Author: bellevuepd

Bellevue police officers have arrested 236 drivers for Driving Under the Influence of drugs or alcohol from January through November 2022. That is a 36% increase in DUI arrests compared to last year and a 71% increase from the pre-pandemic arrests in 2019. With extra DUI patrols scheduled through the end of the year, that number will climb.

DUI Arrests January – November
Year	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022
Total	113	138	115	174	236

“Most of these arrests stem from officers who witnessed erratic driving and pulled the drivers over for traffic violations,” said Major Dave Sanabria. “The arrests very easily could have prevented a tragic collision.” Of the DUI arrests in 2022, 30% involved collisions, and 90% occurred at night.

Bellevue police officers will be participating in high-visibility DUI emphasis patrols through the end of the year. So far in December, officers have arrested 13 additional drivers for DUI.

“We want everyone to get home safely to their loved ones,” Sanabria added. “Unfortunately, more than 50% of traffic fatalities involve impaired drivers, and those deaths are completely preventable.”

The best thing you can do if you plan to celebrate over the holidays is to make sure you have a plan.  Either designate a driver or line up a rideshare to make sure you get home safely.

The increase in DUI arrests is due partly to the department’s participation in the King County Target Zero DUI Emphasis Patrols and the anti-crime initiative Bellevue police launched earlier this year. The anti-crime initiative focuses on targeted operations in area hotspots where thefts and criminal activity is on the rise. The anti-crime initiative includes high-visibility patrols to combat collision-causing violations like DUIs.

More Bellevue police officers will be out as you finish shopping and enjoying Bellevue this holiday season. Bellevue police have increased patrols in high-volume shopping areas; they’re on foot at the malls and stores and in cars patrolling parking garages and congested areas.

“Throughout the holiday season, we want everyone coming to Bellevue, whether it’s to shop, enjoy Snowflake Lane, or dine out, to know that we are committed to ensuring your safety and security while you’re here,” said Captain Landon Barnwell.

Barnwell stated that the high-visibility patrols are designed to not only be a crime deterrent but also to reduce the fear of crime for people enjoying all that Bellevue has to offer. “Community members are very concerned about the reports of crime they hear about on the news, and that’s perfectly understandable,” Barnwell added. “To help everyone feel safer, we are putting more officers in those high-volume areas. We encourage people to come here and be confident that the Bellevue Police Department takes their safety seriously.” 

You are encouraged to take safety precautions, such as not leaving your bags, purses, or wallets unattended while you shop or dine out. Also, never leave packages visible in your cars, and don’t bring bags out to your car in the garage as thieve frequently monitor parking areas. And always be aware of your surroundings. Finally, if you see something suspicious, say something.

The extra patrols will continue through the end of the year. 

The 18-year-old suspected of making threats against Sammamish High School remains in custody on $1,000,000 bail. The King County Prosecutor’s Office charged Isaiah Foster with Felony Harassment and Felony Cyber Harassment in court today. Foster allegedly threatened to kill a student at Sammamish High School. The student received the threat while at school on Friday, December 9, and reported it to school officials. Foster was arrested at his Seattle home less than three hours after the initial report.

Multiple Bellevue police officers responded immediately, secured the building and remained there throughout the day. Officers also provided patrols at the other Bellevue high schools as a precautionary measure.

“We understand the fear this incident caused for not only the students and faculty at Sammamish High School but the community at large,” said Chief Wendell Shirley. “We are committed to working with the Bellevue School District to ensure a safe learning environment for everyone.”

Foster’s next court appearance will be his arraignment on December 22, where he will enter an initial plea.

An 18-year-old suspect will go before a judge this afternoon for allegedly making threats against Sammamish High School.  A Sammamish student reported receiving the threat on Friday morning, December 9^th. Sammamish High School went into lockout until the suspect was arrested at his Seattle home by Seattle Police shortly before 12:30 pm. The suspect remains in custody.

Bellevue police immediately responded to Sammamish High School, secured the building, and remained there throughout the day. Officers also provided patrols at the other Bellevue high schools as a precautionary measure.

The suspect is scheduled for a first appearance at 2:30 p.m. today.

The Celebration of Life service for Officer Jordan Jackson will occur at 1 p.m. at the Meydenbauer Center at 11100 NE 6^th Street, Bellevue, on Tuesday, December 6. As we honor Officer Jackson, please note several rolling and long-term road closures on the day of the service.

A procession will precede the service, beginning at approximately 11:15 a.m. at 148th Avenue SE and SE 16th Street. The procession will close the northbound lanes on 148th Avenue NE to NE 8th Street for up to 15 minutes. Rolling closures along the rest of the procession route will last 8-10 minutes.

• The route begins at 148^th Avenue SE and SE 16^th Street, traveling north
• Turning west on NE 8^th Street
• North on 120^th Avenue NE
• West on NE 12^th Street
• South on 112^th Avenue NE, arriving at the Meydenbauer Center

Longer-term road closures will occur around the Meydenbauer Center and include:

• 112^th Avenue NE between NE 4^th Street and NE 8^th Street will be closed from 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
• NE 6^th Street between 110^th Avenue NE and 112^th Avenue NE will be closed from 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
• NE 6^th Street between 112^th Avenue NE and I-405 will be closed from 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

The Bellevue Police Department thanks you in advance for your patience during these closures. We encourage anyone who is able to line the procession route to show support for Officer Jackson and his family.

Officer Jackson died on November 21 from injuries sustained in a motor vehicle collision while on duty in Bellevue. Members of the public can donate to support Officer Jackson’s wife and two young children through www.bellevuepolicefoundation.org.

Officer Jordan Jackson’s Celebration of Life service will take place Tuesday, Dec. 6 at 1 p.m. at the Meydenbauer Center (11100 NE 6^th St) in Bellevue.

While the service is open to the public, please be aware that parking is extremely limited, and there will be road closures around the immediate area. Members of the public may also watch the televised service, which the City of Bellevue will livestream on Bellevue Television. Major regional television stations will also carry the service live.

If you plan to attend, we suggest you consider using Metro or a rideshare service. The Bellevue Transit Center (10850 NE 6^th Street) is less than a block from the Meydenbauer Center.

Below are some bus options from key Eastside areas in or near Bellevue. Please confirm the times and routes on the King County Metro website in case of disruptions.

• Wilburton Park and Ride to Bellevue Transit Center: Route 240, Route 246
• Eastgate Park and Ride to Bellevue Transit Center: Route 240, Route 271
• South Kirkland Park and Ride to Bellevue Transit Center: Route 249, Route 250
• Mercer Island Park and Ride to Bellevue Transit Center: Route 550
• Newport Hills Park and Ride to Bellevue Transit Center: Route 560
• Overlake Park and Ride to Bellevue Transit Center: B Line

Another way to honor Officer Jackson and support his family is to line the streets along the procession route. The procession is expected to begin at 11:15 a.m. on Tuesday.

• The route begins at 148^th Ave SE and SE 16^th St., traveling north
• West on NE 8^th St
• North on 120^th Ave NE
• West on NE 12^th St
• South on 112^th Ave NE, arriving at the Meydenbauer Center

Thank you for your continued support as we honor Officer Jackson and his service to our community. He died on November 21 from injuries sustained in a motor vehicle collision while on duty in Bellevue. The public is welcome to donate to support Officer Jackson’s wife and two young children through the Bellevue Police Foundation.

The Celebration of Life for Officer Jordan Jackson, who was killed in the line of duty on November 21, 2022, is scheduled for December 6, 2022. To allow the Bellevue Police family to grieve this loss and attend the service, we will be requesting assistance from neighboring agencies.

Between midnight on Tuesday, December 6 and noon on Wednesday, December 7, officers from Kirkland, Redmond, Clyde Hill, Mercer Island, and Issaquah Police, along with a limited number of Bellevue Police officers and supervisors, will respond to calls for service in Bellevue. We truly appreciate the support of these cities during this time. If you have any concerns regarding the services being provided, please contact us at 425-577-5656 and request to speak to a Bellevue supervisor.

If you have a non-emergency crime to report with no suspect information, we recommend you use our online reporting tool. This will create an official police record and be reviewed by a supervisor. The police non-emergency number is 425-577-5656.

As we prepare for Officer Jordan Jackson’s Celebration of Life on December 6th at 1:00, many have asked where to send flowers and other remembrances. Please deliver flowers to the Meydenbauer Center, 11100 NE 6th St, Bellevue, WA 98004, and mark “At the loading dock.” Flowers must be at the facility no later than 9:00 am on Tuesday, December 6th.

If you would like to support the family through this devastating time, you can donate through the Bellevue Police Foundation, www.bellevuepolicefoundation.org. 100% of the funds raised will go to support the family.

There will be a procession before the service, and more information about the route, time and traffic disruptions will be publicized in the next few days.