Kirkland Police Arrest Man and Woman After Car Left Running Gets Stolen

Kirkland Police assisted by a Bellevue Police K9 unit captured two people suspected of stealing a car that had been left running and unattended on a Kirkland street Thursday night.

“Despite the fact that we tell people all the time not to, someone went out to warm up their car and left it,” said Sgt. Rob Saloum, Kirkland Police Department spokesman. “When they came back the car was gone.”

The theft apparently occurred at about 10:40 p.m. on 4th Avenue South in Houghton. Not long after, a Kirkland Police officer spotted the vehicle not far away. Neighbors in the area reported heavy police activity Thursday night at about 11 p.m. on 8th Street South near the north end of the park, and at 9th Avenue South past the south end of the park.

Four suspects in the stolen vehicle fled after being spotted by the officer, and a Bellevue Police Department K9 unit was called to assist.

“They were able to track a male and a female and take them in to custody,” Saloum said. “One was the driver.”

Both were arrested on suspicion of motor vehicle theft, and Saloum said the two also broke in to a nearby structure during their attempt to flee, and could face additional charges as a result. Saloum did not have details Friday morning on the two suspects' ages or home towns.

The other two suspects got away. Neighbors said police remained active in the area until about 12:30 a.m.