Bellevue Beat Blog

UPDATE 02/27 1200 p.m.: Detectives are still working with the reporting party to reconcile inconsistencies between the information she is reporting and the evidence found at the scene.  Bellevue Police do not believe there is any ongoing threat to the school or local community at this time. Police expect to release further information regarding this case in the coming days.

ORIGINAL RELEASE: This morning shortly before 9 a.m., Bellevue Police responded to a reported rape on the campus of Bellevue College. An 18-year-old female student reported that she was raped at knifepoint by an unknown assailant in the women’s restroom of the “L” building. The victim was transported by Bellevue Fire to Overlake Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, and she was interviewed by Detectives.

The suspect is described as a college-aged white male, clean-shaven, who was last seen wearing an unknown color hoodie. Bellevue Police continue to investigate this incident, and will provide additional information when it becomes available.

The Bellevue Police Department would like to remind the public of the following personal safety tips:

• Avoid walking alone. Be confident & walk with purpose.
• Choose busy, well-lit streets and avoid isolated areas, alleys and vacant lots.
• Walk facing traffic to see approaching cars.
• Earphones / Air pods make you less able to sense potential danger.
• Keep valuables in an inside pocket and hold your purse under your arm so they are harder to snatch.
• Don’t use your phone while walking, pay attention to your surroundings and walk in a different direction if you feel uncomfortable.
• Call 911 to report any suspicious behavior

The Bellevue Police Department is appealing to the public for any information or video footage related to a recent shots fired incident in the 600 block of 141^st Ct SE, near the Ridgedale apartment complex.

Yesterday at about 3 a.m., Bellevue Police Officers responded to reports of shots fired at the aforementioned location. Multiple concerned citizens contacted authorities, and upon arrival, law enforcement found over a dozen shell casings scattered at the scene, as well as bullet holes in nearby residential buildings.

According to information obtained from a nearby traffic camera, a black sedan, potentially a Cadillac, was observed traveling at excessive speeds and disregarding the traffic signal at 140th Avenue NE and Main Street. The vehicle, which was occupied by two individuals, is currently under investigation for its potential involvement in the incident.

Despite the significant police presence and thorough search of the area, no victims were found at the scene, nor did any individuals arrive at nearby hospitals with gunshot-related injuries.

The Bellevue Police Department is urging anyone who witnessed the incident or possesses video footage from the area to come forward and assist with the ongoing investigation. Any information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, could prove vital in apprehending those responsible and ensuring the safety of our community. Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to contact the Bellevue Police Department or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or online at www.crimestoppers.com

Suspects targeted high-end handbags, apparel

Bellevue Police Department Detectives, in conjunction with Bellevue SWAT officers, have arrested two suspects in connection with a series of organized retail thefts that occurred at the Bellevue Square Nordstrom store on January 10th and 11th, 2024. Three other suspects in the ring have been identified and are expected to be charged.

On January 25th, Bellevue Police Detectives arrested 22-year-old Benito Uriostegui. He was charged with Organized Retail Theft first-degree and second-degree, with a bail amount of $300,000. Uriostegui remains in custody at the King County Jail.

This past Wednesday, 22-year-old Jesus Delgado was apprehended at his residence in Kent and later booked into the King County Jail. Yesterday he was formally charged with Organized Retail Theft first-degree and second-degree, as well as bail jumping on a previous case. His bail was set at $200,000, with an additional $100,000 bail for an unrelated felony warrant. Delgado remains in custody at the King County Jail.

Also yesterday, Detectives arrested three additional suspects in the case, who are not being named because they have not yet been formally charged.

Detectives are filing charges on the remaining three suspects, who are not being named at this time pending formal charges.

The arrests follow an extensive investigation led by Bellevue Police Detectives, which was initiated after a Nordstrom Corporate Investigator contacted authorities regarding the thefts. During the investigation, it was revealed that the five suspects had collaborated in committing three organized and coordinated thefts over two days, resulting in the loss of over $17,000 worth of designer handbags and apparel.

As a result of the investigation, Detectives were able to identify five of the six suspects involved by using surveillance video as well as other investigative methods. Through diligent investigative work, Detectives were able to establish probable cause and obtain warrants for the arrest of the individuals responsible for these crimes.

Major Mark Tarantino, commander of the Bellevue Police investigations division, commented “This arrest is the result of outstanding teamwork and relentless effort by our Detectives.” Tarantino continued: “We are committed to holding individuals accountable for their criminal actions and ensuring the safety and security of our community.”

The Bellevue Police Department would like to thank Nordstrom Corporate Investigations for their cooperation and assistance throughout the investigation. This cooperation is a testament to the close relationship between the Bellevue Police Department and our business community.

Earlier this week, Bellevue Detectives with the Human Trafficking Unit (HTU) arrested a Federal Way man accused of sex trafficking two Oregon girls, one of whom was only 11 years old, after meeting them online.

HTU Detectives arrested 25-year-old Ezra Wimana following a thorough investigation into a human trafficking case involving minors. Wimana, who appeared before a judge on Wednesday, faces multiple charges, including two counts of Trafficking in the Second Degree, two counts of Promoting Commercial Sexual Abuse of a Minor, and one count of Rape of a Child in the 3rd degree. Wimana remains at the King County jail with a bail of $500,000.

The investigation unfolded on January 9, when Bellevue Police received a request for assistance from a Police Department in eastern Oregon. The Oregon agency alerted Bellevue Police about two missing juveniles, ages 11 and 15, who were suspected of being victims of human trafficking. Subsequent efforts by Bellevue Police HTU Detectives and Patrol Officers led to the recovery of the two juveniles from a Bellevue residence, who were later returned to their parents.

The investigation revealed that the juveniles fell prey to the trafficking scheme after connecting with the suspect Wimana on Instagram and Snapchat. Wimana allegedly transported the minors over 300 miles from eastern Oregon to Washington, where they were subjected to exploitation, including substance abuse, sexual exploitation and sexual assault. Wimana allegedly forced the young victims to attempt to engage in prostitution along Aurora Avenue in Seattle, and later abandoned the victims on the side of the road when he was dissatisfied with their performance.

To safeguard children and prevent similar incidents, the Bellevue Police Department offers the following tips for parents:

Educate Your Children: Teach children about online safety and the dangers of interacting with strangers on social media platforms.

Monitor Online Activities: Regularly monitor your children’s online interactions, including social media accounts and messaging apps, and be vigilant for any suspicious behavior or contacts.

Establish Open Communication: Foster open communication with your children, encouraging them to share any concerns or uncomfortable experiences they encounter online.

Set Boundaries: Establish clear guidelines for online interactions and educate children about the importance of safeguarding their personal information.

Stay Informed: Stay informed about the latest tactics used by human traffickers to lure victims online and educate children about the warning signs of grooming and exploitation. More information can be found on the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force website.

If you or someone you know is a victim or have knowledge of trafficking anywhere in the Puget Sound Region, please contact the Bellevue Police Human Trafficking Unit at VICEHT@Bellevuewa.gov. Tips will be kept confidential if desired.

Last Wednesday, Detectives with the Bellevue Police Department assigned to the Special Enforcement Team, arrested a 53-year-old Bellevue Resident for allegedly selling a wide variety of narcotics. The suspect was arrested during an operation this past Wednesday. The arrest follows a thorough investigation spanning several months.  

The suspect, Karl J. Drexinger, faces several charges of Violation of the Uniform Controlled Substance Act (VUCSA)-Delivery of a Controlled Substance and VUCSA-Possession with Intent to Deliver.

The investigation, initiated in response to multiple complaints about suspicious activities around Drexinger’s motorhome, revealed consistent short-stay foot traffic indicative of illicit drug transactions. A Bellevue Detective with experience in narcotics-related investigations conducted a thorough investigation over the past several months. Through the investigation, Detectives were able to confirm that Drexinger was indeed dealing a wide variety of drugs out of his recreational vehicle and at other locations in Bellevue, including alleged fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine. What is even more concerning is that Drexinger allegedly conducted many of these drug deals within 1,000 feet of Highland Middle School.

Drexinger was subsequently arrested last Wednesday, and a search warrant executed on his motorhome uncovered a substantial amount of suspected narcotics, including fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine, alongside drug paraphernalia. The street value of the narcotics recovered was estimated to be approximately $20,000.

Bellevue Police Chief Wendell Shirley emphasized the impact of Drexinger’s arrest on community safety, stating, “This arrest is a significant step in our ongoing efforts to combat drug-related crimes that negatively affect our community. We remain committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of Bellevue residents.”

Drexinger is currently in custody.

Recently, Officers and Detectives from both the Kirkland and Bellevue Police Departments worked together to capture a burglar targeting storage lockers in apartment building garages.

At 4:30 a.m. on January 23rd, an alert Kirkland Police Officer on patrol in south Kirkland near the Bellevue city limits noticed a white pickup truck driving with a registration that had expired over three years prior. The Officer stopped the truck for the registration infraction and noticed that, despite the heavy rain at the time, several cardboard boxes filling the truck’s bed were dry as if having just been loaded into the vehicle. The officer also noticed the boxes had address labels from Pokemon, a local company, and were addressed to a nearby resident of an apartment building in Bellevue. While Kirkland Police detained the driver, 52-year-old Lynnwood resident Kelly B. Wick, another Officer went to the Bellevue resident’s apartment, woke him up, and discovered that his storage locker where he kept thousands of dollars of Pokemon merchandise had, indeed, just been broken into. The victim accompanied the Kirkland Police officer to the location of the traffic stop where Wick was being detained and confirmed that the boxes of Pokemon merchandise in Wick’s truck had been stolen from his storage unit, prompting Wick’s arrest.

Kirkland Police alerted Bellevue Police and, over the next few days, Bellevue Police Detectives discovered video evidence of Wick committing the burglary. Wick was booked into King County Jail and subsequently charged with one count of second degree burglary and one count of criminal trespass.

This case is yet another example of the close collaboration between police departments on the eastside.

With motor vehicle thefts happening at an alarming rate across the country and in King County, the Bellevue Police Department is creating a specialized motor vehicle theft initiative specifically targeted to this problem.

In 2023, Bellevue experienced a 47 percent increase year-over-year in reported theft of motor vehicles. This increase was primarily driven by a staggering increase in the thefts of two specific makes of cars – KIA and Hyundai. While Bellevue Police have been working with owners of these vehicles to prevent theft, it’s clear that more needs to be done.

Beginning this week, Bellevue Police crime prevention analysts will begin constantly monitoring case information and gathering intelligence on auto theft within the city. This information will then be used by police to identify problem offenders and pinpoint high-risk areas geographically through data collection.

 “We need to tackle this from all angles,” said Bellevue Police Chief Wendell Shirley. “Thieves are hopping from city to city, stealing vehicles in a matter of seconds and then using them to conduct additional crimes around our region.”

“Our Detectives will investigate and arrest those responsible, regardless of where they reside,” Chief Shirley said. “But, we also need to partner with our residents and educate them on ways to help prevent thefts in the first place. By leveraging relationships between the Bellevue Police, the prosecutor’s office, and the community, together we will send a strong message: If you come to Bellevue to steal cars, you will be caught and held accountable.”

The task force is just one of the ways Bellevue Police have worked to reduce this type of crime in the community. Police have given away over 400 free steering wheel locks to vehicle owners, and have developed a postcard that provides information to owners of KIA and Hyundai vehicles about manufacturer recalls.

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.

Bellevue Police are investigating after two unrelated incidents last night.

First, at around 1:30 a.m., A Bellevue police officer attempted to stop a black Mercedes SUV that was driving recklessly in the Crossroads neighborhood. The vehicle failed to stop and the Officer did not pursue it. A short time later, residents in the area of the Lake Hills Shopping center in the 500 block of 156th Avenue SE reported hearing a large crash and noticed a strong odor of natural gas. Officers responded, along with Bellevue Fire, and located the vehicle, which had crashed into a building and was abandoned at the scene. The vehicle had struck a natural gas line. Approximately 100 residents were evacuated until PSE responded to turn off the gas line. Bellevue Police believe three suspects were in the vehicle, and the investigation is ongoing.

Then, at 4:43 a.m., Police received a call of an armed robbery at the Sunset Village apartment complex, located in the 12800 block of SE 40th Place. Officers responded and learned that the victim, an employee at a casino in Skyway, had returned home to Bellevue and was confronted by five armed suspects. The suspects forced their way into the victim’s apartment and stole several items at gunpoint. Police believe that the victim was followed home from the casino, following a pattern of similar past robberies in the region.

Bellevue Police do not believe that these two incidents are related.

Yesterday, members of the Bellevue Police Department’s bomb squad responded to a rather unusual call – a report of a military-grade rocket in the garage of a Bellevue residence. Officers later determined the object to be inert.

On Wednesday evening, Bellevue Police received a call from an Air Force museum in Dayton, Ohio. The museum had received a call from a Bellevue resident who expressed interest in donating an item that had belonged to his deceased neighbor. The man stated that his neighbor had originally purchased the item from an estate sale.

Yesterday, members of the Bellevue Police patrol division and bomb squad responded to the residence and contacted the neighbor who had called the museum. Officers were given access to the reported missile. Bomb squad members inspected the object and then learned that it was in fact a Douglas AIR-2 Genie (previous designation MB-1), an unguided air-to-air rocket that is designed to carry a 1.5 kt W25 nuclear warhead. There was no warhead attached.

Bomb squad members confirmed that the object was inert and contained no rocket fuel – essentially meaning that the item was an artifact with no explosive hazard.

Because the item was inert and the military did not request it back, police left the item with the neighbor to be restored for display in a museum.