Kirkland Auto Theft Suspect Arrested in Stolen Car

Published on September 01, 2022

Media Contact: Officer Tiffany Trombley
Kirkland Police Department
Email: ttrombley@kirklandwa.gov
425-587-3427

Police Searching for a Second Suspect

Kirkland Police Department is investigating a break-in at Doug’s Auto Tune & Repair that occurred just after 5 a.m. on Monday, August 29, 2022, in the Totem Lake neighborhood.

Video surveillance shows two suspects pull up in a blue, 4-door station wagon (see picture below).

In the video, the main suspect is seen smashing the front glass door to get inside the shop. The same suspect then locates a red Ford Fusion parked in the auto repair bay. The vehicle is blocked in, but the suspect rams his way out, hitting other vehicles and property until he maneuvers the Ford Fusion out of the vehicle bay, stealing the car.

While Kirkland patrol officers were still at the scene, Bellevue Police located the Ford Fusion stolen during the burglary and arrested the driver. KPD is investigating whether the individual found driving the Ford Fusion was involved in the burglary at Doug’s Auto Tune & Repair on August 29.

KPD is still looking for the suspect vehicle, a blue 4-door station wagon with a spare tire and damage to the driver-side rear wheel well (pictured below). It appears to be a new model Subaru. The second suspect who drove the stolen red Ford Fusion out of the business is also pictured below.

Suspect vehicle with spare tire and damage to the driver-side rear wheel well.

Second suspect seen on video at Doug’s Auto Tune & Repair the morning of August 29.

KPD is asking the public for any information they may have on this second suspect or the suspect vehicle related to this case (the blue car pictured above). Community members with information are asked to call our tip line at (425) 587-3515.

Doug’s Auto Tune & Repair is one of the local businesses that works collaboratively with police to prevent vehicle theft in our community.

“This case may help us solve other reported, or even unreported, break-ins at neighboring businesses,” says Kirkland Deputy Police Chief Todd Aksdal. “Shop owners don’t always report crimes, but we’re hoping this arrest will motivate other businesses to call 9-1-1 when illegal activities are happening or when they’re discovered.”

KPD takes a proactive approach to the national increase in vehicle thefts. The Department recently hosted community meetings with Totem Lake auto businesses impacted by burglary, vehicle theft, malicious mischief, and other related crimes. KPD provides expertise in ways to help improve business security, and steps businesses can take to help reduce crime.

KPD would like to thank Bellevue Police Department for locating the stolen vehicle in this case.