Bellevue Police Investigating Series of Necklace Robberies

Bellevue Police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating the suspects involved in a recent series of necklace robberies in the city. The same suspects are also suspected of a similar crime in Redmond, WA that occurred on September 30th.  Between August 31 and September 23, Bellevue Police have responded to six separate incidents in which pedestrians wearing expensive jewelry have been targeted. In all cases, the suspects approached the female victim and ripped an expensive necklace from their neck. The suspects have targeted South Asian and East Indian females.

The suspects are described as African American males, between 20 and 35 years of age, with thin builds. At least one of the suspects is bald or has a shaved head. In one incident, the suspects worked in a team of two to distract the victim before stealing her necklace.

Bellevue residents and visitors are advised to be aware of their surroundings, and to call 911 if they believe they are being followed. Additionally, Bellevue Police are recommending that residents use caution when wearing expensive jewelry in public areas while police search for these suspects.

Anyone with information in these cases is encouraged to contact CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or make an online tip by going to www.crimestoppers.com. Callers can remain anonymous and are eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $1,000 if the information given leads to an arrest and charges or grand jury indictment of a felony offender.

 

LIST OF BELLEVUE CASES:

  •  08/31/2017     13700 Block of NE 10th Place
  • 09/05/2017     5000 Block of 148th Avenue NE
  • 09/15/2017     1200 Block of 156th Avenue NE
  • 09/18/2017     4700 Block of 148th Avenue NE
  • 09/21/2017     1600 Block of 156th Avenue NE
  • 09/23/2017     3500 Block of 148th Avenue NE

REDMOND CASE:

  • 09/30/2017     4800 Block of 156th Avenue NE

 

 

Bellevue Police Continue to Build Relationships With Diverse Community

Bilingual “At Your Service” brochures available at community centers,
library branches, schools, City Hall this week

As part of an ongoing effort to enhance police-community relations, the Bellevue Police Department will begin distributing bilingual brochures, in English and Spanish, about the roles and responsibilities of the police department. The brochure also features a link to the 10-minute-long YouTube video, At Your Service (available in English and Spanish), that explains how the police serve and protect the community.

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The multi-lingual brochure (English version shown), is designed to educate communtiy members about the roles and responsibilities of the Bellevue Police Department.

Continue reading “Bellevue Police Continue to Build Relationships With Diverse Community”

Police Major Retires After 33 Years in Law Enforcement

After 31 years of service with the Bellevue Police Department, Major Jerry Litzau is retiring from the Department. His last day is today.

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Recruit Police Officer Jerry Litzau in 1986 (left) and Major Litzau receiving his retirement credentials from Bellevue City Manager Brad Miyake today (right)

Continue reading “Police Major Retires After 33 Years in Law Enforcement”

Bellevue Police Serve Warrant at Residence in Phantom Lake Neighborhood

On September 17, 2017 at approximately 11:00 PM, Bellevue Police and King County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Teams, Bellevue Hostage Negotiations Team and King County’s  Guardian One helicopter were called in to assist in the service of a search and arrest warrant located at the 16700 block of SE 14 St. for investigation of Felony Assault 1st, 2nd and 3rd degree.

A 48 year old Bellevue man was recently released on Tuesday September 12th from a two week involuntary psychological evaluation. In the days that followed, the man reportedly physically assaulted his two daughters (ages 14 & 17) on several occasions. The man also reportedly pointed a rifle at the 17 year old threatening to kill her.

During a prior incident and pursuant to a court order, all known firearms were seized by Bellevue Police for safekeeping. Since that time, it is unknown if additional firearms were obtained, however, it was discovered that the male was in possession of gun powder which drew greater concern for the safety of everyone involved as well as those who live in the neighborhood. Bellevue Fire Department Medics were staged at a nearby location and a fire response was prepared in the event of a fire.

At approximately 12:00 AM the male was ordered outside of his home. The male complied with commands being given and was safely taken into custody without further incident. Detectives are following up on the assault allegations and both involved children are safe.

Bellevue Police Expand Online Crime Reporting

Beginning tomorrow, the public will be able to use the Bellevue Police Department’s online crime reporting system to report two new categories of incidents. Users will be able to report incidents of bias related events as well as identity theft. Currently, the system may be used to report harassing phone calls, hit and run accidents, littering, lost property, motor vehicle prowls, thefts, vandalism, and may also be used to provide crime tips to police.

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Two new categories of incidents will be available for online reporting, beginning tomorrow.

Last year, the Bellevue Police Department took 270 reports of identity theft and 14 reports of malicious harassment. By allowing these crimes as well as bias related events that might not rise to the level of a malicious harassment report to be reported online, Police Officers will have more time available to proactively patrol Bellevue. It will also provide the Bellevue Police Department with valuable information on the frequency and scope of these incidents. As always, residents may request an Officer to take a report in person if they feel there is additional investigation that will need to be done, or evidence that will need to be collected and processed.

“I encourage anyone who believes they were a victim of a bias related event to make a report, either online or in person,” said Bellevue Chief of Police Steve Mylett. “We take bias related incidents seriously and are committed to fully investigating all reports we receive.”

To make an online report, visit the Bellevue Police Department’s website, https://police.bellevuewa.gov/, and select “Report a Crime”.

Bellevue Police would like to remind individuals that the online reporting system should not be used to report crimes in progress. The telephone number 9-1-1 should be used to report crimes that are in progress.

*UPDATE – Final Suspect in Custody* Police Arrest Three For Purse Snatch, Fourth Suspect Believed to be Hiding in Attic

Today at 2:50 p.m., Bellevue Police responded to a report of a purse theft st the Bellevue Square Mall. The four suspects fled in a car that was subsequently located by a Bellevue Police motorcycle Officer in the Newport Hills neighborhood. The suspects fled a short distance in the vehicle, and the ditched the car near 120th Ave SE and SE 60th Street and ran away on foot. Three of the suspects were detained in the area by Officers a short time later, and the final suspect was located in the yard of a residence with the assistance of a Seattle Police K-9 unit and King County’s Guardian One helicopter. The remaining suspect ran into a nearby residence in the 7100 block of 121st Ave SE in Newcastle, and police believe he may be hiding in the attic of a house and may be armed. The residents of the house have been evacuated and police are awaiting the arrival of a Bellevue Police SWAT team to make entry. 121st Ave SE is closed between Newcastle Way and SE 73rd Place while police conduct this investigation. Ringdall and Tillicum middle schools were locked down as a precaution, however police do not believe there are any additional suspects in the neighborhood, besides the suspect police believe is hiding in the attic.

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Bellevue Police surround a Newcastle home where a suspect is believed to be hiding in the attic.