BELLEVUE, Wash. — Bellevue police are looking for a burglary suspect, accused of stealing a car at SEA Airport, then using the garage opener inside to steal $100,000 and other valuables from the victim's home.
Police said a Bellevue man's black BMW was stolen when he parked at SEA Airport last week. Police said through vehicle documents found in the car, the suspects discovered he lived in Bellevue’s Newport Shores neighborhood where they stole two safes, $100,000, jewelry, a Yeti cooler and paperwork.
The first burglary happened Tuesday night.
"It's definitely out of the ordinary," said Drew Anderson, Bellevue Police Department police spokesperson. "The suspects got into the residence using a garage door remote, from the victim's vehicle."
Police said the suspects went back to the home Wednesday afternoon. That time police caught them in the act, after a tip from the victim's son. One of the suspects got away in the black BMW. The other tried getting away in a stolen car but was caught.
"Ended up getting stuck in between the cop vehicle and a tree,” Anderson said. “Fled on foot. Hopped into a box truck to get away from the incident and because of bystanders we were able to pinpoint the suspect and arrest them."
Police said all the stolen items in the safes were recovered. This case is a good reminder to take precautions at your own home to prevent people from trespassing using a garage remote:
- Not leaving your remote in your vehicle.
- Purchasing a key chain opener/remote.
- Securing the emergency release on the door.
- Locking the door from your garage.
- Never leave your garage door open.
Meanwhile, police are asking for help to find the last suspect.
"If they saw a black BMW driving at a high rate of speed, making turns, not abiding by traffic signals,” Anderson said. “Call us. Contact us. Let us know.”