The City of Redmond was hit with 38 vehicle prowls from July 8-15 and the Redmond Police Department (RPD) has arrested a 32-year-old Seattle man they believe is linked to at least 19 prowls that occurred overnight Sunday, into Monday morning.

The arrest came after RPD received a call at 4:40 a.m. Monday from the 14800 block of Northeast 64th Street in Grass Lawn.

“An 11-year-old heard someone hitting vehicles and window smashing,” said Jim Bove, spokesperson for RPD.

He said one of the girl’s parents called the police and as they were en route, a patrol officer noticed someone kneeling in the front passenger seat of a car in the 15100 block of Northeast 68th Street, sorting through items in the middle console. When the officer approached, Bove said the suspect took off running. A foot pursuit ensued and as the officer got close, the suspect stopped and lay on the ground. At the same time, Bove said a car engine revved, wheels screeched and a car began speeding in reverse toward the officer and suspect.

“The car continued southbound on 151st Avenue Northeast onto Northeast 68th Street when it stopped and then sped off,” he said. “As the car was doing that, the suspect got up and ran again towards the car, but the officer caught up to him and arrested him.”

Bove said the suspect had a felony warrant for residential burglary and the vehicle that sped away had been stolen from Bellevue. He added that the suspect was taken to the hospital because he admitted to swallowing heroin when he saw the officer approach and had become ill.

“We believe he and his cohorts are linked to at least 19 prowls that occurred (Sunday) night, but it’s still under investigation and fingerprints are pending,” Bove said.

Out of the 38 vehicle prowls that occurred in the last week, Bove said in 20 of the cases, the doors were unlocked, 10 were “smash and grabs” or the locks were punched.

Items that were stolen include cash, a purse, wallet, checkbook, watch, iPhone, credit cards, clothes, tools and laptop.

The remaining eight prowls didn’t fall into either of those categories as they included boat prowls or items such as license plates, which were stolen off the cars.

Bove said to avoid becoming a vehicle prowl victim, people should lock their vehicles and secure the windows, doors and tops. He said drivers could also get a car alarm and put an alarm sticker on the window if one has been installed.

“Remove valuables when leaving your vehicle, including removable stereos, GPS units, garage door openers, purses, wallets, bags, accessories to any of these items (chargers, etc.) and computers,” he said. “When possible, engrave items with your Washington state driver’s license number. This allows us to track stolen property and find the owner more quickly.”

Drivers should also make sure to park in well-lit areas and inform management if a parking lot is not properly lit.

Bove said if people hear something suspicious such as glass shattering or see someone looking in multiple vehicles, they should call 911 immediately.

“Don’t get involved or put yourself in danger, just concentrate on being a good witness,” he said.