Compiled by P. Waters from Woodinville Police reports

Arrested waiting patiently

March 27: Police were called after friends dropped a woman off at her car, and as she walked toward it an unknown male got out of the car, called “Bye!” and ran away carrying a canvas bag that belonged to the car-owner. She and her friends gave unsuccessful chase. Police arrived, and a K-9 search was conducted, but he could not be located.

But while that was going on, police noted that a car parked some 75 yards away was occupied. A quick call revealed that car had been stolen. Police took the occupant, a young woman, into custody. Asked what she was doing in a stolen car, she told them she was homeless, had been wandering in this residential neighborhood, found the car unlocked, and climbed in to warm up.

She claimed she had no idea it was a stolen car and knew nothing of the other car or of any male running from it.

The car she was in was cluttered with bags, clothing, a pool cue and case, and a computer, which she said were there when she got in. However, in her purse police found documents - vehicle registration, insurance information, owner’s manual, and stereo manual - all belonging to the car she was in, which she claimed she had gotten into just to get warm.

Thus, she was arrested for possession of stolen property. Police theorized that contrary to her claims, she was connected to the burglarized car down the street, perhaps waiting for the unknown and unfound male who had been in it.

Brash act in store

Two friends were having coffee in a local store. One of them had her purse next to her on her chair. While they were sitting and chatting, a man walked past and suddenly reached down and grabbed the purse, dashed out the side door of the store, and leaped into the passenger seat of a waiting car, which then took off. Luckily the purse had contained little or no cash and only a few credit cards. Though another patron said she had seen the man and would recognize him if she saw him again, there was no video surveillance and no information to be gained from witnesses about the car or the driver.

Thus, the best that could be done was for the victim to immediately cancel her credit cards, at least ensuring that the thief’s profit would be nil.