Bellevue Beat Blog

New year, new beginnings, but same online scams that are aimed at ripping off Bellevue community members.

Throughout a calendar year, Bellevue Police hear from residents about an incident where they were pressured to mail or wire money in exchange for cryptocurrency investments, a service, a prize, or in some cases, protecting themselves from public embarrassment.

Image of a recent scam impacting Bellevue community members.

Here are the top five tips Bellevue Police recommend when looking for scams:

They use social media to gain your trust.

The new trend for scammers is using texting, dating sites, or social media to connect directly with victims. They form a personal connection with the victim, and then convince them to deposit more and more money into an “investment” – usually a cryptocurrency pitch. This practice happens over and over until the victim withdrawals all their earnings. This tactic is called “pig butchering.”

They pretend to be from an organization that you know.

Scammers often say that they are contacting you on behalf of some form of local, state, or federal government (Internal Revenue Service), a company (T-Mobile), or represent a particular government program (Medicare, Social Security). They may even pretend to be from a utility company or a charity asking for donations.

Remember: Organizations like a police department, a utility company or even the IRS will NEVER threaten to put you in jail, hurt your family, or deport you if you don’t comply. This is a true sign of a scam.

They say there’s a problem or a prize.

If there’s a “problem”: Scammers might start their message by saying you are in trouble with the government, there is a problem with one of your accounts, or that you owe money. They may even say someone in your family had an emergency or virus on your computer. Then, they ask you to verify personal, sensitive information associated with your accounts/identity.

If there’s a “prize”: Scammers may begin their message by saying you have won money in a lottery or sweepstakes. But to claim your prize, you must pay a fee or buy gift cards to get it.

They PRESSURE you to act immediately.

Scammers win when they keep you on your toes. So, they will use tactics that will get you to act before you have time to think. If you’re on the phone, they might tell you not to hang up so you can’t check out their story. They might threaten to arrest you, litigation, or various licenses you may have – whether it be a driver’s or business license. They may even threaten to deport you.

They tell you to PAY in a specific way.

Finally, scammers often insist that you pay them by sending money through a transfer company or putting money on a gift card and then giving them the number on the back of the card. Some may send you a check (that will later turn out to be fake), tell you to deposit it, and then send them money.

Scams may sound scary. However, the Bellevue Police Department believes you can avoid scams by following these simple rules:

1. Block unwanted calls and text messages,
2. Don’t give your personal or financial information in response to a request that you didn’t expect,
3. Resist the pressure to respond immediately,
4. Check the sender’s email address and verify source of the email,
5. Use an URL checker tool, and
6. Stop and talk to someone you trust before you do anything else. Talking about it with a friend or loved one could help you realize it’s a scam.

Should any community member become a victim of a scam, they are asked to contact the Bellevue Police Department at 425-577-5656 and then immediately report the scam to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The FBI provides a full list of potential scams that could impact community members across Bellevue and the entire Puget Sound region.

The Bellevue Police Department launched an investigation following an overnight drive-by shooting incident in Factoria.  

At approximately 2:15 this morning, Bellevue Officers were dispatched to a weapons complaint incident on the 13900 block of SE 42nd Street. The victims – a 59-year-old woman and a 63-year-old male – told law enforcement they were awakened to the sounds of several gunshots near their home along SE Newport Way.  

At least two firearm rounds were found inside the victims’ residence during the initial investigation. No additional information, like a possible description of the suspects or vehicle, were provided.  

No community members were injured during this incident, and there is no ongoing threat to the public.  

Bellevue Police do not believe that this is a targeted incident. However, anyone who may have additional information about this case is asked to contact law enforcement by calling 425-577-5656. 

Today, the Bellevue Police Department announced it made approximately 161 arrests during its 2024 “Stop the Lift” retail theft prevention campaign during the holidays – with 244 shoplifting incidents overall.

“With retail theft being the most common crime in Bellevue, the Bellevue Police Department took a proactive approach with the city’s business leaders this past holiday season to find solutions that would deliver a safe environment for all and address these crimes. I can report to the community that this effort has been a tremendous success,” said Wendell Shirley, Chief of the Bellevue Police Department. “That said, retail theft happens any day of the year. Bellevue Police continues to ask community members to contact law enforcement should they see a theft occur in Bellevue.”

Bellevue Police saw an eight percent increase in reported shoplifting cases in 2024 and a 12-percent increase in shoplifting arrests from 2023 to 2024. In a year-to-year comparison, there were 857 shoplifting arrests in 2024 and 768 arrests in 2023. Monthly averages in shoplifting arrests during these years were an average of 71.4 arrests in 2024 and 64 arrests in 2023. The Bellevue Police Department believes strong partnerships and anti-theft programs with local businesses across the city and community members have contributed to the ability to successfully learn about and arrest more suspects connected to these crimes.

Between mid-November and Christmas Day, Bellevue Police’s “Stop the Lift” effort provided law enforcement and businesses an all-around approach toward retail theft prevention and response during the holiday season. This included a visibility campaign featuring Bellevue Officers conducting proactive patrols in areas like Factoria and Bellevue Square, Coffee with a Cop events at retail stores, direct community engagement messages, and an online crime prevention campaign for residents.

The Bellevue Police Department also made tremendous strides in ensuring organized retail theft operations were held accountable in Bellevue last year – particularly crimes targeting high-value merchandise. Officers were able to arrest suspects connected to crimes totaling up to $500,000 in lost revenue for LuLuLemon. Since this arrest, LuLuLemon stores across Western Washington saw a 90-percent drop in large-scale thefts.

The Bellevue Police Department’s efforts against retail theft are continuing beyond the holidays. Chief Shirley reminds community members that if someone sees a theft occur, they should say something by calling 911.  

Today, the Bellevue Police Department is asking community members to stay vigilant following a robbery incident that left the victim with injuries. 

At approximately 3:50 p.m. yesterday, Bellevue Police were dispatched to a robbery incident on the 100 block of 108th Ave NE. The victim – a 72-year-old woman – told officers she had finished a shopping trip and was about to enter her vehicle when a male suspect grabbed and pulled at her purse. After a brief exchange, the suspect was able to snatch the purse from the victim and push her to the ground before fleeing the area. 

The victim was transported to Overlake Hospital with non-life threatening injuries. 

The investigation into Friday’s incident is ongoing. Bellevue Police believe the suspects and vehicle are similar in description to another assault incident from earlier that day. This incident involved the suspects threatening juveniles with a firearm on the 400 block of Bellevue Square at approximately 1:30 p.m.  

Bellevue community members are asked to contact law enforcement if they witnessed either of the events and to be vigilant and call police if they see anything suspicious. 

Additionally, Bellevue Police ask community members to take some proactive measures to protect themselves should they find themselves in an emergency. Always remember to put your life before your possessions, follow the demands of the suspect, and immediately call 911 when it is safe to do so. 

The Bellevue Police Department today announced the departure of Major Alycia McKinney from the agency after serving the organization and the city of Bellevue for close to a decade. Starting January 6, McKinney will assume the deputy chief of police role with the Port of Seattle Police Department.

“The Bellevue Police Department is in a phenomenal position to serve this community, and it’s largely because of the contributions of Major Alycia McKinney,” said Wendell Shirley, Chief of Police for the Bellevue Police Department. “We have no doubt Alycia will shine in this new opportunity, her leadership and presence in this department will be sorely missed. Congratulations, Alycia!”

Promoted to the position of Major in 2022, Alycia McKinney has transformed how Bellevue Police Officers and professional staff does its work to make the community a safe place to work, live, and visit. McKinney was involved in the development of the department’s Community Crisis Assistance Team (CCAT). Beginning as a pilot program, CCAT Officers pair with mental health professionals from the Fire Department’s Community Advocates for Referral and Education Services to help community members during times of crisis – particularly behavioral health emergencies – while also reducing the person’s chances of facing criminal charges, arrests, use of force and emergency room visits. Bellevue Police’s CCAT Unit received permanent funding in 2023.

Additionally, McKinney was responsible for Bellevue Police’s operations division, which includes the agency’s Patrol, SWAT, Community Crisis Assistance Team (CCAT) and Traffic squads. Alycia began her law enforcement career with the Washington State Patrol in 2011 before transferring to the Bellevue Police Department in 2015. She holds a dual master’s in business administration and management and leadership from Western Governors University. She is also a leadership instructor for the Criminal Justice Training Center and serves as the Vice President of the Bellevue Police Management Association.

Today at 12:28 p.m., an on-duty Bellevue Police Officer was involved in a deadly force incident. As a result, a person is deceased. No Officers or bystanders were injured. The King County Independent Force Investigation Team (KC IFIT) has been called out to investigate this incident. All further release of information will be provided by an IFIT PIO, once assigned.

At approximately 1:48 p.m. on Monday, Bellevue Police responded to multiple calls from residents about a disturbance on the 15200 block of NE 20^th Street in Bellevue’s Crossroads neighborhood.  

Callers informed Bellevue Police they heard screams coming from a residence. Responding officers arrived on the scene and forced entry into the residence where they promptly detained the suspect (an 87-year-old male) and discovered the victim (an 86-year-old female) had multiple stab wounds to the chest.  

Bellevue Police and Fire attempted lifesaving care, but the victim was declared deceased. The suspect was placed in custody without issue.  

There is no ongoing threat to the greater public due to the suspect being in custody.  

This is an evolving incident. The Bellevue Police Department has launched an investigation into the homicide incident. Any additional information will be published via the Bellevue Beat Blog.  

The Bellevue Police Department announced the arrest of a 21-year-old suspect connected to the dangerous vandalizing incidents that occurred on the City’s Pride art piece over the summer.

At approximately 1:58 p.m. on November 12, Bellevue Officers arrested Ivan Barzul at his residence in Renton. Barzul was arrested for three counts of Malicious Mischief (1^st Degree vandalism) and three counts of Reckless Driving after allegedly committing the vandalism crimes on July 14, September 7, and September 15 of this year.

Bellevue Police Department would like to thank the concerned community members who utilized Crime Stoppers of Puget Sound’s anonymous tipline to provide the suspect’s name and information to detectives that linked him to the case. The collaboration once again illustrates the strong relationship law enforcement has with Bellevue residents.

“Officers often preach ‘see something, say something.’ It’s without a doubt Bellevue residents helped law enforcement hold this individual accountable,” said Wendell Shirley, Chief of the Bellevue Police Department. “This arrest is a testament to the teamwork a community and law enforcement can achieve together.”

A full summary of the incident can be found below.

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Original blog post from October 2, 2024

Bellevue Police are asking for the public’s help in identifying a suspect who may be tied to three separate reckless driving and vandalism incidents targeting the City of Bellevue’s Pride art piece near the city’s Downtown Park.

Each of the three incidents occurred when a suspect – a young male – driving a silver/gray BMW sedan without a license plate would allegedly conduct burnouts on the artwork – with one incident in particular happening in broad daylight and threatening the safety of other residents.

The following details of each incident are as follows:

July 14, 2024: At approximately 10:12 p.m., traffic camera footage for the intersection of NE 1^st Street and 102^nd Avenue NE showed a suspect in a sedan allegedly conduct a 720-degree burnout in a counterclockwise motion over the Pride art piece. Once finished, the suspect sped out of the area heading eastbound onto NE 1^st Street. City of Bellevue’s Transportation Department estimated the suspect caused about $3,200 in damages.

September 7, 2024: At approximately 4:27 p.m., traffic camera footage showed a suspect in a sedan allegedly conduct a burnout across the Pride art piece. For this incident, the suspect had his windows rolled down and completed the burnout in the middle of traffic and while pedestrians were crossing the crosswalk. The suspect exited the intersection heading westbound on NE 1^st Street. City of Bellevue’s Transportation Department estimated the suspect caused about $5,000 in damages.

September 15, 2024: At approximately 7:57 p.m., traffic camera footage showed a suspect in a sedan allegedly conduct a 720-degree burnout in a counterclockwise motion across the intersection. This time, the suspect proceeds to speed off in the same direction he was previously traveling, heading eastbound on NE 1^st Street. City of Bellevue’s Transportation Department estimated the suspect caused about $5,337 in damages.

Law enforcement is asking anyone who may have witnessed the crimes or may have information about the suspect connected to the incident to contact Crimestoppers of Puget Sound at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). If an individual’s tip leads to the arrest of this suspect, they may receive an award.

The Bellevue Police Department announced today the launch of its “Stop the Lift” campaign during the holiday season. In its third year, this effort partners with retail stores across the community to lower shoplifting incidents across the city at a time when incidents have risen about 9-percent compared to 2023.

The “Stop the Lift” holiday campaign will provide law enforcement and businesses an all-around approach toward retail theft prevention and response during the holiday season. This includes a visibility campaign featuring Bellevue Officers conducting proactive patrols in areas like Factoria and Bellevue Square, Coffee with a Cop events at retail stores, direct community engagement messages, and an online crime prevention campaign for residents.

“Retail theft is Bellevue’s most common crime, and the Bellevue Police Department is committed to working with local retailers to find solutions that deliver a safer and more secure retail environment for all,” said Wendell Shirley, Chief of the Bellevue Police Department. “Suspects sometimes go to great lengths to shoplift – even resorting to threats and violence. In Bellevue, there is a zero tolerance for this behavior.”

The Bellevue Police Department made tremendous strides in holding accountable organized retail theft operations this year – particularly crimes targeting LuLuLemon stores. Officers were able to arrest suspects connected to crimes totaling up to $500,000 in lost revenue. Since this arrest, LuLuLemon stores across Western Washington saw a 90-percent drop in large-scale thefts.

About 37-percent of all crimes committed in Bellevue were retail theft incidents, making it the most common crime for the community. Additionally, about 1,241 retail theft incidents have occurred in the city so far this year – with law enforcement making about 629 arrests during this time.

The Factoria Mall provides a marquee example of the impact a partnership between law enforcement and retailers could have on a neighborhood. Using Bellevue Police’s zero tolerance approach to crime, officers were able to arrest about 91-percent of suspects who were previously identified as frequent shoplifters. Law enforcement is looking to implement a similar strategy across the entire city for this year.

Even with Bellevue Police’s “Stop the Lift” effort, law enforcement is asking Bellevue residents and the greater Puget Sound region to get involved. Police are asking individuals to take these simple steps to protect yourself and your family while shopping:

1. Contact store management if you witness a shoplift occurring
2. Never leave packages visible in your vehicle
3. Do not leave bags, purses, wallets unattended

And for residents choosing to purchase gifts online, please follow these prevention tips:

Most importantly: when you see something, say something. If someone witnesses a suspect attempting to steal from a shopping mall or snatch a box from a neighbor’s house, Bellevue Police ask they call law enforcement immediately by dialing 911.

The Bellevue Police Department asked residents in Bellevue and from surrounding communities this morning to utilize sober rides while traveling across the city and the greater Puget Sound region should they be impaired. The request comes as the city of Bellevue has seen the largest number of monthly driving under the influence (DUI) incidents for the city in over five years.

According to arrest data, Bellevue Officers have responded to 36 separate DUI-related incidents across the community. With the 2024 monthly DUI average at 24, October marks a 50-percent jump in cases.

“With the holidays fast approaching, Bellevue Police are asking residents to be proactive and put their safety and the safety of the community first,” said Wendell Shirley, Chief of the Bellevue Police Department. “There is no excuse to driving under the influence. If you are impaired, grab a sober ride home. It’s that simple.”

DUI and impaired-driving arrests are always preventable. The Bellevue Police Department urges residents to take advantage of many other options to ensure a safe ride home and a safe community – including taking public transit, ridesharing opportunities made available on smartphones, carpooling and vanpooling, walking, or calling a friend or family member.

Bellevue Police is a part of the King County Target Zero Task Force, a collaboration from stakeholders such as law enforcement, city/regional/state/tribal governments, community organizations, and schools to create equitable traffic safety programs that would reduce collisions, injuries, and fatalities across King County. It is also part of the city of Bellevue’s Vision Zero initiative, adopted in 2016, which aims to eliminate traffic deaths and serious-injury collisions on city streets by 2030. Educating people driving on the danger of driving under the influence and enforcing traffic laws are part of Bellevue’s Safe System approach to road safety.

According to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission, the state reached a 33-year high in traffic-related fatalities on Washington’s roads last year – including 400 deaths that involved an impaired motorist and 135 that involved a distracted driver. More data surrounding this growing problem can be found by visiting a dashboard provided by the Washington Traffic Safety Commission.