Charges were filed through the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office on March 2 against Robert Earl Medley for the theft of a motor vehicle and attempting to elude a pursuing police vehicle. The state asked for the defendant’s bail to be set to $35,000, and that he possesses no weapons, have no new law violations, attend all future court hearings, and to keep his address updated with the court.
On Feb. 27 at about 7:33 p.m., a man parked at the Juanita Safeway to buy a banana, and when he came out, noticed his car—a Volkswagen Golf Alltrack—was missing from the parking lot. According to the police report, the victim left his car engine running while he was in the store for about ten minutes. The victim told police officers that he brought his car key fob with him, however the doors may have been left unlocked.
Shortly after Kirkland Police located the vehicle at 11500 block of NE 124th Street. Police documents state the officer turned on his overhead lights and pulled in front of the stolen vehicle at a 45-degree angle.
The driver of the stolen vehicle, later identified as Robert Earl Medley, immediately placed the vehicle in reverse, backed the car up, and attempted an illegal U-turn, according to charging documents. During this process, Medley struck an oncoming Honda Accord that had two occupants inside and caused extensive damage to the vehicle.
According to the police report, the KPD officer approached the driver’s side door with his gun drawn and ordered Medley to exit the car, which he complied with and was forced down to a prone position on the pavement. During this time, the vehicle rolled towards the officer and Medley, and rolled over Medley’s left leg while gaining speed down the hill eastbound.
The vehicle struck an occupied 1995 Mercedes Benz, jumped the sidewalk, and made impact with a fenced construction zone on the north end of the street, according to the police report. Medley was then placed in handcuffs, which was when the officer observed an empty leather holster on his midsection belt. The detective asked where the gun was located, and Medley refused to answer. Officers located the gun lying on the car floorboard.
During the time of filing charges, Medley has a Fugitive from justice matter for Attempt to Elude (2021). The defendant’s felony convictions are Unlawful delivery of Marijuana (OR); Theft in the First Degree (OR); Felon in Possession of a weapons (2x in OR); Malicious Mischief in the Second Degree (2014).
The defendant’s arraignment hearing will take place on March 16 at 8:30 a.m.
