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.

The Bellevue Police Department released the following body worn camera (BWC) footage today illustrating the close call officers and the community experienced over the weekend. Law enforcement efforts in this case protected Bellevue residents and the greater Puget Sound community from a potentially deadly situation during last Saturday’s I-90 incident.

The footage, compiled in a one minute and thirty-six second clip shows the moments when officers left their vehicles and engaged with 42-year-old Sokphana Soeung, the driver of a stolen black Mercedes sedan. Thanks to efforts by Bellevue Officers and Washington State Patrol Troopers, Soeung was arrested without being able to light an improvised explosive device (IED) he had in his possession and was actively trying to ignite.

“Saturday was a very dangerous, life-or-death incident. Had it not been for the courage of Bellevue Police Officers and our partners at the Washington State Patrol, the situation could have ended in tragedy,” said Wendell Shirley, Chief of Police for the Bellevue Police Department. “I cannot thank Bellevue Officers enough for their dedication and professionalism in the work they carry out each day, because it all counts – especially for moments like this.”

Below is an official transcript of the entire clip from the Bellevue Police Department:

FORMAT: TIMESTAMP, TIME OF DAY, DESCRIPTION

0:00-0:05: Bellevue Police Department Intro

0:05-0:16 (12:31:13): Bellevue Officer exits vehicle and runs toward the suspect who is eluding police on foot. He passes two marked Bellevue Police SUVs on the left, an unmarked black Bellevue Police SUV on the right, a marked Washington State Patrol SUV, and the stolen black Mercedes sedan used by the suspect. The officer joins other officers as they pass a final marked Bellevue Police SUV on the right.  

0:16-0:35 (12:31:25): The BWC footage is slowed down to show, frame-by-frame, 42-year-old Sokphana Soeung turning around and attempting to light the IED while Bellevue Officers approached him.

0:35-0:37 (12:31:27): A Bellevue Officer uses force to bring Mr. Soeung to the ground. It is at this moment where the IED is ejected from Mr. Soeung’s hands and rolls toward the south hazard land on Westbound I-90. An officer also audibly yells “Drop the knife!” during this moment – unaware an IED was in the suspect’s possession.

0:37-0:45 (12:31:33): Bellevue Officers and a Washington State Patrol Trooper detain the suspect on the ground. The suspect is audibly heard surrendering to law enforcement.

0:45-0:47 (12:31:36): Unaware an IED is present at the scene, a Bellevue Officer kicks away the lighter the suspect used in his attempt to light the IED.

0:47-0:59 (12:31:47): A Bellevue Officer recognizes the IED and informs other responding officers and NORCOM of the device’s presence at the scene of the arrest.

Bellevue Officer: “I believe that’s a bomb. Hold on. [Inaudible] Suspect threw an IED or some kind of explosive.”

1:00-1:10 (12:31:48): Bellevue Officer notifies the arresting officers that an IED is present and to move away as quickly as possible from the scene. Another officer picks up a body worn camera that fell onto the interstate.

Officer: “As soon as you stand, back away. IED! IED!”

Officer: “Get him up. Let’s go! Let’s go! Let’s go!”

1:10-1:30 (12:32:08): Bellevue Officer turns off sirens to his marked department vehicle. Other officers carry a detained Mr. Soeung away from the IED and to the hazard lane on the north end of Westbound I-90.

Officer: “Call the bomb squad. He threw out an explosive device. He was trying to light it.”

NORCOM: “Copy.”

1:30-1:36: Bellevue Police Department Outro

The Bellevue Police Department is currently investigating the death of a three-year-old child following a crash Tuesday evening on the 14100 block of SE 4th Street in Bellevue. 

At approximately 7:10 p.m., officers responded to an incident in an apartment complex where the driver – a 45-year-old male – allegedly backed his white Chevy truck into a parking stall – striking the child who was walking by with her mother. 

Both the driver and the mother attempted life-saving efforts, but unfortunately, the child died on the scene. 

Bellevue Police launched an investigation immediately following the collision – including conducting interviews with the driver and checking for any signs of impairment. The driver was cooperative with law enforcement. 

Additional details about this investigation is forthcoming and will be released via the Bellevue Beat Blog. 

The Bellevue Police Department expresses its deepest condolences to the victim’s family. 

At approximately 10:36 a.m. at the 3500 block of 108th Ave, officers responded to reports of a vehicle — a black Mercedes sedan — idling in a parking lot with both driver and a passenger sleeping.

Officers noticed the suspects – both middle-aged males – had drugs in their possession and had suspicion that a driving under the influence incident occurred. Bellevue Police developed reasonable suspicion of a DUI crime and awakened the suspect driving the vehicle, in which the driver then fled the scene. This vehicle was previously reported stolen.

Officers deployed spikes — which punctured the four tires of the vehicle. However, the suspect continued to elude law enforcement. Driving at approximately 5 mph, the suspect drove underneath I-90, turned onto SE 34^th Street eastbound, turned left onto 113^th Ave SE northbound, and then proceeded to travel south on Bellevue Way before merging onto I-90 West.

At this time, Washington State Patrol joined to assist during the incident.

According to law enforcement, the passenger of the vehicle attempted to flee the vehicle while traveling on the interstate. However, police quickly apprehended him.

Washington State Patrol then disabled the vehicle by attempting to use a PIT maneuver traveling at approximately 3 mph – disabling the vehicle just west of Exit 8. Then, the suspect allegedly fled the vehicle and headed west toward the Mercer Island overpass. This prompted a foot pursuit between Bellevue Officers, WSP Troopers, and the suspect. As officers approached the suspect, he turned toward them and revealed to have a blow torch and an explosive device in his possession. It was then when the suspect attempted to light the device, prompting Bellevue Officers to use force by tackling him to the ground.

Other Bellevue Officers and WSP took him into custody. And due to the nature of the incident involving an explosive device, WSP and Bellevue Police immediately closed I-90.

Bomb squads for the Bellevue Police Department, Washington State Patrol, and King County as well as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) were called to the scene. It was then when officers found two additional explosive devices in the vehicle.

Bellevue Police arrested the driver for possession of an explosive device, multiple counts of assault one, driving under the influence, possession of stolen vehicle, and eluding law enforcement. The additional suspect – the passenger – was arrested for previously existing felony warrants.

One officer sustained minor injuries during the altercation and was treated and released at the scene. The suspects were transferred to Overlake Medical Center for evaluation. And once cleared, the suspects will be booked in King County Jail.

Bellevue Police Chief Wendell Shirley commends the Bellevue Officers, the Washington State Patrol, and all other responding agencies for their work and quick action during this dangerous incident. Their actions kept this community safe.

Today’s incident immediately launched an investigation by the Bellevue Police Department. Any additional updates will be forthcoming and published on the Bellevue Beat Blog.

While attempting to retrieve his impounded grey GMC SUV at the Bellevue Police Department, 36-year-old Kevin M. Sampson was arrested by BPD Special Operations Group (SOG) for allegedly conducting a series of nighttime burglaries – with some crimes occurring while the victims slept in their beds.

Starting on July 16 and through September 19, law enforcement responded to several early morning burglary and attempted burglary incidents. Victims shared with law enforcement they often would have no idea the suspect – Kevin Sampson – had entered their homes until after the incident when they noticed missing possessions – like a firearm, Louis Vuitton and Chanel purses, credit and debit cards, or personal checks. Through their investigation, SOG detectives learned Sampson would gain entry into a home by using an unlocked window or sliding door – even from a home’s second story. In some of the cases, Sampson even returned days later and burglarized the same homes.

Using security footage provided by victims or neighbors of the victims, Bellevue SOG was able to confirm an individual similar to Sampson’s description was at the scene during the following burglaries:

July 16, 2024, 2:15 a.m.: 10000 block of N.E. 15th Street

August 20, 2024, 2:05 a.m.: 10000 block of N.E. 13th Street

September 14, 2024, 2:22 a.m.: 17700 block of S.E. 58th Place

September 19, 2024, 2:19 a.m.: 5500 block of 171^st Avenue S.E.

Bellevue Police were also able to connect Sampson with additional burglaries in the same Lakemont neighborhood. The investigation also determined that following the burglaries, Sampson would then allegedly attempt to cash stolen checks or use stolen debit and credit cards for fraudulent purchases in the area.

At approximately 3:49 a.m. on September 19, law enforcement responded to one of these attempted burglaries on the 17700 block of S.E. 58th Place. Thanks to the officers’ quick response, police spotted a grey GMC SUV matching the description of Sampson’s vehicle leaving the scene and attempted a traffic stop, however, the driver fled the scene, abandoned his vehicle, and fled on foot. Police later confirmed the suspect in the vehicle matched Sampson’s description. Bellevue Police impounded the vehicle back to the station and obtained a warrant to search the SUV. This search led to detectives finding victims’ missing debit and credit cards and personal items such as the designer purses that were reported as stolen following the burglaries.

Bellevue officers and SOG detectives developed probable cause to arrest Kevin Sampson for numerous crimes, including for several burglary incidents. This arrest was made when Sampson attempted to retrieve his GMC SUV at the Bellevue Police Department in the evening of September 19. He was later booked in the King County Jail.

Kevin Sampson was arrested for the following crimes:

Residential Burglary, Six Counts

Identity Theft Second Degree, Two Counts

Forgery, One Count

Theft of a Firearm, One Count

T.S.P. First Degree, One Count

P.S.P. Second Degree, One Count

Prior to Sampson’s arrest, Bellevue SOG’s investigation also found the suspect had a prior arrest history that included two counts of indecent exposure, with one involving a juvenile female (November 2023 and January 2024). A male suspect driving the same vehicle used in the two indecent exposure incidents later attempted to kidnap a woman in Kent in June 2024. Sampson’s arrest for the sexually motivated crimes, followed by these nighttime occupied burglaries, is alarming. Sampson has formally been charged with 14 felonies in King County Superior Court and remains in custody on $160,000 bond.

“I’m happy to report that a suspect with a prolific criminal history will now face consequences for his alleged actions,” said Wendell Shirley, Chief of Police for the Bellevue Police Department. “This case demonstrates the outstanding work the men and women within the Bellevue Police Department accomplish each day to keep this city as a safe place to live, work, and visit.”

The Bellevue Police Department reminds all residents to take a set of simple safety precautions every day while they are in their homes or before they leave their residence:  

1) Lock all doors in the house,

2) Shut and lock all windows that are not in use,

3) Shut and lock all windows and doors each night,

4) Shut and lock the door connected between a garage and home, and

5) Arm the home’s security system

If an individual feels their safety is threatened at any time, they are strongly urged to contact Bellevue Police by dialing 911.   

The Bellevue Police Department arrested a male juvenile on Monday for suspicion of driving under the influence and vehicular homicide crimes following a crash in Bellevue’s Bridle Trails neighborhood.

At approximately 11:26 a.m., Bellevue Police and Fire responded to a report of white sedan collided with a motorcycle at the intersection of NE 24^th Street and Northup Way. The Bellevue Fire Department arrived on scene and attempted to provide life-saving care, however, the victim – a 28-year-old male – was pronounced dead at the scene.

Following an initial investigation, officers placed the juvenile under arrest for suspicion of driving under the influence and vehicular homicide crimes. 

Bellevue Police’s Traffic Unit opened a larger investigation following the crash. Any additional information about this incident will be published via the Bellevue Beat Blog.

Bellevue Police have noticed an alarming uptick in DUI-related cases in the last couple weeks. According to the Bellevue Police Department’s Incident Dashboard, there have been about 16 DUI-related incidents in Bellevue since September 15.

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.

On Wednesday, October 9, the Bellevue Police Department and Businesses Ending Slavery and Trafficking (BEST) will hold a training seminar with Bellevue’s hospitality community about how they can prevent human trafficking incidents across the city. 

The free training will occur at Bellevue City Hall’s Council Chambers from 2:00-4:00 p.m. and will provide a unique opportunity for Bellevue hotel owners, operators, and their staff to learn from experts who specialize in stopping the crime of human trafficking. This special training will share helpful information about the indicators of human trafficking in hotels, and it will provide information about local human trafficking prevention efforts. 

For media wishing to attend the training on October 9, please email an RSVP to Drew Anderson at daanderson@bellevuewa.gov. 

“Human trafficking is a crime and unfortunately does happen in communities like Bellevue. That’s why Bellevue Police – from its officers to its Human Trafficking Unit – dedicates extensive resources for effective training practices on how to spot trafficking publicly and hold accountable those for conducting what are horrible crimes on another individual,” said Wendell Shirley, Chief of Police for the Bellevue Police Department. “With this training, we’re asking the public and some of the community’s biggest stakeholders to learn more about these crimes and immediately call law enforcement should they suspect trafficking. The quicker we can hold these criminals accountable, the quicker we can save lives in the process.”

“This training will shine a light on the problem of human trafficking in lodging facilities. Hospitality employees will receive practical information that can be used to help them know how to recognize and safely report human trafficking activity in their facility,” said Kirsten Foot, Ph.D., CEO and Executive Director for BEST. “We are pleased to work with the City of Bellevue Human Service Program and the Bellevue Police Department to help counter human trafficking.”

Part I of the training will include BEST’s Inhospitable to Human Trafficking course. Training participants will learn what human trafficking is, how human trafficking impacts the hospitality industry, and what to do if hospitality staff observe a potential human trafficking situation in their hotel.

Part II of the training will include a presentation about recent local cases of human trafficking from the Bellevue Police Department. This event will wrap up with a question-and-answer session where hoteliers will have an opportunity to anonymously submit any questions they have about human trafficking or specific situations that have happened at their properties. Attendees will receive a certificate of completion for training to prevent human trafficking in the hospitality industry.

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.