On December 28th, just after midnight, a K-9 officer was setting up a “training track” for another K-9 officer in the 13300 Block of 20th Avenue NE. While the officer was waiting for the K9 to “find” him, he observed a vehicle swerving from one side of the street to the other, stopping at mail boxes. It was apparent that the individuals in the car were stealing mail from the boxes. The officer notified Dispatch of the crime in progress, and several marked patrol cars responded and the suspect vehicle was stopped in the 14300 Block of 22nd Avenue NE. While officers were speaking with the driver and passenger in the car, a large bag of mail was observed on the floor of the car as well as a number of credit cards on the dashboard and floor. The pieces of mail all had various names and addresses visible. When asked if they knew anything about the mail, the male driver admitted that the mail was stolen.
The driver and the female passenger were advised of their rights and taken into custody. They provided statements to the officers. During the investigation, officers recovered approximately 115 separate pieces of mail stolen from 28 separate victims. Included in the stolen mail were gift cards, Netflix movies, checks, credit cards, Christmas cards, and mail from the IRS and various bills. The U.S. Postal Police were also notified.
The 21 year old male and the 19 year old female were later booked into the King County Jail for 9 counts of Investigation of Mail Theft and 5 counts of Possession of Stolen Property.