Bellevue Beat Blog

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.

Bellevue Police are asking the public to stay vigilant following an armed robbery late Sunday evening in Bellevue’s Crossroads neighborhood.

At approximately 11:53 p.m., officers received a call of a reported armed robbery at a gas station located on the 16200 block of NE 8^th Street near Crossroads Park. The victim – a 31-year-old male – told police two male suspects ranging from 18-24 years old entered the station wearing all black and black ski masks – propping the entrance ajar with a bike. The suspects then produced a black firearm during the robbery.

According to the store manager, the suspect holding the firearm allegedly struck one of the three store patrons present at the time of the robbery and directed them to the corner of the store. The suspect with the gun then jumped across the counter and allegedly demanded money from the cash registers.

The store manager allowed the suspects to gain entry and take the cash from inside the store’s registers. Additionally, the suspects allegedly stole money from the three victims present at the gas station. The entire armed robbery lasted approximately one minute. The suspects left the gas station and fled westbound on NE 8^th Street.

The victim waited approximately 10 minutes to call law enforcement due to the stress of the incident. Bellevue Fire Department was dispatched to the scene to evaluate the victim for experiencing chest pains.

Bellevue Police launched an investigation into Sunday evening’s armed robbery incident and believe the suspects drove off in a silver Toyota sedan. A records check of the vehicle indicated it was reported stolen after an alleged carjacking in Seattle. The suspects may also be connected to multiple robbery incidents that occurred throughout the Puget Sound region from Sunday evening and through Monday morning.

Any resident or individual with information about Sunday evening’s armed robbery in Bellevue or other regional robberies from September 28-29 are urged to contact law enforcement. And should an individual become a victim of an armed robbery, Bellevue Police ask residents to always obey the suspect’s demands, put your life before your possessions, and call police the moment it is safe to do so.

A 21-year-old male suspect was arrested for assaulting a Bellevue Police officer and driving under the influence in the city’s Crossroads neighborhood Wednesday morning.

At approximately 6:14 a.m., a concerned resident notified law enforcement of a male subject who was slumped over the wheel of a 2016 silver Hyundai sedan on the intersection of 148^th Avenue NE and Bel-Red Road.

Officers arrived at the scene shortly after the call and confirmed the subject was passed out in the drivers’ seat and saw that the vehicle was vehicle running and in “drive.” Officers also noticed the ignition had been removed and the lock on the driver’s door had been punched.

Additionally, officers discovered the subject was in possession of various tools that could be used to conduct additional theft and burglary crimes. These tools were in the center console of the vehicle.

Bellevue Police developed probable cause and made the decision to arrest the man for driving under the influence and possible motor vehicle theft. As a precautionary measure and before officers attempted to make an arrest, two marked police vehicles were maneuvered in front of and behind the vehicle.

The suspect quickly began to resist arrest the moment the officers woke him up, which created concern the suspect could gain control of the vehicle, ram the vehicles enough to leave the scene, and jeopardize the safety of the community. This concern prompted law enforcement to call for additional units and deploy the use of tasers during the arrest.

An officer sustained a broken finger during the incident, which occurred while the suspect was resisting arrest. Both the suspect and the officer received treatment at Overlake Medical Center.

The suspect was arrested for the following crimes:

Driving Under the Influence, One Count

Assault of a Police Officer, One Count

Resisting Arrest, One Count

Possession of a Stolen Vehicle, One Count

Possession of Burglary Tools, One Count

Ignition Interlock Violation, One Count

Possession of Stolen Mail, One Count

Driving while suspended, One Count

Bellevue Police were also notified the suspect may have allegedly been involved in an incident in Redmond prior to Wednesday morning’s incident. For that case, the suspect fled Redmond Police in a stolen Hyundai Elantra, which was recovered in the same apartment complex that the vehicle involved in the Bellevue incident was stolen from. Because of this information, as well as evidence located in the vehicle by Bellevue Police, police believe the same suspect was involved in both incidents. Additionally, Bellevue Police recovered suspected stolen mail from at least 29 victims in Bellevue and Redmond.

The suspect was processed and later booked into the King County Jail for the above listed charges. Any new information will be released via the Bellevue Beat Blog.

The jewelry theft incidents from this summer appear to be back in Bellevue, and Bellevue Police are asking residents to stay vigilant and exercise caution when communicating with strangers.

Three separate incidents occurred between approximately 2:30-3:40 p.m. on Tuesday, September 17. Victims said the three female suspects traveling in either a red or gray sedan or a gray SUV approached them, struck up a conversation, and allegedly stole their jewelry from their necks or arms in the process. One victim was targeted while picking up a child from school and another was forcibly held down during the crime.

Synopsis of each crime on September 17 are as follows:

Approximately 2:45 p.m.: On the intersection of NE 13^th Place and 156^th Avenue NE, a female victim told law enforcement a suspect deftly removed her gold necklace while she was waiting at a school bus stop. The victim only realized the jewelry was missing after the suspect left the scene in a gray sport utility vehicle.

Approximately 3:15 p.m.: On the intersection of 165^th Place NE and NE 30^th Street, a female victim told police that while on a walk, three female suspects in a gray sedan pulled up to her and demanded jewelry. She did not possess any and the subjects drove away.

Approximately 3:40 p.m.: On the intersection of 148^th Ave NE and NE 57^th Street, a female victim was strong armed by three suspects. Two suspects held her from behind while the third suspect stole the jewelry from her. They left the scene in a red sedan. About 5-7 necklaces were stolen from the victim.

Victims from all three incidents did not sustain any serious physical injuries. However, the Bellevue Police Department asks all residents to use caution when being approached by strangers in vehicles and follow simple guidelines that parents often share with their young children:

1. Travel in groups
2. Do not approach the vehicles
3. Use caution when talking with a stranger
4. Provide distance between a stranger and you during a conversation
5. Stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings

If an individual becomes a victim of an incident similar to this, Bellevue Police ask they immediately call law enforcement when it is safe to do so. And, residents should always call law enforcement if they feel like their safety is at risk.