Burien Police / King County Sheriff’s Office is reporting that a recent stolen vehicle investigation led to the arrest of three suspects, as well as the rescue of a dog.

Here’s more from Burien Police:

You never know when a tip or bit of information, however large or small it may seem, can be so valuable in solving and fighting crime.

Here’s a perfect example: On 09/03/2020, King County deputies and detectives received and responded to a tip of a stolen vehicle parked at a home in the 11800 block of 16th Ave South in Burien, a King County Sheriff’s Office contract city.

When detectives arrived, they located a stolen Subaru Impreza parked at the end of the driveway. There was a dog in the front seat.

During this time another detective observed a male on a motorcycle drive up and pull into the driveway of the home. The man went inside the home.

When marked patrol units arrived a few minutes later, detectives observed the male on the motorcycle run out of the house towards a neighboring yard. The male was contacted and detained.

A detective ran a check on the motorcycle license plate and it came back clear. However, it was later determined that it had been stolen from Renton but the owner had not realized it until deputies called him.

At the same time this was happening, another detective spotted another male who was known to have an active, FBI warrant. He was taken into custody without incident.

Meanwhile, a patrol deputy inspected the stolen Subaru Impreza parked in the driveway. He noticed that the dog inside of the car appeared to be panting heavily. The windows were almost completely up with the driver’s side window slightly cracked with no food or water dishes inside. The vehicle was sitting in direct sunlight with the temperature around 75-80 degrees. Deputies were able to remove the dog and give it some much needed water. The owner of the dog, a third person, came out of the house and claimed he didn’t know that his dog was in the car. The male denied driving the stolen Subaru, but admitted his dog and some of his belongings were inside. The dog owner was detained and incident to arrest was searched. One of the items found on him was a set of shaved keys which worked to start the stolen Subaru.

Burien Animal Control responded to help the dog.

Overall, from just one tip, three arrests were made and a dog was rescued from potential death. Recap:

- 1 Suspect arrested for felony warrant with the FBI
- 1 Suspect arrested for possession of a stolen motorcycle
- 1 Suspect arrested for possession of stolen vehicle and the added charge of animal cruelty (dog left in stolen car with windows up)

All arrestees were taken to the King County Jail.

Great work by all involved, including the person who gave us this tip!