Prolific Dive Shop Con Artist Arrested In Bellevue

BELLEVUE, WA — Bellevue police on Saturday responded to a Crossroads-area dive shop on a report of a possible fraud. When they arrived, they arrested a man who has been accused of defrauding dive shops across the U.S.

In at least one case, the man pretended to be a veteran and former Navy SEAL. Bellevue officers found multiple outstanding warrants, including a nationwide warrant out of Louisiana.

Here are other recent incidents from the Bellevue police blotter:

Sept. 3

Burglary, 13800 block of Bel-Red Road
The reporting party was installing tile inside of the closed business. A male parked a new Tesla in front of the restaurant told the reporting party that he was the owner of the business, and then entered and tried to break into the cash register with a pair of scissors. The subject was identified and taken into custody by Officers as he exited the business. He was booked into jail for burglary.

Suspicious Activity, Richards Road and 26th Street
The reporting party said a person was shooting an “airsoft gun” out of his window while driving down Richards Rd. The caller reported he was following driver into Factoria and gave sketchy directions which led officers on quite a “search”. The driver and his van were eventually located in the 3600 Block of Factoria Blvd. No crime was committed, and all parties were released.

Sept. 4

Harassment, 14200 block of Southeast Eastgate Way
The suspect got onto a Metro Bus and immediately started to threaten the driver and other passengers saying he was going to hit them. The police were called and when the officers arrived on scene they went to contact the suspect who was still seated on the bus. As the officers approached, one officer noticed that the suspect was holding a knife in his hand that was lowered to the side of his leg with the blade out and exposed toward the officer. Several commands were given and the officer drew his department-issued firearm. The suspect was given additional commands and dropped the knife on the seat in front of him while still seated. The suspect was taken into custody without force and booked into jail.

Sept. 5

Hit and Run/DUI, 900 block of 124 Avenue Northeast and Northeast 8th
The suspect was involved in a collision at NE 8 ST and 140 AVE NE with an occupied vehicle. There were no injuries. The suspect fled the scene to the 900 Blk 124 AVE NE, where she then called 911 to report that she hit a curb. Officers arrived on scene to investigate and established probable cause for a hit and run and DUI. The suspect was taken into custody.

Sept. 7

Indecent Liberties, 1100 block of 110th Avenue Northeast
Police responded to investigate a report of Indecent Liberties. Upon arrival, the officers contacted the victim who stated that an unknown suspect had inappropriately touched her at the bus stop. K9 and police officers were unable to track the suspect. The investigation is ongoing.

Sept. 8

Indecent Exposure, 1800 block of 148th Avenue Southeast
While investigating another crime involving the same suspect, a victim reported that the suspect exposed himself outside of her sliding glass door. The victim recovered beer cans, clothing, and other items used by the suspect. The officer collected the items for evidence. The investigation is ongoing.