The Kirkland police continue to investigate an attempted carjacking in the Juanita neighborhood that occurred yesterday (Jan. 23) evening in the 10700 block of Northeast 143rd Place.
Following a search by two police K-9s, some 40 patrol officers and a Washington State Patrol aircraft, police believe the suspect has fled the area. Police detectives planned to be on the scene Jan. 24 to continue investigating and canvassing the neighborhood.
The police planned to speak to neighbors within a five-block radius who have video surveillance that may have captured the incident or the suspect fleeing. Police also were interested in speaking with anyone traveling on Juanita-Woodinville and Northeast 145th Street, west of Interstate 405 or near the Brickyard park and ride (Juanita-Woodinville/I-405 park and ride) or North Kirkland park and ride the evening of the Jan. 23 who might have relevant dashcam footage.
“Because of the heavy police presence and diligent search last evening, we do not believe there is any immediate danger to the public at this time, and neighbors should feel free to return to their usual activities,” Kirkland police chief Cherie Harris said. “We do encourage anyone that has information that could be helpful in finding the suspect to come forward and speak with our detectives. This includes sharing residential video footage, dashcam footage and reporting any suspicious or abandoned vehicles in the neighborhood.”
The situation, according to a press release, began at about 6 p.m. on Jan. 23. The victim was seated in the car when he was approached by a person he did not know whom he described as an African American male in his 40s, about 6-feet tall with a slim build, slim face and neck, dressed in a full green hooded poncho/raincoat covering most of his body with white observed in his hair.
When the victim exited his car the suspect pointed a handgun at him and ordered him to get back in the car and drive him to the park and ride, according to a press release. The victim locked himself in his vehicle and was subsequently shot in the arm. The victim fled from the vehicle and last saw the suspect flee the area on foot southbound where he disappeared near the intersection of Northeast Juanita Woodinville Drive and 108th Avenue Northeast.
During the investigation yesterday evening the city of Kirkland Police Department received support from the Redmond, Bellevue and Bothell police departments and the Washington State Patrol.
Anyone who believes they might have information about the incident is encouraged to call the Kirkland Police Department tip line at 425-587-3515 and leave a message for detectives. Call 9-1-1 in an emergency.
