Kirkland police detectives arrested two suspects last week who were involved in numerous motor vehicle prowl and identity theft cases in and around Kirkland.

The adult female and adult male face dozens of charges related to the crime spree.

Events began on March 19 when the Kirkland Police Department (KPD) began a motor vehicle prowl and identity theft investigation that quickly spread beyond the city. According to a KPD press release, several area jurisdictions had also experienced related incidents within their cities.

The suspects were targeting park parking lots where victims were leaving valuables and purses in their vehicles while out in the park. The suspects would force entry into the vehicles and would immediately use the stolen credit cards at nearby QFCs to purchase prepaid Visa gift cards.

The release states that an attentive store clerk recognized the female suspect when she returned to the same QFC and called police. Kirkland police quickly located and arrested the woman. The suspect was released from jail and quickly began committing the same crimes again.

Kirkland police detectives began working with surrounding agencies to include Bellevue and the King County Sheriff’s Office. Multiple search warrants were obtained and surveillance was conducted, resulting Kirkland detectives arresting the woman a second time on May 3, the release states.

The male suspect was also taken into custody at that time. He was driving the vehicle containing the female suspect. The investigation is ongoing with additional search warrants on a residence and vehicle being served.

In the release, KPD acknowledged the actions of the QFC store clerk in recognizing the suspect and quickly calling 911 to report the suspicious activity. This fast action led to the first arrest of the female suspect.

“We would also like to remind motorists not to leave belongings inside their vehicles even for short periods of time,” the release states. “Many times suspects are watching and observe victims placing items into their trunk before walking off.”

Anyone with any information about this incident is asked to contact Det. Sgt. Phil Goguen at (425) 587-3503 or at pgoguen@kirklandwa.gov.