Author: bellevuepd

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.

Discussing the Community Crisis Assistance Team and Eastlink Light Rail

The Bellevue Police and Fire Departments continuously work together to expand and improve public safety. Recently, the Bellevue City Council approved an investment in public safety, creating new positions and allocating resources for the Community Crisis Assistance Team (CCAT) and a team to prepare for the arrival of Light Rail. Bellevue Police Chief Wendell Shirley and Bellevue Fire Chief Jay Hagen invite the community to learn more about these programs and provide input.

As we develop and implement these new programs, we proactively seek your input and feedback to ensure we get this right, creating a safe and equitable Bellevue for all. Please join Bellevue Police and Fire for a community conversation to learn more about these programs, ask questions and provide feedback.

Who:               Bellevue Police and Fire Departments

What:              Public Safety Forum: CCAT and Eastlink Light Rail

When:             March 14, 2023: 6:30-8 pm

Where:            North Bellevue Community Center

4063 148^th Ave NE

Bellevue, WA  98007

Remote:          Join on your computer, mobile app or room device

Join Zoom Meeting

https://cityofbellevue.zoom.us/j/85347940070?pwd=MFRYWWU2bUd4Q1ZEdGtMVEZ4Z2Njdz09

Meeting ID: 853 4794 0070

Passcode: 977745

All are welcome to attend.   For alternate formats, interpreters, or reasonable accommodation requests, please phone at least 48 hours in advance at 425-452-4129 (voice) or email mblack@bellevuewa.gov. For complaints regarding accommodations, contact the ADA/Title VI Administrator at 425-452-6168 (voice). If you are deaf or hard of hearing, dial 711.

Officers responding to a call for suspected narcotics use in a private parking garage in the 500 block of Bellevue Way NE discovered two suspects in the car, each with multiple warrants. Once officers confirmed the warrants, the suspects were arrested and booked into jail. During the arrest, an officer saw a handgun on the driver’s side floor. The gun was fully loaded with a live round in the chamber.  

After obtaining a warrant, the officers searched the vehicle and recovered several bags of suspected pills, drug paraphernalia, documents with social security numbers and dates of birth, a loaded handgun magazine, and multiple sets of shaved keys. Nearly $1,000 in small bills was also located on the male suspect. The obscured VIN revealed the vehicle was stolen.  

The drugs in the car included 37 grams of suspected methamphetamine, 161 grams of suspected fentanyl, more than 156 grams of suspected Xanax and several dozen other pills.

“This is a great example of good old fashion police work,” said Captain Ellen Inman. “Not only did officers get a significant quantity of drugs off the streets, but they also recovered a stolen weapon and two magazines of ammunition.”

Both suspects are from Tacoma. 39-year-old Brandon Stanley has been charged with Unlawful Possession of a Firearm and Violation of the Uniform Controlled Substance Act – intent to sell. Charges are pending against his 40 -year-old female accomplice. They both remain in jail at this time.  

Case # 23-3619