Bellevue Police Department’s K9, Walter, apprehended a 26-year-old suspect who was involved in an incident in the Wilburton neighborhood.
The action began when officers spotted a suspicious Silver Toyota Corolla at the Home Depot on 120th Avenue NE during their routine patrol. When they approached, the vehicle fled the scene. A check of the license plate revealed it had been reported stolen by the Tukwila Police Department.
Thanks to witnesses at the Home Depot, officers traced the vehicle’s path southbound on 120th Avenue until they discovered it abandoned after a crash at the 11700 block of SE 1st Street.
With the support of the King County Sheriff’s Office and the Kirkland Police Department, the Bellevue Police Department’s K9 Unit leaped into action, setting up a perimeter to contain the suspect. The Sheriff’s Office deployed its Guardian-1 helicopter to aid in the search. K9 Walter tracked down the suspect in a densely vegetated area nestled between 118th Avenue SE and the Bellevue Botanical Gardens.
Despite the suspect’s resistance and refusal to comply with law enforcement orders, K9 Walter was able to subdue them. The suspect was apprehended and received medical attention at the scene before being escorted to the King County Jail.
Facing charges including Possession of a Stolen Vehicle, Obstruction of Law Enforcement Officer, Reckless Driving, and Driving with a Suspended License, the suspect is awaiting their court date.
The contributions of K9 Walter and his counterparts in the Bellevue PD’s K9 Unit are made possible by the support of the Bellevue Police Foundation. With their funding, these four-legged officers receive training, veterinary care, and equipment.
