Bellevue Man Arrested After Breaking Into Liquor Store and Guzzling Fireball Before Bridge Pursuit

BELLEVUE, WA — A highly unusual break-in at a local liquor store escalated into a police pursuit across a regional bridge, resulting in the arrest of a Bellevue man. The suspect allegedly consumed multiple shots of Fireball whiskey inside the establishment before attempting to flee from arriving officers.

According to police reports, security alarms at the retail location were triggered in the early hours of the morning. When officers arrived at the scene, they observed forced entry through the store's front window. Inside, surveillance cameras captured the suspect opening bottles and drinking directly from a bottle of Fireball cinnamon whiskey at the counter.

As police established a perimeter, the suspect fled the building, entering a vehicle parked nearby. The suspect then led officers on a pursuit that crossed a nearby bridge. Officers managed to safely deploy spike strips, disabling the suspect's vehicle on the far side of the span. The driver was taken into custody without further incident.

The suspect has been charged with commercial burglary, driving under the influence (DUI), felony fleeing, and resisting arrest. He is currently being held at the regional detention center awaiting his arraignment.