BELLEVUE, Wash. — Bellevue police have arrested two 18-year-old self-proclaimed “Kia Boyz” for a slew of robberies and car thefts.
Ralphe Manuma of Tacoma and Ardrell Davis from Lakewood both face charges of unlawful imprisonment, robbery, and possession of a stolen vehicle.
Detectives with the Bellevue Police Department are calling this one of the most prolific cases they’ve taken on.
“It’s one of the most prolific groups he has encountered in his multidecade career here at the Bellevue Police Department. So, this is a big win for law enforcement. More importantly, this is a win for the community and folks that drive these cars,” Spokesperson Officer Seth Tyler said.
Police say that on Sept. 19, the two 18-year-olds were involved in two gas station robberies in the Eastgate neighborhood of Bellevue. Surveillance footage shows Manuma allegedly pointing at an employee before hitting him in the head with the gun.
Both suspects then escaped with cash and several stolen items.
After those robberies, the Bellevue Police Department discovered four similar crimes that happened in SeaTac, Tukwila, White Center, and Burien on the same night.
As police continued to investigate, they learned that the same suspects were likely involved in all six robberies.
One of the cars used in the crimes was a stolen Hyundai Tucson, which was later found by detectives. Evidence from the robberies was found inside the car which helped law enforcement tie Manuma and Davis to the crimes.
Police also say that Manuma was also allegedly involved in multiple Tacoma robberies, including one on Sept. 17 when he stole a necklace at gunpoint.
Around the same time, detectives learned that Davis was already a suspect in multiple felony investigations. These include possession of a stolen vehicle, eluding, and an incident that happened in a Lakewood parking lot on Sept. 12.
According to police, Davis taunted the robbery victim and her young children from another car, as his “associates” stole her minivan.
“And he wanted the attention in what he was doing. You could tell that he had no fear,” victim Kennedy Grenier said.
Grenier says while she is thankful arrests have been made, she says her sense of security has gone down significantly.
“Even with the security measures, I don’t feel the same anymore driving my vehicle,” Grenier said.
She also says these sorts of thefts have lasting impacts on victims.
“And my vehicle has lost value. It’s all just too bad. It’s all fallen on me. That’s what’s happening to all of us victims,” Grenier said.
Manuma was arrested in Pierce County on Dec. 2 and Davis was arrested by a Bellevue SWAT team at his house on Dec.12.
Both suspects were formally charged in King County Superior Court on Thursday.
“These individuals terrorized our entire region, and I am very proud of the work of the many Detectives, Deputies, Officers, and Crime Analysts who worked tirelessly to make sure that these individuals were held accountable for their actions.” Chief Shirley said. “The residents of the entire Puget Sound region can sleep better knowing that these dangerous individuals are off the streets thanks to the hard work of law enforcement.”
Ralphe Manuma’s bail was set at $750,000 and Ardrell Davis’s bail was set at $500,000.
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