Bellevue Beat Blog

Bellevue detectives arrested a 22-year-old Seattle man accused of several catalytic converter and package thefts in Bellevue. Dan Pham is also the suspect in many other thefts around the region.

Detectives began investigating Pham in December 2021 and referred charges to the King County Prosecutor’s Office for those cases. Pham resurfaced in May and detectives say he quickly got back to work stealing more catalytic converters. Working with the victims, investigators located video evidence depicting Pham stealing converters and packages. They developed probable cause for the crimes and arrested him at his home in Seattle.

During a search of his car, detectives located a saw, six blades and gloves matching the ones Pham was seen wearing in the video. 

The King County Prosecutor’s Office has charged Pham with three counts of Theft in the Second Degree.

Bellevue police are increasing the number of targeted operations to reduce crime in the city’s hotspots. The hotspots include stores, malls and the downtown core, where thefts and criminal activity have been on the rise. Traffic enforcement officers will also conduct high-visibility patrols in known problem areas, looking for traffic infractions, DUI and collision-causing violations. The anti-crime patrols will also include apartment complexes and neighborhoods experiencing a high number of car and catalytic converter thefts and prowls.

“Like many areas, Bellevue is seeing a rise in property crime of about 22% and we are committed to crime-fighting efforts to address these issues,” said Chief Wendell Shirley. “We are approaching this with individual anti-crime plans for each sector of Bellevue. Our patrol captains work with their teams to run these operations, including targeted stings, high visibility patrols and undercover work.”

The anti-crime initiative coincides with the department’s new Transparency and Accountability website, which tracks current crime statistics. Officers have access to regularly updated information that allows them to monitor existing and emerging hotspots. This data-driven approach allows teams to quickly adjust resources and tackle crime trends.

In the past weeks, these operations have already located and led to the arrests of prolific shoplifters, DUI drivers and wanted subjects. In addition, traffic officers have also issued over 60 citations, resulting in three arrests for outstanding warrants.

“Our officers have built relationships with businesses in their sector, and together we are working to combat the ongoing crime,” stated Chief Shirley. “We want our residents and visitors to feel safe and be safe here in Bellevue.”

Bellevue police detectives are investigating an assault at the transit center (10850 NE 6^th St) just after midnight on Sunday. A 25-year-old male suspect allegedly assaulted a 63-year-old male victim. The victim sustained critical injuries and was transported to the hospital.

Officers located and arrested the suspect 2 hours later within a few blocks of the assault. He was booked into jail. There is no known motive for the attack. The investigation is ongoing.

The transit center was closed off during the cinvestigation and has since reopened.

Case# 22-36956

Whether it’s recent neighborhood crime data, use of force incidents or information about the police department’s workforce diversity, it’s all at your fingertips on the new Bellevue Police Transparency and Accountability website. The site is designed to help strengthen trust between the police department and the community.

“We are happy to share this police data with our community members so they can become more aware of public safety issues and partner with us to develop solutions to make our community safer,” said Chief Wendell Shirley. “The public can log onto this new website and see real-time statistics and crime trends and be able to analyze the data that impacts them.”

In addition to crime statistics, the Transparency site explains use of force, breaking down each reportable incident by the level of force, the reason for contact, and the demographics of the subject and involved officer. The site also has information about diversity within the department and includes opportunities to engage with the department.

The information on the dashboards can be filtered by demographics, crimes, arrests, location and date, among other things. The crime data is refreshed every 48 hours.

“We continuously strive to earn the public’s trust and this website is another way to make a connection with our community,” Chief Shirley stated.

Detectives arrested a 43-year-old Bellevue man accused of stealing thousands of dollars of merchandise from several area stores and re-selling the product. Bellevue Police detectives, working closely with Fred Meyer loss prevention agents, apprehended Brandon Bussey when he showed up to an arranged meeting to sell some of the previously stolen merchandise.

“This is a clear example of organized retail theft,” said Major Debbie Christopherson. “This suspect would sell the merchandise he stole, and if he didn’t have what a customer wanted, he would go to the store, steal it and then sell it for profit.”

“Our detectives worked closely with loss prevention agents to identify and arrest this suspect,” Christopherson added. “We are continuing to build the case and expect to refer additional charges to the King County Prosecutor for review.”

Court documents accuse Bussey of stealing from four area Fred Meyer stores eleven times since late April. The value of the merchandise stolen is over $4,000.

Bussey was booked into jail and released on his own recognizance the following day.

This arrest comes days after the State Attorney General announced a statewide Organized Retail Crime Task Force. Bellevue Police are committed to working with other agencies to identify and arrest other suspects involved in organized retail theft.

Case # 22-32884  

A very busy mail thief suspect was arrested and booked into jail after a resident saw him on a video camera stealing his mail. Officers quickly responded to the 300 block of 109th Ave SE on Sunday, June 26th, just before 4:00 am, and located a vehicle in the area matching the description given by the victim. As officers were talking to the 33-year-old from Tacoma, they saw a large amount of mail visible in the suspect’s car.

The suspect gave officers permission to search his car, and they confiscated hundreds of pieces of mail, three US passports, 23 credit and debit cards, 16 personal checks and more, all in different names. Officers also recovered two black replica rifles.  

The suspect was arrested and booked into jail without incident.

Case # 22-34015

In a joint operation, Bellevue police and the King County Sheriff’s Office have arrested multiple suspects in dozens and dozens of car prowls, ID thefts and a robbery in the region. Bellevue detectives say Jhonny Taylor and Dominique Callier used a window punch to break into cars, stole credit cards and used them to buy or attempt to purchase gift cards. Taylor and Callier face 12 felony charges in connection with their crime spree.

Detectives were able to identify the Taylor and Callier after reviewing surveillance video after multiple cars were prowled at the Coal Creek Trail Head.

“These suspects brazenly drove into parking lots in broad daylight, punched out windows, prowled dozens of cars, then immediately went to stores to fraudulently use stolen credit cards,” said Captain Shelby Shearer. “This happened at locations all over the Puget Sound Region. And we know from their criminal history that there was a propensity for violence and that we needed to get them off the streets.”

Taylor and another suspect, Francisco Pineda, are also accused of at least ten car prowls at a trailhead in North Bend, where the pair allegedly fired four shots at the victims who interrupted a prowl. As they fled, detectives say they assaulted a woman and stole her car.

Bellevue and King County Detectives located the suspects on June 8th. When deputies arrested them, they recovered a stolen .357 revolver.  A search of Taylor’s residence netted stolen credit cards, identification and fraudulently obtained gift cards. Taylor and Pineda are charged with robbery, assault and unlawful possession of a firearm.

“Working with the King County Sheriff’s Office, we were able to identify, arrest and get these suspects behind bars,” Shearer added. “We know these prowls are frightening for our residents and costly and potentially dangerous.”

A search of Callier’s residence netted stolen credit cards, multiple key fobs, victims’ ID cards and other property that was stolen during vehicle prowls.

To help prevent becoming a victim of a car prowl, you are urged never to leave valuables in your car. If you must leave items unattended, hide them before arriving at your location. Also, don’t forget to lock your doors.

Case # 22-21647

Andrew Popochock has been sworn in as the new assistant chief of the Bellevue Police Department. Popochock began his law enforcement career with Bellevue in 2003 and has served throughout the department in both the investigations and patrol divisions. His leadership has led to organizational changes that have increased the department’s efficiency while focusing on officer and community involvement in the decision-making process.

“Andrew’s experience, leadership and dedication to serving Bellevue for the past 19 years make him the right person for the job,” said Chief Wendell Shirley. “His passion and proven commitment to community policing and engagement will further strengthen our community connection.”

Popochock has most recently been the Planning, Research, and Program Management Major, a new position that focuses on law enforcement programs from a community engagement lens. These programs include the Advisory Councils, developing and deploying the Community Crisis Assistance Team pilot program, and the body-worn camera program.

“I am humbled with the opportunity to help guide Bellevue forward and will work tirelessly to ensure the safety and feeling of safety of everyone who lives, works and visits this city,” said Assistant Chief Popochock. “It is essential to me that we continue to bridge the gap between the police department and community so that everyone is recognized and included in the work we do.”

During his career, Popochock’s assignments have included Field Training Officer, SWAT Commander and Civil Disturbance Unit Commander. Prior to serving in the Planning, Research, and Program Management Division, he led the Patrol Division for over two and a half years. AC Popochock has also received four Lifesaving awards, two Commanders Awards and the Police Medal. He recently graduated from Auburn University with an Executive MBA degree and has a graduate certificate in Cybersecurity Management.

Three Bellevue police officers received the 2022 Axon Rise award, honoring them for their exemplary performance during the house slide in January. Corporal Joseph Whitaker, Officers Clayton Lyles and Michael Montgomery received recognition for entering the damaged home and rescuing the residents and their pet. View their story here.

“We are very proud of these officers who risked their own safety to ensure the homeowners got out the house safely,” said Major Mark Tarantino. ” While they would tell you it was all in a day’s work, I believe it shows our officers’ courage, dedication, and commitment to serve Bellevue.”

In early March, the public was asked to vote for the Rise Award winner. The Bellevue community rallied to ensure Corporal Whitaker and Officers Lyles and Montgomery were recognized. The trio received the award during the Axon Accelerate conference in Arizona. Axon is a network of devices, apps and people that helps public safety personnel become smarter and safer.

 Congratulations, Corporal Whitaker and Officers Lyles and Montgomery!

Below are selected crime reports for last week, ending on Sunday at midnight. This is not a comprehensive list of incidents in Bellevue. For more information, please visit our interactive crime map.

May 9

TIME 02: 15	CONTACT TYPE Commercial Burglary	LOCATION 14300 NE 20th St	INCIDENT/CASE# #22-23983
NARRATIVE Police responded to a burglary investigation and determined that the suspects had illegally entered the business by prying the rear door. The business owner is trying to determine the total loss. The investigation is ongoing.
TIME 15: 58	CONTACT TYPE Possession Stolen Vehicle	LOCATION 10100 Blk NE 8th St	INCIDENT/CASE# 22-24082
NARRATIVE Security reported an occupied stolen vehicle on their property. The security agent watched the vehicle move to a different parking lot, and officers arrived and contacted the driver. After determining that the vehicle was stolen, the suspect was arrested without incident and booked into jail.
TIME 01: 23	CONTACT TYPE Domestic Disturbance	LOCATION 800 Blk 164th Pl NE	INCIDENT/CASE# 22-24109
NARRATIVE The subject has been having emotional outbursts and began punching holes in walls and doors. He was arrested and booked into jail.
TIME 20: 20	CONTACT TYPE Warrants / Possession Stolen Vehicle	LOCATION 500 Blk Bellevue Way NE	INCIDENT/CASE# 22-24125
NARRATIVE Officers contacted the driver of a stolen SUV found parked at the location. The subject was found to have several warrants issued for his arrest. He was transported and booked into Snohomish County Jail.
TIME 20: 33	CONTACT TYPE Warrant Arrest	LOCATION 500 Blk 116th Ave NE	INCIDENT/CASE# #22-24127
NARRATIVE Police responded to an unwanted subject and determined that the suspect had an outstanding, confirmed warrant. He was arrested and booked into jail.
TIME 21: 12	CONTACT TYPE Criminal Trespass	LOCATION 500 Blk 116th Ave NE	INCIDENT/CASE# #22-24130
NARRATIVE While completing the arrest of a warrant suspect, officers were advised of another subject creating a disturbance. Officers contacted the intoxicated subject and observed him creating a disturbance. The officers gave the suspect multiple warnings, but he continued. He was trespassed, arrested and booked into jail.

 

May 10

TIME 02: 20	CONTACT TYPE Reckless Burning	LOCATION 10600 Blk Main St	INCIDENT/CASE# 22-24159
NARRATIVE Officers responded to a fire on a sidewalk and located a female subject with a warrant.  She was arrested on the warrant, and charges are pending for starting the fire. She was booked into jail.
TIME 04: 14	CONTACT TYPE Collision	LOCATION 2000 Blk W Lake Sammamish Pkwy SE	INCIDENT/CASE# 22-24164
NARRATIVE The driver failed to navigate the roadway and slid off into a ravine towards Lake Sammamish.  Approximately 80 feet down, a tree stopped the vehicle from continuing into the lake. The driver was transported to the hospital as a precaution.
TIME 08: 10	CONTACT TYPE Domestic Disturbance	LOCATION 5600 Blk 153rd Ave SE	INCIDENT/CASE# 22-24188
NARRATIVE The victim contacted police because his adult daughter had threatened him and herself. The victim fled to the WSP offices to call 911 because the daughter hid all the phones and disabled the Wi-Fi to prevent him from calling 911.  She was arrested and booked into jail.
TIME 06: 30	CONTACT TYPE Order Violation	LOCATION 10300 Blk NE 12th St	INCIDENT/CASE# 22-24169
NARRATIVE The subject violated a court order by entering the respondent’s unlocked residence and initially refused to leave.  The respondent left when the victim contacted 911.  The suspect was not located by police during an area check.  Charges were filed via summons for violation of a court order.
TIME 06: 29	CONTACT TYPE Theft	LOCATION 12200 Blk SE 59th St	INCIDENT/CASE# 22-24171
NARRATIVE An unknown suspect stole the victim’s catalytic converter from his vehicle.  This was the second time this victim had a catalytic converter stolen from this vehicle.
TIME 13: 45	CONTACT TYPE Follow Up / Possession Stolen Property Arrest	LOCATION 450 110 AVE NE	INCIDENT/CASE# 22-21727
NARRATIVE Officers were following up on a previous case and took the suspect into custody for additional felony possession of stolen property charges from the investigation.
TIME 14: 37	CONTACT TYPE Drugs	LOCATION 2000 Blk 148th Ave NE	INCIDENT/CASE# 22-24265
NARRATIVE The subject was passed out in a vehicle that had plates that did not belong to the car.  The subject was removed from the vehicle and detained for potential stolen vehicle and drug violations.  It was determined that the subject owned the license plate from another car and placed them on the unregistered car he was in.  He was given a statutory referral for narcotics and released at the scene.

 May 11

TIME 10: 29	CONTACT TYPE Car Prowl/ Theft/ Possession Stolen Property	LOCATION 800 Blk Bellevue Way NE	INCIDENT/CASE# 22-24413
NARRATIVE Officers responded to a car prowl that had just occurred and located the suspect, and detained him.  The suspect had stolen items from the vehicle, including several credit cards, keys, and IDs belonging to other victims.  He was arrested and booked into jail.
TIME 13: 46	CONTACT TYPE Drugs	LOCATION 2000 Blk 148th Ave NE	INCIDENT/CASE# 22-24459
NARRATIVE Officers located the subject passed out under the influence of suspected fentanyl.  The suspect was contacted; fentanyl, foil, and a smoking device were taken. He was given a statutory referral.
TIME 21: 14	CONTACT TYPE Order Violation	LOCATION 3700 Blk 132nd Ave	INCIDENT/CASE# 22-24344
NARRATIVE The subject got into a verbal argument with her significant other. There is an active, served DV no-contact order in place at the time of the altercation. The subject left before police arrived and could not be located. Officers were then called back to the scene a second time, where they located the suspect. He was taken into custody without incident and booked into jail.

 May 12

TIME 07: 35	CONTACT TYPE Felony Warrants / Drugs	LOCATION 300 Blk 120th Ave NE	INCIDENT/CASE# 22-24589
NARRATIVE Officers saw the suspect smoking narcotics in a vehicle and determined he had a felony warrant out for his arrest. He was arrested and booked into jail.
TIME 15: 32	CONTACT TYPE Recovered Stolen	LOCATION 2000 Blk 148th Ave NE	INCIDENT/CASE# 22-24100
NARRATIVE Officers located a stolen, unoccupied vehicle in the parking lot.  They contacted the owner and the owner we able to recover it.
TIME 22: 36	CONTACT TYPE Warrant	LOCATION 3700 Blk 150th Ave NE	INCIDENT/CASE# 22-24751
NARRATIVE An officer on pro-active patrol located a vehicle displaying a stolen license plate.  Both occupants were detained without incident.  The plate was determined to no longer be stolen.  A records check showed that the passenger had a warrant for her arrest.  She was booked into jail.
TIME 23: 51	CONTACT TYPE Recovered Stolen Vehicle	LOCATION 14200 Blk SE 36th St	INCIDENT/CASE# 22-24757
NARRATIVE An officer on pro-active patrol located a stolen vehicle parked and unoccupied. The registered owner could not be reached.

May 13

TIME 05: 03	CONTACT TYPE Collision	LOCATION 148th Ave SE/lake Hills Blvd	INCIDENT/CASE# 22-24786
NARRATIVE The driver appeared to have fallen asleep on the way into the gym and struck the light pole knocking it down onto the median.  No drugs or alcohol appear to be involved.  The driver had his vehicle stolen last week in Bellevue and was driving his new vehicle this morning.
TIME 07: 28	CONTACT TYPE Warrant Arrest	LOCATION 500 Blk 116th Ave NE	INCIDENT/CASE# 21-7733
NARRATIVE During an arrest for an outstanding warrant, the officer found suspected drugs on the subject. The subject was arrested and booked into jail. A Blake Referral form was completed.
TIME 19: 51	CONTACT TYPE Assault	LOCATION 2000 Blk 155th Pl NE	INCIDENT/CASE# 22-24941
NARRATIVE The victim met the suspect on a dating app. The victim agreed to give the suspect money for her financial hardship. The victim and suspect met up today at his residence. The suspect took the money and sprayed the victim with mace. The investigation is ongoing.  TIME 21: 01  CONTACT TYPE Fugitive from Justice  LOCATION 15600 Blk NE 8th St  INCIDENT/CASE# 22-24954  NARRATIVE The officer attempted to contact the suspect for a traffic violation. The suspect attempted to flee on foot and ignored lawful commands to stop. The officer was able to apprehend the suspect. He was arrested and booked into jail.
TIME 21: 05	CONTACT TYPE Disturbance	LOCATION 10300 Blk NE 1st St	INCIDENT/CASE# 22-24956
NARRATIVE Numerous residents called about many underage partygoers attempting to force entry into the secured apt building to access the roof for an impromptu party.  On 3/26, a similar incident occurred, which resulted in a shooting.  Large police presence was required as many (50+) loitered in the area before finally giving up and leaving.
TIME 21: 45	CONTACT TYPE Recovered Stolen Vehicle	LOCATION 3200 Blk 158th Ave SE	INCIDENT/CASE# 22-24963
NARRATIVE An officer on proactive patrol located a stolen truck in the parking and recovered the vehicle. The investigation is ongoing.

 May 14

TIME 01: 48	CONTACT TYPE Eluding/Hit and Run	LOCATION NE 4th St / 100 Ave NE	INCIDENT/CASE# 22-25005
NARRATIVE An officer attempted to stop a vehicle traveling in the wrong direction near 112th Ave NE and NE 4th St.  The vehicle did stop and ran several lights. The officer shut down and lost sight of the vehicle traveling WB on NE 4th St.  Another officer on a walkthrough of the downtown park heard a vehicle crash shortly after the officer called off his stop.  The vehicle had crashed into an unoccupied building.  The investigation is ongoing.
TIME 04: 53	CONTACT TYPE Warrant/Burglary Tools	LOCATION 13700 Blk NE Spring Blvd	INCIDENT/CASE# 22-25019
NARRATIVE Several people called about a vehicle parked behind the business by the auto body shop.  This area has experienced an increase in burglaries recently. One suspect was detained attempting to ride away on a bicycle. He had an outstanding felony warrant. The second suspect had a screwdriver and a large set of keys from different vehicle brands. One key had been partially shaved down. The first suspect was booked on his warrants, and the second for burglary tools. A search following the arrested netted additional car keys and a small amount of suspected methamphetamines and heroin. A Blake drug referral was delivered.
TIME 09: 58	CONTACT TYPE Car Prowl	LOCATION 400 Blk 155th Ave SE	INCIDENT/CASE# 22-25050
NARRATIVE The victim contacted the police and reported that he parked his vehicle on 5/13, and when he returned the next day, his vehicle door was unlocked, and his GPS was missing from it. He also advised the officer that two checks were also taken.
TIME 15: 20	CONTACT TYPE Suspended License	LOCATION 159th Pl/ Lake Hills Blvd	INCIDENT/CASE# 22-25132
NARRATIVE The officer contacted the suspect for a traffic infraction and determined that the subject had a suspended license. The subject was charged with driving on a suspended license.
TIME 20: 00	CONTACT TYPE Trespass 1	LOCATION 10900 Blk NE 4th St	INCIDENT/CASE# 22-25182
NARRATIVE A subject from a previous trespassing calls this week was contacted again at a business for refusing to leave. The subject refused to identify himself and refused to leave after the officer asked him to leave. He was arrested for criminal trespass and booked into jail.
TIME 19: 26	CONTACT TYPE Harassment	LOCATION 12000 Blk NE 8th St	INCIDENT/CASE# 22-25179
NARRATIVE Two local businesses received harassing emails from a similar sender. The emails had racial undertones and statements of possible violence. The case was forwarded to detectives for follow-up.
TIME 22: 28	CONTACT TYPE Warrants	LOCATION 2000 Blk 148th Ave NE	INCIDENT/CASE# 25203
NARRATIVE An officer on proactive patrol located a suspicious vehicle parked in front of the business in the handicap spot. The business has had an increase in shoplifts.  The officer discovered the driver had a warrant out for his arrest. He was arrested and turned over to Lake Forest Park PD.

 May 15

TIME 00: 27	CONTACT TYPE Warrant arrest	LOCATION 14600 Blk BelRed Rd.	INCIDENT/CASE# 22-25218
NARRATIVE An officer conducting a proactive patrol contacted a driver of a vehicle whose registered owner had an active warrant. The officer confirmed the driver was the registered owner. The suspect was booked into jail.
TIME 02: 48	CONTACT TYPE Mental Health	LOCATION SE 36th St/136th Pl SE	INCIDENT/CASE# 22-25235
NARRATIVE Officer responded to a 911 hang-up and located a subject who appeared to be suffering an emotional crisis.  After a conversation, the subject was taken into protective custody and transported to the hospital.
TIME 17: 27	CONTACT TYPE Assault 2/Assault 4	LOCATION 700 Blk Bellevue Way NE	INCIDENT/CASE# 22-25327
NARRATIVE An unknown male suspect entered the restroom where the victim and his son were. The son was inside the stall and did not witness the incident. The suspect assaulted the victim and placed him in a headlock. Another victim attempted to intervene and was also assaulted. The suspect fled the scene and was not located. The investigation is ongoing.
TIME 18: 09	CONTACT TYPE Theft 3	LOCATION 3900 Blk 124th Ave SE	INCIDENT/CASE# 22-25333
NARRATIVE An uncooperative suspect refused to identify herself and did not have any ID. She was eventually identified, arrested and booked into jail.
TIME 21: 26	CONTACT TYPE Robbery	LOCATION 2300 Blk 140th Ave	INCIDENT/CASE# 22-25357
NARRATIVE An employee bringing out the garbage was confronted by two males who pushed him to the ground and struck him with a large light bulb.  One of the suspects pulled off the victim’s gold chain.  The total loss was $650.
TIME 21: 37	CONTACT TYPE Domestic Disturbance	LOCATION 14600 Blk NE 7th Pl	INCIDENT/CASE# 22-25359
NARRATIVE A married couple had an argument over the husband’s drug dealing. The suspect pushed the victim down and punched her in the shoulder and leg.  The suspect fled the scene in a vehicle before police arrived. He was summonsed for DV Assault 4.