Police arrest 2 suspects in Bellevue trailhead 'crime spree'

If you've been hiking around the Bellevue area, and your car has been broken into recently, police may have nabbed the perpetrators.

Bellevue police and King County sheriff's deputies have arrested two people wanted in connection with "dozens and dozens" of car prowls, mostly targeting local trailheads.

The suspects allegedly used a tool to break out car windows and take credit cards, IDs, key fobs, and any other items of value. Police say the suspects then used the credit cards to purchase gift cards. They face 12 felony charges stemming from what Bellevue police call a "crime spree."

Several car break-ins occurred at the Coal Creek Trailhead in Bellevue. BPD posted video of one such incident.

Detectives found the suspects on June 8. They had stolen credit cards in their possession, as well as as stolen pistol, according to BPD.

Detectives also believe the pair broke into several cars in the North Bend area and even shot at some of their victims who interrupted a prowl. KCSO detectives said that they assaulted a woman and stole her car as they fled once scene.

“These suspects brazenly drove into parking lots in broad daylight, punched out windows, prowled dozens of cars, then immediately went to stores to fraudulently use stolen credit cards,” said Captain Shelby Shearer. “This happened at locations all over the Puget Sound Region. And we know from their criminal history that there was a propensity for violence and that we needed to get them off the streets.”

State Troopers say they're working with other law enforcement agencies to increase patrols at local trailheads, especially now as more people head outside for the summer months.

The case is a good reminder to never leave any valuables in a car.

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