On October 12, 2024, at approximately 10:36 a.m., Bellevue Police responded to reports of a black Mercedes sedan idling in a parking lot on the 3500 block of 108th Ave NE, where both the driver and passenger appeared to be asleep. When officers arrived, they discovered that both men, described as middle-aged, had illegal drugs, raising suspicion of driving under the influence.
After awakening the driver, police initiated a DUI investigation. The driver subsequently fled the scene in the stolen vehicle. Officers deployed spike strips, successfully puncturing all four tires, but the suspect continued at approximately 5 mph. The vehicle traveled underneath I-90, turned onto SE 34th Street eastbound, turned left onto 113th Ave SE northbound, and then proceeded south on Bellevue Way before merging onto I-90 West.
Washington State Patrol joined the pursuit as the passenger attempted to exit the vehicle while traveling on the interstate. He was quickly apprehended by police. Subsequently, Washington State Patrol attempted a Precision Immobilization Technique (PIT) maneuver to disable the vehicle, which occurred just west of Exit 8 while the vehicle was moving at approximately 3 mph.
Following the vehicle’s immobilization, the driver fled on foot toward the Mercer Island overpass. This prompted a foot chase involving Bellevue officers and WSP troopers. As officers approached, the suspect revealed a blowtorch and an explosive device, attempting to ignite the latter. Officers tackled the suspect to the ground to prevent a potential detonation.
The suspect was taken into custody by Bellevue officers and WSP. Due to the presence of an explosive device, I-90 was closed in both directions. Bomb squads from Bellevue Police, Washington State Patrol, King County, the FBI, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) were dispatched to the scene, where two additional explosive devices were discovered inside the vehicle.
The driver was arrested on multiple charges, including possession of an explosive device, multiple counts of assault in the first degree, DUI, possession of a stolen vehicle, and eluding law enforcement. The passenger was arrested for existing felony warrants.
One officer sustained minor injuries during the altercation but was treated and released at the scene. Both suspects were taken to Overlake Medical Center for evaluation and will be booked into King County Jail once cleared.
Bellevue Police Chief Wendell Shirley praised the quick actions of Bellevue officers, Washington State Patrol, and other responding agencies for their effective response during this dangerous incident, highlighting their efforts to ensure community safety. An investigation by the Bellevue Police Department is ongoing.
