Today, Bellevue Police are asking residents for help in identifying suspects who may be connected to a bank robbery from last July.
On July 17 at approximately 4:46 p.m., law enforcement responded to an ongoing bank robbery incident at a Wells Fargo located on the 2200 block of 156th Avenue NE. The bank teller told Officers the suspect – a young male in his late 20s, early 30s – allegedly passed a note that read “this is a robbery” and demanded large bills. Once the cashier provided the cash, the suspect exited the bank and traveled north along 156th Avenue NE.
An additional person-of-interest – a young woman in her late 20s, early 30s – is also wanted in connection to the incident. According to the investigation, the woman was seen with the male suspect prior to and following the robbery incident. She also allegedly shoplifted at a nearby store during the robbery.
Images of woman connected to Wells Fargo bank robbery from July 17.
Any person who recognizes either or both suspects are asked to contact Detective Sergeant Jeff Disney at jdisney@bellevuewa.gov or 425-577-5656.
On Tuesday, August 6 from 4-7:00 p.m., the Bellevue Police and Fire departments are teaming up to host a family-oriented event at Crossroads Park for National Night Out, the annual community-building campaign promoting police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie.
Traditionally for National Night Out, Bellevue Police and Fire joined residents at block parties, parades and cookouts across the city to celebrate the partnership between first responders and residents who call this community home. But this year, there will be a new twist to the occasion.
While first responders previously have had a presence at NNO events at Crossroads Park before, Bellevue Police and Fire will host an event there this year. The festival will include live music, a bouncy house, food and ice cream trucks and kids’ games.
Image of a National Night Out event from 2022.
“Bellevue’s first responders take great pride in serving this community, and we want to provide an opportunity for residents to get to know us and celebrate how this community-building approach is ensuring the city we love remains a safe place to work, live and visit,” said Police Chief Wendell Shirley.
“National Night Out is a fantastic opportunity for us to come together, foster connections and strengthen the unity that helps keep our community strong and safe,” Fire Chief Jay Hagen said.
WHO: Bellevue Police and Fire Department
WHAT: National Night Out
WHEN: 4-7:00 p.m. August 6, 2024
WHERE: Crossroads Park, 999 164th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA 98008
About National Night Out: National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live. National Night Out enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community. Furthermore, it provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances.
Millions of neighbors take part in National Night Out across thousands of communities in the U.S.
The Bellevue Police Department’s Motor Theft Task Force and steering wheel lock giveaways have helped put the brakes on motor vehicle thefts across Bellevue this year, according to mid-year crime statistics.
Overall crime in Bellevue decreased by 4%, from 4,016 crimes in the first half of 2023 to 3,862 in 2024. Compared to the city’s five-year average, overall crimes here were down 5% in the first six months of 2024.
“Our Officers and professional staff take great pride in our mission to keep Bellevue a safe place to work, live and visit,” said Wendell Shirley, Chief of the Bellevue Police Department. “We also hold accountable those who choose to jeopardize that environment. The Department’s mid-year analysis confirms that our mission is not only working but the effort continues to build and maintain strong, collaborative partnerships between Officers and the community.”
Bellevue Police’s Crime Analysis Unit researched crime data from January to June 2024 and compared it with data from the same time frame in 2023. The analysis helps the Department identify where crime prevention strategies are working and where additional focus may be required.
Data Categories
All crimes against property (which include robbery, burglary, theft, fraud, and vandalism) in Bellevue, including motor vehicle theft, are on a steady decrease since January. When compared with the same time frame in 2023, there has been a 3% drop in property crimes, from 3,368 to 3,270. The five-year average for this six-month period is 3,392.
Property crime makes up most of the crime reported in Bellevue. In the first half of 2023, catalytic converter thefts were the primary driver of property crime. However, in the later part of 2023 and continuing into 2024, these numbers were declining and motor vehicle thefts were on the rise – particularly targeting Kia and Hyundai vehicles. Since the Department initiated a number of motor vehicle theft initiatives in the community early this year, these crimes have been on the decline.
There has been a 14% decrease in crimes against people (which include assault, violation of protection orders, rape and murder) compared with 2023 – down from 563 to 487. The five-year average for the first half of the year is 486 crimes.
Finally, crimes against society (which include drug violations, weapons violations, prostitution, and pornography) in the city of Bellevue increased by 25% – up from 85 crimes in 2023 to 106 in 2024. Importantly, the data reflects a change in the way drug crimes are reported due to recently enacted state legislation rather than a true increase in the actual rate of crime. Certain drug crimes that may not have been reported at all in 2023 are now required to be reported in 2024 as a result of Senate Bill 5536.
Data Transparency
The Bellevue Police monitor all forms of crime across Bellevue and share this information with the community on the department’s data transparency website, which shows crime trends, incidents, arrests and traffic citations on a series of dashboards. A tracker also catalogs crimes against people, property and society across Bellevue.
Crime occurs in every community, but the Bellevue Police Department is committed to employing strategies to maintain Bellevue as a safe and welcoming community for everyone. Bellevue Police urges any community member or visitor to contact law enforcement if they see something suspicious or feel like their safety or the community’s well-being may be at risk.
Bellevue Police arrested a 42-year-old male suspect for attempted robbery at a Bellevue business early Friday morning after leaving behind property which revealed his identity.
At approximately 4:06 a.m., law enforcement responded to an armed robbery on the 1500 block of 145th Place SE. The victim of the case – a 58-year-old male – told Officers the suspect allegedly entered the store carrying a shotgun and demanded cash from the register. The suspect was wearing what appeared to be a gray mask and body armor.
The victim told Police that after attempting to comply with the suspect’s demands, the suspect attacked him by striking him with the shotgun and his fists. In the midst of the attack, the suspect dropped the shotgun, and the victim was able to retrieve it. Now armed with the shotgun, the victim was able to fight off the suspect, who then fled the scene in a white Toyota sedan, leaving behind the shotgun and property which revealed the possible identity of the suspect.
Image of the firearm used in the attempted robbery incident on July 26, 2024.
Based on information gathered at the scene, officers traveled to a residence located on the 12000 block of SE 60th Street. Once there, law enforcement located a vehicle matching the description of the suspect’s vehicle. Inside the vehicle, and clearly visible, officers could see evidence related to the robbery. As the officers were investigating the vehicle, the suspect left a nearby residence.
Officers apprehended the suspect and arrested him for several crimes, including (Attempted) Robbery 1st Degree. He was booked into the King County Jail. The suspect also had prior felony convictions and a history of firearms violations. The suspect sustained injuries and was treated at a local hospital prior to booking.
While Bellevue Police praise the victim’s quick actions, law enforcement does not recommend that potential victims fight an armed suspect unless it is absolutely necessary. Instead, victims should put their lives before their possessions and call law enforcement immediately after an incident occurs.
Following the success of its inaugural Youth Camp, the Bellevue Police Department today announced the return of the program for the 2024 Bellevue Police Youth Camp – a two-day event focused on providing youth with hands-on adventure and first-hand experience in the world of law enforcement.
The Department’s Youth Camp will create a personal connection between Officers and Bellevue youth, assist students in developing good decision-making skills, and demonstrate the impact of community-driven action. The Camp will also encourage valuable life skills, break down misconceptions about law enforcement, and help them see the value their community brings to their lives.
“Now more than ever, youth are subjected to decisions that can affect their entire lives,” said Wendell Shirley, Chief of the Bellevue Police Department. “Bellevue Police takes pride in being the positive difference-maker for the community – especially our youth. This youth camp will prepare students for the future and help them become leaders amongst their peers.”
WHO: Middle School and High School Youth, Bellevue Police Department
WHAT: Bellevue Police’s 2024 Youth Camp
WHEN: July 31-August 1 (Middle School Camp) and August 7-8 (High School Camp)
WHERE: Bellevue City Hall (450 110th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA 98004)
This year’s Youth Camp will expand into two separate camps tailored to specific age demographics of our youth. The first camp will run July 31–August 1 and will specifically feature 30 middle school students from the Bellevue community. The following week the Department will hold another camp focused more on high school students – running August 7-8. Similar to the middle school event, the high school camp has 30 participants.
Images from the inaugural Bellevue Police Youth Camp in 2023
For the 2024 Police Youth Camp, the program will feature action-packed days of hands-on learning, interactive demonstrations, team-building exercises and more, including:
Police motorcycles
Crime scene investigation
“Distracted riding” course
Basic first aid
Guardian One helicopter
Prizes and games
Bellevue Police opened registration for the 2024 Youth Camp in May with more than 100 students applying to be a part of this one-of-a-kind experience. In total, 60 students were selected to participate.
Bellevue Police Officers performed life-saving treatment for a resident Friday evening following an overnight assault involving a machete in the City’s downtown neighborhood.
At approximately 8:50 p.m., Officers responded to an incident at the 200 block of 111th Avenue NE. Responding Officers immediately noticed the victim – a 55-year-old male – at the entry of the apartment complex holding a bloody towel to his upper left arm and a large amount of blood in the main lobby. Law enforcement quickly sprang into action and applied a torniquet above the wound and packed the wound with gauze. This slowed the bleeding until Bellevue Fire Department arrived to treat the wounds and transport him to Overlake Hospital. Officers remained with the victim as he was transported to the hospital.
According to both the victim and an eyewitness (a 33-year-old female), the victim and the suspect – a 66-year-old male – knew one another and exchanged a brief interaction before the incident. The suspect then allegedly banged on the victim’s door and accused the victim of stealing his wallet. That’s when the suspect allegedly used a machete to attack the victim – making contact and causing a deep laceration in the victim’s upper left arm.
Image of the machete weapon used in Friday evening’s assault. Bellevue Police booked this weapon into evidence.
The victim told Officers he felt his life was in immediate danger and chose to use bear spray directly on the suspect’s face to fend off any additional attacks. Officers learned this is when the suspect walked out of the victim’s apartment and treated his own injuries at the apartment complex’s main bathroom lobby.
According to the victim and eyewitness, the suspect then exited the building and fled the scene in his silver Nissan sedan. The Kirkland Police Department later notified Bellevue Police of a report of a machete found matching the description of the assault weapon. The machete was later collected by Bellevue Officers and booked as evidence.
The investigation of Friday’s incident is still ongoing and additional updates about the case will be forthcoming.
Bellevue Police are asking for the public’s help in identifying juveniles who deliberately drove into a bicyclist Saturday evening in Bellevue.
At approximately 8:22 p.m. on Saturday evening, Officers responded to an incident on the 9500 block of Lake Washington Boulevard NE where witnesses described a silver Hyundai Elantra full of juveniles allegedly drive the vehicle into the bike lane and hit a random bystander – a 13-year-old victim – who was riding home from a nearby park.
Witnesses told the responding Officer it appeared the juveniles in the vehicle deliberately targeted and swerved into the victim. The preliminary investigation also revealed Officers learned the juveniles in the vehicle threw a black Puma shoe at the bicyclist and screamed at the victim prior to the incident.
The bicyclist was transported to Overlake Hospital where they were treated for serious but non-life-threatening injuries. They were released the same day. The bicycle was also severely damaged.
The driver of the vehicle was described as a young female with short black hair. There were additional suspects in the vehicle, but witnesses could not provide descriptions of them. The silver Hyundai Elantra was reported to have a red/black sunshade.
Bellevue Police are asking any resident or potential witness to come forward and contact law enforcement if they saw the incident or remember seeing a silver Hyundai Elantra in Bellevue around the 8:00 p.m. timeframe. Any descriptions of the suspects are essential to holding the juveniles accountable for Assault 2nd Degree and Malicious Mischief 3rd Degree crimes. They can contact law enforcement by dialing 425-577-5656 or emailing Detective Jeff Disney at jdisney@bellevuewa.gov.
Today, Bellevue Police started an investigation into an incident where witnesses heard shots fired overnight in the City’s Ashwood neighborhood.
At approximately 9:39 a.m., Bellevue Police Officers responded to reports of multiple bullet casings found on the 1900 block of 108th Avenue. According to witnesses, the sound of multiple gunfire shots were heard at approximately 12:20 a.m. overnight. However, no description of the suspects or the vehicle used were made available to law enforcement.
Multiple rounds of bullet cartridge casings were found by Officers and witnesses on 108th Avenue prior to and during the preliminary investigation. Additionally, one bullet was found inside one residence after it entered through a glass pane on the front entry. No one was injured during the overnight incident.
The Bellevue Police Department is continuing a thorough investigation of this case and additional information is forthcoming. Bellevue Police ask residents to contact law enforcement at 425-577-5656 if they have any information about last night’s incident.
A suspect was arrested Wednesday evening following a series of burglaries within a 24-hour period at a Newport Shores neighborhood residence while homeowners were traveling overseas.
At approximately 2:50 p.m., Bellevue Police Officers responded to an ongoing burglary at the 3600 block of Lake Washington Blvd SE. Upon arrival, law enforcement witnessed two suspects – a 43-year-old male (first suspect) and another middle-aged male (second suspect) – were in the process of allegedly stealing merchandise from the residence – including a safe with over $100,000 inside. The second suspect and driver of a black BMW car saw responding Officers and immediately fled the scene – colliding and causing minor damage to the Officer’s vehicle.
Images of damage to the Bellevue Police Department vehicle
The first suspect and driver of a black Chevy Avalanche also attempted to elude law enforcement, however, the vehicle became stuck between a tree and the Officer’s vehicle. This prompted the suspect to flee Officers and run southbound onto Lake Washington Blvd SE. Bystanders informed Officers the first suspect drove off from the area in a box truck with no license plates attached. Bellevue Officers were soon able to find and arrest the suspect while driving on an Interstate-90 onramp.
Image of the box truck used by suspects during Wednesday’s incident.
The first suspect was arrested for Residential Burglary, Theft of a Motor Vehicle, and Hit and Run Unattended Vehicle charges. The Chevy Avalanche used in the incident was previously reported stolen.
A further investigation by Officers connected Wednesday’s case to one from Tuesday at the very same residence. This case began at approximately 8:44 p.m. in the evening where suspects matching the descriptions of Wednesday’s suspects allegedly broke into this residence and took a safe with paperwork inside, jewelry, and a Yeti cooler.
For both incidents, Officers noticed the suspects did not conduct any forced entry with an alarm system engaged and all doors of the residence locked.
So how did the suspects gain entry? According to police reports, the victim – a 64-year-old male – parked his black BMV at Seattle–Tacoma International Airport just before his overseas trip. It was there where the vehicle was allegedly stolen. The suspects then used the victim’s garage door remote to open the garage door and enter the property. Since the incident, the victim has reported the BMW as stolen.
The Bellevue Police Department continues this investigation due to the second suspect remaining at large. Any updates on this case are forthcoming.
Additionally, law enforcement urges the public to take some simple precautions to prevent someone from trespassing your home using a garage door remote:
Don’t leave your remote in your vehicle
Purchase a key chain opener/remote
Secure the emergency release on the door
Lock the door from your garage – preferably deadbolt
Officers Kevin Bereta, Jordan Jackson, and 50 other members of the Bellevue Police Department received honors during its annual Awards and Promotions Ceremony – an event recognizing Officers, professional staff, and everyday citizens for their service to the Department and the City of Bellevue.
Specifically, Officers Bereta and Jackson received Bellevue Police’s Blue Star Medal Award. This honor is given to Officers who either make the ultimate sacrifice or are severely injured while serving on duty.
Officer Bereta received the honor for an incident on August 15. While serving as Vice President Kamala Harris’s motorcade detail, Bereta sustained life-threatening injuries after falling off an Interstate-5 on ramp and onto I-5 southbound traffic. Thanks to quick work by bystanders and other Officers on duty, Bereta’s life was saved. Bereta was joined by family to receive this award.
Officer Jackson posthumously received this honor following an incident on November 21, 2022. While out on patrol, a driver pulled out in front of Jackson causing a collision that ultimately took his life. Helen Taylor – Jordan’s mother – received this honor on behalf of Officer Jackson.
Image of Assistant Chief Andrew Popochock handing Officer Jordan Jackson’s family with the Bellevue Police Department’s Blue Star Medal Award
The Department’s Ceremony also recognized the selfless acts of two citizens who demonstrated acts of bravery and provided exceptional support and assistance to the Department. The following citizens received the Department’s Citizen Law Enforcement Merit Award:
Tyler Greinke: Mr. Greinke came to Officer Bereta’s aid moments after he fell 50 feet from the Interstate-5 off-ramp. Tyler was driving southbound on I-5, got out of his vehicle, and kept Bereta conscious and alert until responding Officers and EMTs arrived. Tyler later said he did this because he’d like to think someone would do that for him or his family.
Randy Pehl: Mr. Pehl is a Security Officer for Kemper Development Company Security. Randy provided Bellevue Police key intelligence that was used to identify, track, and arrest individuals who were connected to a large, organized theft ring primarily targeting LuluLemon stores along the West Coast.
Images of the Bellevue Police Department’s 2024 Awards and Promotions Ceremony
Additionally, more than 50 Officers and staff received various awards for their service to the Bellevue Police Department.
“Officers and professional staff take great pride in representing the City of Bellevue and the residents who live, work, and visit this great community,” said Wendell Shirley, Chief of the Bellevue Police Department. “This Ceremony serves as a ‘thank you’ for their hard work and dedication to the Department, because it’s this work that strengthens the positive partnerships we have with residents in every neighborhood across the city.”
Honorees either received the Meritorious Service Award (honors Officers and Department employees who performed a police service that required exceptional performance in a difficult assignment, investigation, or arrest), the Lifesaving Award (honors Officers and Department employees who acted within law and department policy, a manner saving or prolonging another person’s life, saved a person’s life when they were in peril, or directly assisted in the delivery of a child), the Commanders Award (recognizes a person’s superior performance by other colleagues), or annual awards recognizing the best Sergeant, Officer, Detective, and Civilian within the Department.
Officers and professional staff received the following honors:
Blue Star Medal
Officer Jordan Jackson Officer Kevin Bereta
Citizen Law Enforcement Merit Award
Tyler Greinke Randy Pehl
Meritorious Service Award
Records Supervisor Kristina Galloway Sergeant Benjamin Buck Sergeant Justin Chaput Officer Jeffrey Borsheim Officer Paul Dill Detective Rachel Neff Officer Tyler Cornmesser Officer Jarod Jones Sergeant Michael Shovlin
Lifesaving Award
Sergeant Badreddine Mala Officer Alison Taylor Officer Matthew Garner Officer Brad Knudtsen Officer Oscar Rodriguez-Melendrez
Commanders Award
Detective Alex Slusser Sergeant Marc Halsted Sergeant Tai Wotherspoon Officer Craig Hanaumi Officer Ben Bradley Officer Spencer Smith Sergeant Michael Shovlin Sergeant David Rivera Detective Doug Brennan Officer Bryan Hershberger Sergeant Casey Hiam Forensic Examiner Aleah Moe Sergeant Leo Ramos Sergeant James Brack Sergeant Robin Peacey Detective Brian Daggett Detective Chad Cummings Detective Robert Welty Officer Daniel Perrine Officer Sarah Velling Officer Ryan Lambert Officer Raphael Park Officer Anthony Felder Officer Larry Perriera Support Specialist Heather McGrath Support Officer Darlene Wallace Officer Kealii Akahane Officer Seth Tyler Crime Prevention Officer Ruby Daly Officer Andrew Kruczko Officer Ashley Pacheco Officer Brian Connor Captain Shelby Shearer Sergeant Jeff Disney Sergeant Benjamin Buck Detective Jeffrey Christiansen Detective Michael Dolce Detective Alex Slusser Detective Robert Fujita Detective Kareem Khoury Detective Ashley Elliott Detective Bonnie Basile Detective Zhong Zhu Detective Douglas Brennan Corporal Denzel Kankam Officer Craig Hanaumi
Employee Recognition
2023 – Sergeant of the Year – Tony Romero 2023 – Officer of the Year – Craig Hanaumi 2023 – Investigator of the Year – Ray Lofink 2023 – Civilian of the Year – Shawna Gibson
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