Bellevue Beat Blog

This morning at 3:57 a.m., a Bellevue Police Officer conducting a proactive patrol noticed a suspicious vehicle in a parking lot in the 14800 block of NE 20th Street. The Officer checked the license plate of the vehicle, a maroon Chevrolet Tahoe, and discovered that the vehicle had been reported stolen. The Officer noticed that a man appeared to be sleeping inside the vehicle.

Other Officers arrived, and spike strips were placed under the tires of the vehicle. When Officers attempted to wake the man to take him into custody, he fled the area. Three of the vehicle’s tires were punctured by the spike strips as the man fled. The suspect drove the wrong way on 148th Avenue NE, and then entered the eastbound lanes of SR-520 going the wrong way. Due to the extreme danger, Officers did not chase the vehicle.

A short time later, the suspect assaulted a construction worker at a work site in the 13000 block of eastbound SR-520 and stole a construction vehicle. The man then used that vehicle to ram the patrol SUV of a responding officer. The Officer suffered minor injuries and was later treated and released from Overlake Hospital. Because the suspect had committed pursuable offenses under Washington law, Officers chased the vehicle eastbound on SR-520 into Redmond, at which point the suspect again began driving on the wrong side of the road. Officers discontinued the chase due to the extreme risk involved.

Police later located the stolen construction vehicle abandoned in Redmond. A police K-9 and drone were used in a search, however the suspect was not located. Bellevue Police Detectives impounded both stolen vehicles, and will be conducting additional work to try and identify and locate the suspects.

Yesterday, Bellevue Police investigators arrested a female accused of firing shots outside a busy downtown Bellevue restaurant last week. During the early morning hours of September 24^th,  multiple Bellevue Police Officers responded to a disturbance in downtown Bellevue. Two groups that had previously been involved in a physical altercation earlier in the night were engaged in another physical altercation on the sidewalk in front of Earl’s restaurant. During the second incident, a woman involved in the fight drew a semi-automatic pistol from her purse. The woman fired two rounds, one in an upward direction that struck an overhead glass awning, and a second round that was fired downward through a grate. Both groups then fled in multiple directions. Police recovered two spent shell casings and a live round of ammunition from the scene. Kemper Security was able to provide police with surveillance video of the incident. Bellevue Police detectives were immediately assigned to the case, and were able to use the information provided at the scene to quickly identify the female that fired the gun during the incident as a 43-year-old Des Moines resident.  Yesterday, the Bellevue Police SWAT team conducted an operation in Des Moines and took the suspect into custody without incident. At the time of her arrest, she was in possession of a semi-automatic pistol. Clothing items she was wearing at the time of the shooting were also recovered. The woman was booked into the King County Jail for malicious mischief first degree. Additional misdemeanors for unlawful discharge of a firearm and reckless endangerment will be filed as well.

The above surveillance image clearly shows the muzzle flash of the firearm as the suspect fires the gun without regard to the safety of others or of the residents who live and work in the high-rise buildings above her. Bellevue Police Chief Wendell Shirley, speaking about this arrest, states: “Bellevue is NOT the place to come to engage in this type of behavior.” Shirley continued, “The Bellevue Police Department will immediately hold accountable those that choose to engage in violent acts of this type in our city.”

Bellevue Police Officers successfully reunited a Seattle couple with their stolen mountain bikes after an investigation over the weekend.

This past Saturday, Bellevue Police received a call from a Seattle couple regarding the theft of three high-end mountain bikes. The victims, who were living in an apartment in Seattle while their home was being remodeled, had three bikes valued at over $10,000 stolen overnight from a bike rack outside their apartment. The suspect cut through the metal rack in order to access the bikes. The next day, the victims saw that the bikes had been posted for sale on Facebook Marketplace, and knew the bikes were theirs based on custom parts and stickers.

The victims contacted Bellevue Police since the bikes were listed as being for sale in Bellevue. The ad included pictures of the suspect with the stolen bicycle. The Bellevue Police Sergeant who took the report recognized the location of the suspect and bike from the photos that had been posted on Facebook.

The Sergeant followed up by going to the parking lot where the photos had been taken by the suspect, and on Sunday he located the suspect’s vehicle, which was being driven by an associate of the suspect. The Officer was able to obtain the suspect’s current address in Kirkland, and later that afternoon the Sergeant and other Officers went to the suspect’s residence and located two of the stolen bikes, which were seized and returned to the owners.

The victims in this case expressed that they were extremely happy with the service and attention given to their case which ultimately led to the recovery of the two bicycles .

This morning at 4:10 a.m., Bellevue Police and Fire responded to a reported single vehicle crash on 108th Avenue NE near the interchange with State Route 520. When responders arrived, they located a male passenger that was deceased from injuries sustained in the crash. The driver, a 26-year-old Bellevue resident, was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Bellevue police suspect alcohol was a factor in this crash. 108th remains closed while police investigate.

After a report earlier this week, Bellevue Police are warning residents of a scam involving fake jewelry that has resurfaced in Bellevue. On Tuesday, Bellevue Police received a report of a theft by deception that had occurred in the Eastgate neighborhood. As the victim was exiting I-90 onto 150th Avenue SE, he was flagged down by two individuals claiming to be out of gas. The individuals offered the victim several pieces of jewelry in exchange for gas and hotel money. The victim drove the suspects to a nearby ATM where he withdrew an undisclosed amount of money and gave it to the suspects. The suspects provided a fake phone number and told the victim he could hold the jewelry until he was reimbursed. The victim realized that the jewelry was fake when he returned home.

This case is very similar to at least eight reported similar incidents in Bellevue this year. Bellevue Police warn residents not to accept jewelry from unknown persons, and to call 9-1-1 if they are approached by aggressive individuals offering jewelry in exchange for anything of value.

This morning at 2:50 a.m., Bellevue Police responded to the Hampton Greens Apartment complex, located in the 4700 block of 148th Avenue NE. An observant resident called to report what appeared to be several individuals attempting to steal vehicles in the parking lot. Bellevue Police Officers, along with a Kirkland Police K-9 unit, arrived and located a Kia van that had been abandoned and left running in the parking lot. Officers learned that the van had been reported stolen in Tacoma.

Shortly thereafter, Officers located and attempted to contact the involved individuals, who were driving through the parking lot of the complex in three different vehicles, a Kia and two Hyundai’s. All three drivers fled into the complex, with one driver hitting a parked car in the process. Police formulated a plan to lay spike strips at the only entrance to the complex. The suspects soon came back out toward the entrance, now in the two Hyundais. One of the suspects intentionally rammed into an occupied Kirkland K-9 Officer’s vehicle during their attempt to escape.

After a short foot chase, Officers arrested the 17-year-old passenger of the vehicle that had rammed the Officer’s car, and the 20-year-old driver of that vehicle was located and arrested after a short foot chase and K-9 track.

Spikes strips were used to flatten the tires of the second vehicle that fled the scene, and Officers, with the assistance of a K-9 unit, arrested three additional individuals that had fled on foot from that vehicle. Those individuals were 13, 15, and 16 years of age. Two of them had been reported as runaway juveniles. Two additional suspects fled on foot and police are working to identify them.

Police later discovered that all four involved vehicles had been reported as stolen. Bellevue Police continue to urge owners of Kia and Hyundai vehicles to use a steering wheel lock or alarm with immobilizer to prevent thefts.

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.