On March 23, an alert Bothell resident wasted no time calling 911 to report some suspicious activity happening in the 18300 block of 96th Lane.
The caller told dispatchers she heard strange noises and looked out her home’s window. That’s when she spotted a man with a crowbar rummaging through a vehicle. Then, she saw the man starting to remove the vehicle’s license plates.
It turns out, the vehicle had just been stolen from a school parking lot in Monroe.
When officers arrived, they spotted the suspect, who immediately took off on foot into a wooded area. Within five minutes, officers caught up and had the suspect under arrest. In his pockets, officers found a stolen debit card, drivers license, methamphetamine and 30 pills (which may contain fentanyl), and other drug paraphernalia.
Officers learned the suspect was already wanted with a Department of Corrections felony warrant for escape of community custody. He was booked in the King County Jail, where he has other pending charges related to auto theft in multiple jurisdictions.
The suspect also has several previous felony convictions related to auto theft, along several dozen arrests in several Washington cities.
Officers are grateful to the 911 caller for their quick action. For the arresting officer, it was a great way to end a long shift in patrol.
“Feels pretty good to actually return a stolen vehicle and take someone into custody for it, especially a prolific offender,” said Officer Makayla Phillips.