Bellevue Beat Blog

Two arrested after three-week crime spree

2020-04-09 16_27_05-IMG_1256 — Suspects arrested near Newcastle Beach Park

Bellevue police arrested two suspects following a string of burglaries, car thefts, attempted robbery, and motor vehicle prowls. Officers arrested the 37-year-old male suspect on charges of Attempted Robbery, Burglary 1 & 2, Possession of Stolen Vehicle and Unlawful Possession of Firearms. His 36-year-old female accomplice was arrested on charges of Motor Vehicle Prowl. Detectives say more charges against both suspects are under investigation.

The crime spree began on March 15, 2020, and ended with a K-9 track and arrest Thursday morning, April 9, 2020, on a trail just north of Newcastle Beach Park. The suspects targeted homes near or along the Lake Washington shoreline from south of Meydenbauer Bay to Pleasure Point. After one of the burglaries, a homeowner confronted the male suspect and the suspect pulled a gun on him. Two vehicles and some of the stolen property has been recovered. The crime spree includes at least seven cases.

#20-16377, #20-16352, #20-15798, #20-15680, #20-14847, #20-14619, #20-17968

Stay safe at home during COVID-19

As we all stay home to stay safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s a good idea to take extra safety precautions to protect your family and home. Bellevue police arrested two suspects this past weekend in two separate burglary cases. Fortunately, no one was injured in either incident.

“In times of crisis, we can see the best and unfortunately, the worst in people. Criminals always look for easy opportunities to steal from you. With folks at home right now, they’re starting to take the risk and burglarize occupied homes,” said Police Chief Steve Mylett. “We all need to look out for each other, report anyone who’s acting suspicious, and keep a helpful eye out for our neighbors.”

BPD-9PMRoutine

There are simple proactive steps you can take every night to protect yourself. It’s called #9PMRoutine.

Remove valuables from your vehicle, lock doors
Close your garage, lock interior door
Close & lock exterior doors and windows
Turn on all exterior lights
Set car & home alarms

It’s also a good practice to keep your garage closed and doors locked during the daytime unless you’re outside. And if someone comes to your door, do not open it unless you know who they are. And if you see someone acting suspiciously, call 911.

“This is a challenging time for everyone, and we don’t want anyone to be a victim of crime on top of the COVID-19 stress,” Mylett said. “We are here to help, and we ask you to do these simple steps every evening to help keep yourself, your loved ones and your property safe.”

Burglary suspect jailed after breaking into multiple homes

Flower pot A Seattle man is in custody after he broke into three homes in the Newport Hills area over the weekend. One victim says the man used a flowerpot in her yard to break a glass door and enter her home, just after 1:30 pm on Saturday. She yelled and screamed at him until he fled. The resident then called a neighbor, who spotted the suspect and held him a gunpoint until officers arrived. Burg

After the 38-year-old suspect was arrested, officers found the woman’s credit cards on his person. He denied any knowledge of the burglary or how the victim’s personal items got into his pocket.

During the investigation, two other residents reported the suspect had entered their homes as well.

Counterfit Following the arrest, the suspect damaged the inside of the patrol car, spat on an officer’s face, and five fake $100 bills were recovered from his pockets. He was booked into jail on charges of Burglary, Assault, Malicious Mischief, and Forgery.

Case # 20-17340

Bellevue police arrest shooting suspect

Officers arrested a 23-year-old suspect in connection with an attempted occupied home burglary early Sunday morning, April 5th. The victims stated nine family members were in the home (400 Blk 128th Ave SE) when they heard loud banging on the door, followed by gunshots. The suspect was becoming increasingly angry because the residents wouldn’t open the front door. When officers arrived, they found the suspect on the front porch and took him into custody.

Officers recovered a 9mm handgun and ammunition on the suspect. The suspect’s car also had multiple bullet holes in the trunk area. And the front door handle to the residence was damaged by the gunfire. Luckily, no one in the home was injured.

The Bellevue Fire Department transported the suspect to the hospital for medical clearance, at which point the suspect threatened to kill all the officers involved in his arrest.

Later, a detective recognized the suspect on a video released by Renton police. Renton PD was looking for a gunman who shot at a convenience store clerk and shot bullet holes into his green Honda about a half-hour before the Bellevue home burglary attempt. Detectives have confirmed it’s the same suspect in both incidents.

In Bellevue, the suspect was booked into jail on charges of Assault 1st Degree, Attempted Burglary 1st Degree, Aiming/Discharging Firearms, and Felony Harassment.

BPD Case #20-17404

Police launch tool to report “Stay home, stay healthy” violations

With Gov. Inslee’s “Stay home, stay healthy” order in effect, the Bellevue police have developed an easy way for residents to report violations. Reports logged into the MyBellevue app will generate a heat map showing where there are potentially illegal gatherings or business activity.

Please, do not call 911 to report these gatherings. 911 is for emergencies only. Officers will not respond to 911 calls about violations of the Stay Home mandate.

Police strongly encourage residents and visitors to follow the governor’s order, to better protect the health and safety of everyone in the community.

“The vast majority of people in our community are following the ‘stay at home’ order and are being safe,” said Chief Steve Mylett. “But we need your help in reporting violations where there may be a large number of people at risk.”

Report violations online

You can report these incidents through the MyBellevue app on your electronic device or the MyBellevue online portal.

Log onto the app on your phone or online at Bellevuewa.gov.
Click on new request.
Click Report gatherings.
Click issue location and move the pin over the location or add the address manually.
Click submit.

Screen shot - people As the reports are filed, the app will show officers hotspots throughout the city.

“As officers are available, they will respond to these reports and use this opportunity to inform and educate people about the state’s stay-at-home mandate,” explains Major Andrew Popochock, who oversees the patrol division.

“We are not going to arrest people; we are educating them to stay home. The ‘Stay home, stay healthy’ mandate is for everyone’s safety,” Popochock added.

These are informational reports only and officers will respond on an availability basis.

The order does allow people to leave their homes for certain activities, including shopping for groceries, going to medical appointments, picking up or delivering take-out food, going to work at an essential business or going outside for exercise.

For the latest information on COVID-19 and how to stay safe please visit Public Health – Seattle & King County.

警察局长向华人社区求情

有很多媒体和社区中传播新冠病毒（COVID-19）是因中国人而起的。然而他们变成种族歧视或受偏见的受害者。

“我听到有人成为新冠病毒（COVID 19）的袭击目标并受到指责，对此我感到很不安。如果在贝尔维尤（Bellevue）发生这种情况，它必须停止。我鼓励任何种族歧视或偏见相关事件的受害者与当地警察局联系并举报事件因为我们需要知道。我们将全力追捕并逮捕在贝尔维尤（Bellevue）犯下种族歧视的任何人。”警察局长史蒂夫·米勒（Steve Mylett）说。

局长说，他坚信这种事件正在发生，只是没被举报。 “我需要我们的中国邻居们告诉我他们是否受到种族歧视。贝尔维尤警察局在这里会为您提供保护和服务。但如果我们没收到举报，我们就帮不到您。”

如何举报

要报告威胁或正在进行的事件，请立即拨打911。如果事件是之前发生的，您可以在www.bellevuewa.gov/police上轻松地在线报告该事件。警员将对其进行审核，并在需要更多信息时与您联系。

“对于每个人来说，这都是一个充满压力的时期。新冠病毒（COVID-19）是无法识别种族或国籍并且病毒是不会歧视的。” Mylett说。 “请别指责，互相支持，听命于留在家中的命令。您挽救的生命可能是您自己的，也可能是您身边的人。”

Police Chief makes plea to the Chinese community

There are reports in the media, on social media, and spreading throughout the community that people of Chinese heritage are increasingly becoming targets of hate crimes and being blamed for COVID-19.

“I am disturbed to hear that people are being targeted and blamed for COVID 19. If this is happening here in Bellevue it needs to stop. I encourage any victim of a hate crime or bias-related incident to contact their local police department and report the incident – we need to know about it. We will vigorously pursue and arrest anyone who commits a hate crime in Bellevue” said Police Chief Steve Mylett.

The Chief says he’s convinced incidents are occurring and they’re just not being reported. “I need our Chinese neighbors to tell us if they are a victim of hate because of their Chinese heritage. The Bellevue Police Department is here to protect and serve you, but we can’t help if we don’t know about it.”

How to report

Anti-stigma To report an immediate threat or ongoing incident, call 911 immediately. If an incident occurred in the recent past, you can easily report it online at www.bellevuewa.gov/police. An officer will review it and will contact you if more information is needed.

“These are stressful times for everyone. COVID-19 doesn’t recognize race, nationality, or ethnicity, and viruses don’t discriminate,” Mylett said. “Please, stop blaming, support one another, heed the orders to stay home. The life you save may be your own or someone close to you.”

Bellevue detectives grab Washington’s Most Wanted suspect

Alvarez Bellevue police detectives arrested a 32-year-old prolific offender today at the Snoqualmie Casino. Daniel Alvarez is most recently wanted in connection with a residential burglary in Mountlake Terrace on February 11, 2020. According to Mountlake Terrace police, Alvarez and Brendan Morris broke into the Mountlake Terrace home and stole miscellaneous property, including an AR-15 semi-rifle and ammunition. Morris was apprehended on February 19, 2020, in Snohomish County, but Alvarez eluded police until today.

Bellevue detectives developed information about Alvarez’s whereabouts and tracked him down late this afternoon at the Snoqualmie Casino. Alvarez has at least nine felony convictions and has a history of eluding police. “Daniel Alvarez is a career criminal and a danger to our community. He puts everyone, including officers, at risk because of his propensity to flee a scene when approached by law enforcement,” said Captain David Sanabria. “We are safer today with Alvarez behind bars.” The arrest was a joint operation between Bellevue, Mountlake Terrace, and Auburn police departments.

Alvarez was arrested on charges of Residential Burglary, Theft of a firearm, Unlawful Possession of a firearm and a felony warrant. A 32-year-old woman who was with Alvarez was also arrested on drug charges.

#20-13748

Selected crimes for March 9 – 15

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.

March 9

TIME

18: 01

CONTACT TYPE

Domestic Disturbance

LOCATION

14600 Blk SE 36^th St

INCIDENT/CASE#

20-13561 & 20-13596

NARRATIVE

An officer conducted a traffic stop for a moving violation and was advised by dispatch there was currently a Protection Order Violation occurring between the driver and passenger. The driver was arrested and booked into jail. Later, it was realized that there was also an order listed for the passenger. The passenger will be summoned for the Order Violation.

TIME

18: 11

CONTACT TYPE

Robbery / Drugs / DOC Escape Warrant

LOCATION

400 Bellevue Way NE

INCIDENT/CASE#

20-13564

NARRATIVE

A suspect stole a pair of pants from a store. When loss prevention stopped the suspect, he punched the loss prevention officer in the face and fled with the merchandise. Security located the suspect and followed him to a different store. Just then, two police units arrived for a different call. The suspect saw those two units and a foot pursuit ensued through the parking lot and into a grocery. Officers cornered the suspect in the frozen food aisle and arrested him. The suspect also had a DOC Escape Warrant for Assault. A search netted suspected methamphetamine with possible fentanyl. The suspect was booked into jail.

TIME

22: 14

CONTACT TYPE

Drugs

LOCATION

12600 Blk SE 41^st Pl

INCIDENT/CASE#

20-13604

NARRATIVE

An officer contacted the suspect in a vehicle that had the steering column punched out with a screwdriver in the ignition. The suspect had a suspected methamphetamine pipe sitting next to her and several warrants out for her arrest. She gave consent to search, and the officer located over 1gram of suspected heroin and numerous items of paraphernalia. The vehicle was recently sold to her and had been stolen since then. The suspect was booked into jail.

March 10

TIME

09: 16

CONTACT TYPE

Disturbance

LOCATION

1300 Blk 114^th Ave SE

INCIDENT/CASE#

20-13662

NARRATIVE

A defendant in a criminal proceeding at District Court was leaning on her husband’s truck when he drove off and she fell to the ground. She stated that he did not intentionally strike her with the vehicle. An officer located the truck on an area check and conducted a traffic stop. There was no probable cause of a crime.

TIME

19: 05

CONTACT TYPE

Domestic Disturbance

LOCATION

200 Blk 111^th Ave NE

INCIDENT/CASE#

20-13771

NARRATIVE

A subject who is a respondent in a no-contact order with his ex-girlfriend (mother of his child), got into an argument with his ex-girlfriend and slapped her in the face causing minor pain, damaged her vehicle, and fled the scene. Officers were unable to contact or locate the suspect. Felony charges have been filed.

TIME

13: 48

CONTACT TYPE

Drugs

LOCATION

1600 Blk 140^th Ave NE

INCIDENT/CASE#

20-13715

NARRATIVE

A bike officer observed a subject walking out of a store after purchasing(?) a roll of aluminum foil and saw him get into a vehicle with two females. He then saw the subject use said foil to smoke suspected heroin. He contacted the subjects and was given consent to search the vehicle netting suspected methamphetamine and heroin. The subject was arrested, processed and later released. One of the female passengers lied about her name as she had warrants for her arrest. The bike unit will be looking for her tomorrow.

March 11

TIME

04: 15

CONTACT TYPE

Warrants/Drugs/Possession Stolen Property/Prohibited possession of a firearm

LOCATION

I-405 & Coal Creek Pkwy.

INCIDENT/CASE#

20-13631

NARRATIVE

When an officer conducted a traffic stop for equipment violations, he determined that the driver provided false information and had a felony warrant with nationwide extradition. A search following the arrest revealed 14.5 grams of suspected illegal drugs (meth & heroin). An assisting officer observed a handgun that was visible from the exterior of the vehicle. The suspect is a convicted felon and prohibited possessor of firearms. A subsequent search warrant on the vehicle revealed multiple items inside that are believed to be stolen property from construction sites and possibly from a church in Renton. The suspect was booked into jail for his warrant and additional charges are pending.

TIME

12: 58

CONTACT TYPE

Malicious Mischief

LOCATION

13200 Blk Bellevue-Redmond Road

INCIDENT/CASE#

20-13901

NARRATIVE

Officers responded to the area of 13200 Bellevue-Redmond Rd, on a report of a suspect who had thrown a rock through a vehicle rear window. An officer quickly located the suspect walking eastbound from the crime. The suspect was arrested and booked into jail without incident.

TIME

13: 50

CONTACT TYPE

Theft

LOCATION

500 Blk Bellevue Way NE

INCIDENT/CASE#

20-13916

NARRATIVE

Security flagged down bike officers about a theft. Patrol responded and located the subject at a nearby bus stop. The subjects were taken into custody for theft and the two pairs of stolen shoes were located and returned.

TIME

18: 26

CONTACT TYPE

Theft

LOCATION

4000 Blk Factoria Blvd SE

INCIDENT/CASE#

20-13969

NARRATIVE

Subjects broke into a video game cabinet and stole numerous video games. Officers contacted the subjects contacted as they left the mall and were taken into custody. The items were recovered, and subjects were booked into jail.

March 12

TIME

09: 12

CONTACT TYPE

Mental Health

LOCATION

1000 Blk Northup Way

INCIDENT/CASE#

20-1405

NARRATIVE

A neighbor called 911 to report her neighbor was in emotional distress. The subject refused assistance. Bellevue Fire and CARES provided assistance and resources.

TIME

05: 36

CONTACT TYPE

Domestic Disturbance

LOCATION

3000 Blk Landerholm Cir.

INCIDENT/CASE#

20-14028

NARRATIVE

The mother of a female victim called 911 to report that she believes her daughter’s boyfriend was assaulting her and damaging her vehicle. When interviewed, the possible victim denied all allegations to the investigating officer. Currently, there is no evidential support to back up the third-party claims of abuse. The report was forwarded to detectives for review.

TIME

22: 00

CONTACT TYPE

Mental Health

LOCATION

15400 Blk NE 13^th Pl

INCIDENT/CASE#

20-14206

NARRATIVE

Officers responded regarding an unwanted person banging on apartment doors. The officers contacted the subject and noted she was under the influence of unknown drugs. The subject became combative, so she was placed into protective custody. It was determined the subject was homeless. She was transported to the hospital for an evaluation.

TIME

22: 13

CONTACT TYPE

Warrant/Suspended License/False Info

LOCATION

SE Allen Rd / SE 38th St

INCIDENT/CASE#

20-14209

NARRATIVE

An officer completed a traffic stop for inoperable equipment. After the driver gave false statements, the investigation revealed the driver had an active DOC warrant. The passenger was identified, and it was discovered he also had an active warrant. A search following the arrest netted suspected drugs on the passenger. The driver was booked into jail, the passenger was released pending a summons.

March 13

TIME

03: 30

CONTACT TYPE

Eluding/Driving with a Suspended License

LOCATION

Factoria Blvd SE/Coal Creek Pkwy

INCIDENT/CASE#

20-14241

NARRATIVE

An officer attempted to stop a vehicle for moving violations, however, the vehicle refused to stop and drove in a reckless manner eluding the officer. The officer was familiar with the registered owner from prior contacts. The Officer did not pursue, but a short period later the officer located the driver walking near the area of the stop. The officer contacted the subject and confirmed it was the same registered owner and the vehicle was nearby. The subject was booked into jail.

TIME

10: 11

CONTACT TYPE

Death Investigations

LOCATION

5400 Blk 125^th Ave SE

INCIDENT/CASE#

20-14273

NARRATIVE

Family members discovered a 35-year-old victim deceased in his back yard. He had no underlying health issues, however, family suspected drug use. Detectives were called out and found evidence of the victim being involved in drugs. The investigation is on-going.

TIME

11: 50

CONTACT TYPE

Sexual Assault

LOCATION

12200 Blk SE 60^th St.

INCIDENT/CASE#

20-14289

NARRATIVE

The suspect and victim have been involved in an on and off again dating relationship. In Aug. 2019, the victim states the suspect assaulted him. The investigation is ongoing.

TIME

15: 16

CONTACT TYPE

Domestic Disturbance

LOCATION

4300 Blk Factoria Blvd. SE

INCIDENT/CASE#

20-14315

NARRATIVE

The suspect and victim were involved in a long-term relationship and separated one month ago. A week ago, the suspect followed the victim to her daughter’s work on Mercer Island. The suspect accosted her, brandished a knife, and threatened to harm himself if they did not reconcile. The victim was able to get away from the suspect and did not report the incident to Mercer Island PD. Today the suspect followed the victim form her work in Bellevue. The victim called the police to report that the suspect was following her. Officers contacted the suspect and investigated the matter. Probable cause was established for stalking DV. The suspect was arrested and booked into jail.

TIME

22: 20

CONTACT TYPE

Domestic Dispute

LOCATION

4300 Blk 129th Pl. SE

INCIDENT/CASE#

20-14384

NARRATIVE

Officers responded to the report of a male subject who was hitting a female. After locating the subjects in an apartment, it was determined that the male was listed as the respondent in a protection order and the female was the protected party. The suspect punched, pushed, and choked the victim during this incident. He was arrested and booked into jail. The victim suffered numerous injuries that were treated at the scene.

March 14

TIME

09: 42

CONTACT TYPE

Assault/ Hit and Run/DUI

LOCATION

100 Blk 145^th Ave NE

INCIDENT/CASE#

20-14427

NARRATIVE

When two off-duty (flagging) BPD officers witnessed a hit and run, one officer jumped into his police vehicle in an attempt to stop the suspect vehicle. As he drove into a residential neighborhood looking for the suspect, the officer discovered another hit and run crime scene just before observing the suspect vehicle driving with its hood up, covering the front windshield. The officer was able to contact the suspect who was standing outside his vehicle. Attempts were made to arrest the suspect; however, the suspect chose instead to assault the officer. A full-on fight broke out for several minutes, but the officer was able to subdue the suspect enough to wait for others to help. Seconds later, a citizen and other officers arrived to take the suspect into custody. Both the officer and suspect were treated for injuries at the hospital. The suspect was later booked into jail.

TIME

20: 55

CONTACT TYPE

Theft

LOCATION

400 Blk Bellevue Way NE

INCIDENT/CASE#

20-14507

NARRATIVE

Officers contacted the suspect during a theft investigation. Loss prevention informed the investigating officer that the suspect was seen selecting multiple clothing items and exiting the store without making any attempt to pay for the merchandise in her possession. She was arrested and taken to jail.

TIME

21: 01

CONTACT TYPE

Criminal Traffic Arrest

LOCATION

140 Ave NE/NE 8 ST

INCIDENT/CASE#

20-14508

NARRATIVE

Police contacted the suspect during a traffic violation. The investigating officer determined that the suspect was driving with a suspended license and had an outstanding warrant. The suspect was advised she would be summoned in the mail with a court date and released at the scene.

TIME

21: 43

CONTACT TYPE

Warrant Arrest

LOCATION

5800 Lakemont Blvd SE

INCIDENT/CASE#

20-14516

NARRATIVE

Police contacted the suspect for violating BCC City Park Rules. The investigating officer determined that the suspect had an outstanding, confirmed warrant for DUI out of Seattle. The suspect arrested and booked into jail.

TIME

23: 17

CONTACT TYPE

Warrant Arrest

LOCATION

900 Blk 148^th Ave NE

INCIDENT/CASE#

20-14532

NARRATIVE

Police contacted the suspect for a traffic violation and determined that the suspect had an outstanding warrant out of Tukwila PD. The suspect was arrested and booked into jail.

March 15

TIME

14: 00

CONTACT TYPE

Domestic Disturbance

LOCATION

100 Blk 102^nd Ave SE

INCIDENT/CASE#

20-14605

NARRATIVE

The suspect hit the victim after finding out he was having an affair. She was transported to booking where she was processed. There were no major injuries.

TIME

16: 00

CONTACT TYPE

Malicious Mischief/Car Prowl/Obstruction

LOCATION

2900 Blk Richards Rd

INCIDENT/CASE#

20-14620

NARRATIVE

A male was seen trying to kick open the door to a business and break a large planter outside the door. He then walked east on SE 30^th St. Officers witnessed the suspect get into a work truck in the dead-end dirt lot of SE 30th and go through the glove box. When challenged by the officer, the suspect ran into the wooded area to the north. Officers located him jumping fences in the 2500 block of 137th Ave SE but soon lost him. The investigation is ongoing.

TIME

20: 58

CONTACT TYPE

Felony Warrant Arrest

LOCATION

14200 Blk NE 21^st St

INCIDENT/CASE#

20-14654

NARRATIVE

Police responded to investigate a felony warrant suspect possibly at the location. Upon arrival, a concerned citizen told the officer the suspect was inside the facility for prayer time. The officer determined the suspect had an outstanding, confirmed Felony Warrant out of DOC for Escape Community Custody. The suspect was arrested and booked into jail.

Bellevue Police Captain injured, suspect in custody after hit & run

Just after 9:30 this morning, Bellevue Police Captain Travess Forbush was working an off-duty traffic control assignment near 147th Ave. NE and NE 5th St. Forbush was notified of a 25-year-old man driving recklessly through a lane closure, colliding with a vehicle and fleeing the scene. Captain Forbush, who was in uniform, took off after the suspect in his police vehicle. As the suspect’s car moved through an intersection, the driver hit another vehicle, then suddenly stop. In the 100 block 145^th Ave NE, Forbush saw the suspect closing the hood of his car after it flew open because of the extensive damage from the collisions. Forbush used to opportunity to move in and take the suspect into custody. An altercation ensued, and a civilian assisted Forbush in gaining control of the suspect. Other officers arrived and took the man into custody.

Captain Forbush sustained minor injuries. He has been with the Bellevue Police Department for 29 years.

The Redmond man has been taken into custody and booked into jail. He faces numerous charges including Assault 2nd degree, DUI, and Hit & Run.