested and booked into jail. The King County Prosecutor’s Office is reviewing the charges. The suspects were later released from jail.

Case # 23-27509

Bellevue detectives are seeking witnesses to a kidnapping and assault over the weekend. Shortly after 10 p.m. on Saturday, May 27th, multiple people called 9-11, reporting that a black SUV pulled up in the 10600 block NE 2nd St, and two men got out and fought with another male victim. The two suspects forced the victim into the SUV and sped off.

For the next several hours, officers investigated, interviewing witnesses and searching possible locations where the vehicle was seen. Just after 2 a.m., a convenience store attendant reported a disoriented man who appeared to have been assaulted. Police and fire responded and discovered the man was the victim of the earlier kidnapping. He was transported to the hospital and is in critical condition with life-threatening injuries.

If anyone saw something or knows something about this crime, please call the police non-emergency number (425) 577-5656.

Detectives do not believe there is any ongoing threat to the public.

Case# 23-29029

Officers responded to a report of shots fired at Wilburton Park, located 1t 124oo Main St about 10:15 Thursday night. The caller reported seeing a silver or black four-door car drive through the parking lot and then heard several gunshots. The car also had a red and blue flashing light in the center of the dashboard.

Officers located shell casings near the entrance to the playground, but the suspects had already left the area. No one was injured.

If anyone knows anything about this incident, please call the police non-emergency number at (425) 577-5656.

If you find yourself being pulled over and unsure if it is a law enforcement officer, call 911 and tell them you are being pulled over and your location. Dispatchers can then verify which officer is pulling you over. You may also drive to a public, well-lit area before stopping while on the phone with the 911 dispatcher. 

Detectives sent criminal charges to the King County Prosecutor’s Office in connection with a robbery on April 26th that allegedly involved five teenagers, three 15-year-olds, a 16-year-old and a 17-year-old, robbing the 7-11 in the 100 block Bellevue Way SE at gunpoint. The detectives say three suspects entered the store and one fired a shot inside the store and fled with an undisclosed amount of cash. Two other suspects remained in the vehicle. 

The five are accused of leaving Bellevue and encountering Bothell police, where they allegedly fired at officers and were finally captured in Shoreline. Officers recovered two handguns and other evidence at the scene.

The charges Bellevue detectives sent to the prosecutor include Robbery in the first degree, Aiming or discharging firearms and Malicious Mischief in the third degree.

Bellevue detectives are working with other police departments investigating similar robberies that night in their cities. Luckily, no one was seriously injured.

The five juveniles were booked into the King County Juvenile Detention Center and were later released.

Case # 23-22429

A 29-year-old Federal Way man was booked into jail and faces multiple felony and misdemeanor charges after allegedly fleeing from an officer and crashing a stolen vehicle he was driving southbound on I-405 in Renton on Tuesday, April 18th at 11:30 am. A Bellevue police officer attempted to pull the suspect’s car over in the Factoria area for a traffic violation. The suspect refused to stop, took off, and sped south on I-405.

Moments later, the suspect crashed the stolen vehicle into the freeway median and another vehicle in traffic. The officer arrived at the crash site and, following a brief altercation, took the suspect into custody. Investigators recovered a loaded handgun at the scene.

The suspect was transported to the hospital due to the crash and was evaluated. After being cleared at the hospital, the suspect was booked into King County Jail. The officer was not seriously injured.

Detectives are referring charges to the King County Prosecutor’s Office, including Failure to obey an officer, Possession of a stolen vehicle, Reckless Driving, Resisting Arrest, Attempted Hit & Run, Assault in the third degree, Carrying Firearms, and Unlawful possession of firearms.

Detectives are asking for any witnesses or those who may have video of the incident to please contact Detective Denzel Kankam at dkankam@bellevuewa.gov.

Bellevue police are once again handing out free steering wheel locks to 2021 or older Hyundai owners with key ignition or any KIA. Due to the increasing number of thefts of these cars, KIA and Hyundai Corporate have supplied a limited number of steering wheel locks to help protect your vehicle. Earlier this month, we successfully handed out well over a hundred locks.

“While we know nothing is an absolute guarantee when it comes to theft prevention, we do know that the more difficult you make it for criminals, the less likely you are to be a victim,” said Crime Prevention Officer Ruby Daly. “Hopefully, the steering wheel locks will provide another layer of deterrence.”

Please see the times and locations to pick up your free steering wheel lock. You will need to bring the car’s registration and your identification. This event is open to Bellevue residents.

Wheel Lock Distribution schedule:

Bellevue Police Lobby 450 110th Ave NE Bellevue, WA 98004 Friday, March 24th 12-4 pm

Crossroads Sub Station 15600 NE 8th St Bellevue, WA 98007 Saturday, March 25th 10-2 pm

Factoria Sub Station 4051 Factoria Blvd SE Bellevue, WA 98006 Saturday, March 25th 10-2 pm

Anti-theft software update

Hyundai and KIA have also announced anti-theft software upgrades for some vehicles, with more coming online later in the spring. Visit the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration for more information.

Deter car prowls and thefts

Remember always to lock your vehicle, remove the keys and do not leave anything of value inside. If possible, park in well-lighted areas. Do not leave a running car unattended.

Anti-theft devices, such as steering wheel locks, car alarms and a hidden kill switch, will make your vehicle less attractive to thieves. Many times, prowls and thefts are crimes of opportunity, so anything you can do to make your vehicle more difficult to break into or steal, the better.

For more crime prevention information, please see our website.

Officers are increasing patrols following a series of home burglaries in Bellevue and surrounding areas.  Detectives are investigating at least 16 Bellevue burglaries that they believe are being committed by the same crew of suspects.

Most Bellevue burglaries have occurred in the Lakemont area and typically happen in the evening between 5:00-9:00 pm when residents are less likely to be home. The suspects are known to use the trail systems to enter and leave a neighborhood and have a get-away driver and car waiting for them. They often enter the home through the back door but have used a second-story window. The burglars target jewelry, cash, purses and safes, and they tend to burglarize more than one home in a neighborhood.

The suspected crew usually travels in groups of three; they are dark-complected and wear dark clothing and masks to conceal their identity. Investigators believe this is an organized ring that is victimizing people from Kent to Bellingham.

Bellevue police officers and detectives are increasing patrols in the neighborhoods and are regularly sharing information with other law enforcement agencies to track and identify these suspects.

Please call 911 if you see any suspicious behavior in your neighborhood. Make sure to turn on your alarm system, lock your doors and windows and secure your valuables. Turn on exterior lights and consider motion flood lights. If you plan to be away, leave the lights on to make it look like you are at home. If you have ladders or other materials for climbing, please bring them inside or lock them, so a burglar doesn’t have easy access to second-story windows.

For more crime prevention information, check our crime prevention tips.

If you own a 2021 or older Hyundai with key ignition or any KIA, we have free steering wheel locks available. Due to the increasing number of thefts of these cars, KIA and Hyundai Corporate have supplied a limited number of steering wheel locks to help protect your vehicle.

Please see the times and locations to pick up your free steering wheel lock. You will need to bring the car’s registration and your Id. This event is open to Bellevue residents.

Wheel Lock Distribution schedule:

Bellevue Police Lobby 450 110th Ave NE Bellevue, WA 98004 Friday, March 10th 12-3 pm

Crossroads Sub Station 15600 NE 8th St Bellevue, WA 98007 Saturday, March 11th 10-1 pm

Factoria Sub Station 4051 Factoria Blvd SE Bellevue, WA 98006 Saturday, March 11th 10-1 pm

Anti-theft software update:

Hyundai and KIA have also announced anti-theft software upgrades for some vehicles, with more coming online later in the spring. Visit the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration for more information.

Deter car prowls and thefts

Remember always to lock your vehicle, remove the keys and do not leave anything of value inside. If possible, park in well-lighted areas. Do not leave a running car unattended.

Anti-theft devices, such as steering wheel locks and car alarms will make your vehicle less attractive to thieves. Many times, prowls and thefts are crimes of opportunity, so anything you can do to make your vehicle more difficult to break into or steal, the better.