Bellevue Beat Blog

A man was arrested yesterday following a crime spree spanning several jurisdictions. Yesterday morning at 12:30 p.m., Bellevue Police responded to a residence in the 12000 block of NE 26th Place. Officers arrived and learned that the suspect, who was later identified as a 44-year-old man, had crashed his vehicle near that location. The suspect then reportedly forced entry into a residence and demanded the victim’s car keys at gunpoint. The victim gave the suspect keys to a vehicle that was not at the home, and then fled to another room, called 911, and armed herself. The suspect exited the residence, and, when he realized that the keys provided were not to the vehicle in the driveway, he fired a shot through the front door of the residence.

The suspect then entered the garage of the residence through an exterior door, got into a vehicle that was parked inside, and backed through the closed garage door, causing significant damage. The suspect fled the scene while Officers were responding.

Bellevue investigators were able to determine the identity of the suspect by evidence left at the scene. Later that afternoon, the suspect carjacked a vehicle in the city of Woodinville. Police broadcast a region-wide bulletin with the description of the suspect and carjacked vehicle. An Officer in Arlington later located the vehicle and suspect, and a chase ensued. The suspect crashed and was arrested, transferred to the custody of Bellevue Police, and booked. Bellevue Police will be forwarding the following charges to the King County Prosecutor for consideration:

• Robbery in the First Degree (RCW 9A.56.200)
• Burglary in the First Degree (RCW 9A.52.020)
• Malicious Mischief in the First Degree (RCW 9A.48.070)
• Unlawful Possession of a Firearm in the Second Degree (RCW 9.41.040(2A))
• Theft of a Motor Vehicle (RCW 9A.56.065)

A male suspect was arrested this afternoon following a lengthy high speed chase through several eastside cities. On April 3rd at 3:26 p.m., Officers with the Bellevue Police Department downtown unit were on a proactive patrol in the parking lot of the Factoria Mall in Bellevue when they observed a vehicle that had been reported stolen. As Officers were attempting to contact the suspect, he intentionally rammed two police cars, causing one Officer minor injures. The suspect also rammed into occupied vehicles in the mall parking lot during his attempt to escape.

Due to the extreme danger to public safety that the suspect posed, a pursuit was authorized. The pursuit continued eastbound on I-90 through Bellevue, Issaquah, and into Snoqualmie, reaching speeds of over 100 mph, and Bellevue Police were assisted by Troopers with the Washington State Patrol, Issaquah Police Department, Snoqualmie Police Department, as well as King County Sheriff’s Guardian one helicopter.

The vehicle the suspect was driving was disabled with spike strips in Snoqualmie, and the suspect later abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot, eventually stealing a second vehicle. A second pursuit began, and the suspect continued to drive recklessly, at one point driving westbound in the eastbound lanes of I-90. The ground pursuit was terminated, and Guardian One continued to monitor the suspect from the air. The suspect later abandoned the vehicle and was taken into custody by a King County Sheriff K-9 Officer. Bellevue Officers took custody of the man, and Bellevue Police will be forwarding a litany of charges to the King County Prosecutor, including possession of a stolen vehicle, assault first degree, hit and run, and attempting to elude police.

Bellevue Police Detectives are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the suspects responsible for stealing thousands of dollars of appliances and other items from homes under construction or for sale in Bellevue. Over the past two months, Bellevue Police have responded to eight burglaries involving similar circumstances: the suspects entered a vacant home under construction or for sale and stole several thousands of dollars worth of high-end appliances. Police have made one arrest, however, Detectives are now asking for the public’s assistance with identifying two additional suspects in this series.

Bellevue Police are releasing video surveillance from one recent buglary, and are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the suspects depicted. Anonymous tips can be sent to Crimestoppers, there is a cash reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to an arrest.

Bellevue Police remind homeowners to record the serial numbers, make, and model of valuable appliances and items in case of theft, and recommends the installation of security cameras and alarms at vacant residences.

On February 23, 2024, the Bellevue Police Department received an initial report from a concerned parent regarding inappropriate sexual behavior involving minors at a Bellevue gym. A police investigation into the incident occurred over the following weeks. The investigation revealed several alleged disturbing interactions between a 13-year-old juvenile suspect and a 9-year-old child, both of whom attended the Phoenix Gym for Judo training.

The Bellevue Police Department is appealing to the public for any information regarding this incident or others. If you believe you or someone you know may have been a victim of similar inappropriate behavior, we urge you to come forward and contact the Bellevue Police Department by dialing 9-1-1 or the NORCOM non-emergency line 425-577-5656. Victims may also contact Sgt. Brenda Johnson at: BJohnson@bellevuewa.gov.

It’s crucial to note that we are withholding the names of the juvenile individuals involved in this case as required by law and to maintain the integrity of the investigation. The Bellevue Police Department takes allegations of this nature very seriously and is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all members of our community, especially our children.

For more information about sexual assault prevention and education resources, as well as tips for talking to your kids about safety and boundaries, please visit RAINN’s website.

This past Friday, investigators with the Bellevue Police Department Special Operations Unit (SOG) arrested a man suspected in a string of nighttime burglaries. Bellevue Police responded to four burglaries targeting barbershops and beauty salons within the Bellevue in April of 2022. In those cases, the method of entry, type of establishment burglarized, suspect vehicle, and suspect descriptions appeared to be consistent across the four incidents, leading police to combine them under a single investigation. An additional burglary with similar circumstances was reported in December of 2023.

The Bellevue Police Detectives assigned to the cases utilized various investigative techniques, including analyzing surveillance footage and coordinating with regional partners, to identify the suspect. Ultimately, DNA evidence obtained from one of the crime scenes linked the suspect, a 54-year-old Renton resident, to one of the burglaries. The suspect was positively linked to the other burglaries via surveillance images and other evidence.

“I am pleased to announce the closure of these cases and the apprehension of the suspect responsible for these crimes,” said Bellevue Chief of Police, Wendell Shirley. “This outcome is a testament to the dedication and collaborative efforts of our Detectives and Officers.”

Bellevue Police investigators have requested that the suspect be charged with five counts of Burglary in the Second Degree, RCW 9A.52.030. The case is now in the hands of the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.

The Bellevue Police Department is proud to announce the remarkable success of the SPIDR Tech system in enhancing victim support, community engagement, and overall public safety. Since its inception, the SPIDR Tech system has significantly transformed the way we communicate with residents and handle incidents, contributing to a safer and more connected Bellevue community.

As of March 2024, the Bellevue Police Department has sent a staggering 45,431 messages through the SPIDR Tech system, ensuring that crime victims and 911 callers remain informed and updated on the status of their cases. This proactive approach to communication has proven instrumental in providing timely support and fostering trust between law enforcement and the community.

Moreover, the department is thrilled to report a survey completion rate of 16.6%, which is considered exceptional. With 1,276 responses, our officer satisfaction rating stands at an impressive 4.75 out of 5, reflecting the dedication and professionalism of our officers in serving the Bellevue community. Additionally, the overall department satisfaction rating of 4.53 out of 5, based on 1,603 responses, underscores the effectiveness of the SPIDR Tech system in delivering high-quality feedback.

Feedback from the community via the SPIDR system further affirms the community’s positive perception of safety in Bellevue, rating it at 4.01 out of 5 based on 1,557 responses. Furthermore, with 809 subscribers opting in to receive messages from the Community Engagement Module and 791 comments received, it is evident that residents are actively engaging with the Bellevue Police Department through this innovative platform.

The department is particularly encouraged by the overwhelmingly positive response to our communication efforts, with 93% of respondents stating that the information provided was helpful. This feedback serves as validation of the effectiveness of the SPIDR Tech system in keeping residents informed and empowered.

In addition to utilizing data to enhance service delivery, the Bellevue Police Department has been proactive in leveraging feedback to recognize officers for their exemplary service and address areas for improvement. Supervisors have been engaging with individuals dissatisfied with service to address concerns and improve community relations, and Officers have also been recognized for going above and beyond the call of duty as a result of positive responses.

Finally, the department has collaborated with various stakeholders to explore opportunities for collaboration and innovation. Data has also been shared with BPD crime analysts for further analysis and targeted responses, highlighting our commitment to data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement.

As we continue to leverage technology and community partnerships to enhance public safety, the Bellevue Police Department remains dedicated to fostering trust, transparency, and collaboration within the community. Together, we will continue to build a safer and more secure Bellevue for all residents and visitors.

Last night shortly before 4:30 a.m., Bellevue Police responded to reports of shots fired in the 1500 block of 145th Place SE in the Lake Hills neighborhood. When Officers arrived, they located several shell casings at the scene, however no victims or suspects were located. Detectives are at the scene today continuing the investigation, and anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to contact Bellevue Police by calling 9-1-1 or may provide an anonymous tip to CrimeStoppers.

This weekend, the Bellevue and Tacoma Police Departments are partnering with the Hyundai Motor Corporation to offer free security upgrade events for owners of Hyundai vehicles that are vulnerable to theft.

The events are part of a larger effort to reduce the number of thefts of these vehicles throughout the Puget Sound region after a popular online trend has caused thefts of KIA and Hyundai vehicles to spike. Owners of affected model year 2011-2022 Hyundai vehicles will be able to come to the events without an appointment and receive a free security software upgrade or an ignition hardware upgrade from a certified Hyundai technician. The upgrade will take about 20 minutes to complete and makes the vehicle harder to steal without a physical key present. Owners can also receive a free steering wheel lock and crime prevention information. These events are FREE and no appointment is necessary. Owners do not need to live in Bellevue or Tacoma to participate.

The events will be held at the following locations:

Tacoma Dome (Tacoma)

• 2816 East D St, Tacoma, WA 98421
  • (Located at the corner of East D Street and East C street by Lemay America’s Car Museum)
• Friday 8 am to 5 pm, Saturday 8 am to 6 pm and Sunday 8 am to 2 pm.

Factoria Mall (Bellevue) in front of Nordstrom Rack

• 4055 Factoria Blvd. SE, Bellevue, WA 98006
• 8 am to 6 pm on Friday and Saturday and 8 am to 2 pm on Sunday.

Bellevue Police Detectives continued to investigate this case, and it remains an active investigation. We recognize the significant public interest in this case and understand the concern to the college and surrounding community. At this point, there is no articulable threat to the college or surrounding community in relation to this case. We will release additional information when we are able to do so.

In cases where allegations of sexual assault are made in King County, law enforcement agencies adhere to the guidelines set forth in the King County Special Assault Protocol.  The Bellevue Police Department follows these guidelines and makes every effort to conduct thorough, objective, and complete investigations while attempting to minimize distress for all involved parties. As a part of this process, an investigative victim interview was conducted by Detectives once the immediate needs of the victim were met. 

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