Bellevue looting update: 46 arrested or charged, police still working to identify suspects

BELLEVUE, Wash. — Detectives with the Bellevue Police Department have now either arrested or referred charges for 46 suspected looters during the riots downtown on May 31.

Police said most of the suspects face charges for second-degree burglary possession of stolen property and/or malicious mischief.

>> Related: Bellevue police chief says looters are part of organized crime ring

The recent arrests follow the announcement of 23 arrests in late June. Police said more arrests are expected.

“Our detectives are combing through more than 10,000 pieces of video evidence from store security cameras or the public,” Maj. Travess Forbush said. “It’s a tedious and time-consuming process but an important one. We will continue to investigate, identify and hold those responsible for the destruction in downtown Bellevue.”

Investigators said they are working to both identify the suspects and also build “rock-solid cases” with multiple layers of evidence.

“We want to give prosecutors everything they need to try a successful case,” Forbush said.  “We are sending a clear message: We will not tolerate looting, and we will come after anyone responsible.”

Detectives still need the public’s help in identifying the remaining suspects. On Thursday they released the pictures of two more (see above).

Anyone who can identify them is asked to call 1-800-222-8477. If the information you submit identifies a suspect or leads to their arrest, you could receive a cash reward of up to $1,000 from Crime Stoppers of Puget Sound.

VIDEO: Truck set on fire in Bellevue VIDEO: Truck set on fire in Bellevue

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