Following a rigorous investigation by Mercer Island Police Department (MIPD) detectives, they arrested a 38-year-old Kent man in a child luring incident that occurred in June on the island.
Bellevue Police took a male suspect into custody related to the incident that happened on June 5 near a residence in the 7700 block of Southeast 76th Street. The arrest took place on Aug. 18 when officers located the man and apprehended him on outstanding warrants, according to the MIPD in an Aug. 22 news release.
After Mercer Island detectives continually attempted to locate the suspect, they formally referred felony charges to the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office on Aug. 6. That agency then filed charges and placed the incident in the King County Superior Court’s hands to issue arrest warrants.
Detectives strengthened the case with assistance from the family, responding MIPD officers and community tips. As they gathered evidence and multiple leads, detectives soon identified the suspect from Kent.
At about 4:20 p.m. on June 5, MIPD noted that two children stated that a male driving a Toyota Prius approached the kids, reportedly offered them a stuffed animal and attempted to entice them to come closer.
“Fortunately, both children declined and immediately informed their mother,” MIPD said in the release. In a social media post on June 6, MIPD informed the community that, “No one was hurt and there is no active threat to the community.”
The Mercer Island School District communications team dispatched a letter to local families on the morning of June 6 that noted: “Fortunately the elementary aged children involved did the right thing by immediately seeking help from a trusted adult, in this case a parent.”
The district encourages families to discuss personal safety and provided a list of tips, some of which are: Children should know their full name, home phone number and how to use a phone; choose babysitters with care; don’t drop children off alone at malls, movie theaters or parks; and teach children that adults should not approach children for help or directions.
“The Mercer Island Police Department extends its sincere gratitude to the family involved in the incident and the community for their unwavering patience, collaboration, and support throughout the investigation,” MIPD said.
Residents flocked to the MIPD Facebook page on Aug. 22 to commend the department on its diligence over the last two and a half months.
“Good work MIPD, these are tough cases to solve,” reads one post. Another local said: “We are all so grateful to close this scary chapter.”
At Mercer Island’s National Night Out community-building and crime-prevention event — also on Aug. 6 — MIPD’s crime-prevention coordinator and community outreach liaison Cpl. Bobby Jira said its big push-out message to residents is, “See something, say something,” kids not talking to strangers and more.
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