Suspects linked to King County trailhead break-ins arrested

BELLEVUE, Wash. – Two suspects have been arrested in connection with “dozens and dozens” of car robberies, ID card theft and a robbery in King County, according to the Bellevue Police Department (BPD).

According to the BPD, the suspects face charges of breaking into cars with a window punch, stealing credit cards and using them to purchase or attempt to purchase gift cards. The suspects face 12 felony charges in connection with their alleged crimes.

Detectives were able to identify the suspects from surveillance video captured of multiple car break-ins at the Coal Creek Trail Head.

One of the suspects is also accused of having at least ten other motorists with another accomplice at a North Bend trailhead, where the pair are accused of firing shots at victims who interrupted the burglaries. The couple also allegedly assaulted a woman and stole her car while fleeing the scene, according to the BPD.

Bellevue and King County detectives located the suspects on June 8. When deputies arrested the suspects, they found a stolen .357 revolver and found stolen credit cards, ID cards and fraudulently obtained gift cards after a search of one of the suspects’ homes.

Law enforcement officials have expected a spike in robberies near hiking trails over the summer. The Washington State Patrol (WSP) has already seen a spike in robberies in 2022.

In May, a parking lot across from the popular Poo Poo Point hiking trail in Issaquah was attacked.

The WSP said it was working with other law enforcement agencies to increase patrols at the trailheads.

The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission shared the following tips to protect hikers from the cars at the trailhead:

• Park in well-lit areas
• Don’t leave valuables in your car
• Make sure the doors and trunk are locked
• Report any signs of worrisome behavior
• Be aware of your surroundings
• Keep your license plate in your trunk or locker attached to your vehicle
• Create a safety circle when going on a hike (tell someone where you will be and how long you expect to be gone)