Twenty-five different individuals have been criminally charged in relation to looting that occured in Bellevue in May of 2020, according to the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.
The 25 felony cases against the defendants include 31 burglary charges, three possession of stolen property charges, one unlawful possession of a firearm charge and one malicious mischief charge.
Most of the charges are related to demonstrations and looting that primarily occurred on May 31, 2020 at businesses in Bellevue Square Mall. The defendants came from places across the region, including residents from Bellevue, Tacoma, Seattle, Everett, Renton, and at least one defendant was recognized as being homeless in the charging documents.
Bellevue declared a civil emergency on May 31, 2020 following looting and destruction that prompted the city’s mayor to request assistance from the National Guard.
As of Dec. 29, at least two defendants have failed to appear in court and have had bench warrants issued against them. At least one defendant has pleaded not guilty.
Additional cases are expected to be referred by police at the misdemeanor level, and the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office said they will be sent to the Bellevue City Attorney’s Office to be handled in Municipal Court.
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Source: Bellevue Reporter
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