The Bellevue Police Department’s K9 Walter earned his “good dog” status this week after catching a 26-year-old suspect involved in an incident through Bellevue’s Wilburton neighborhood.
The incident began yesterday evening at about 9:30pm when Officers observed a suspicious vehicle at the Home Depot (325 120th Avenue NE) while on active patrol. As the officer approached, the vehicle – a Silver Toyota Carolla – fled the parking lot. A computer check of the license plate revealed the vehicle to be reported stolen by Tukwila PD.
Thanks to witnesses’ help at the Home Depot, the Officer traveled southbound on 120th Avenue where they soon found the vehicle crashed and abandoned at the 11700 block of SE 1st Street.
The BPD engaged its K9 Unit, and with the help of the King County Sheriff’s Office and the Kirkland Police Department, quickly set up a perimeter. The Sheriff’s Office also engaged its Guardian-1 helicopter in the effort. The PD’s K9 Walter tracked and located the suspect in a heavily vegetated area between 118th Avenue SE and the Bellevue Botanical Gardens.
K9 Walter apprehended the suspect after they refused to surrender or comply with orders by law enforcement. The suspect was taken into custody where they were treated on-scene before later being booked into the King County Jail.
The suspect was booked into the King County Jail where they face Possession of a Stolen Vehicle, Obstruction of Law Enforcement Officer, Reckless Driving, and Driving with a Suspended License charges.
Bellevue PD’s K9 Unit is made possible thanks to the Bellevue Police Foundation. The Foundation provided funding for the dogs, veterinary care, safety equipment, and over 300 hours of annual training for the Unit. K9s like Walter are valued members of the force.
Bellevue Beat Blog 