Bellingham police watched man for 5 months, then arrested him for multiple burglaries, thefts
Bellingham police arrested a man for multiple counts of burglary after a five-month investigation, saying the suspect stole at least $18,200 worth of bikes and other property, and a $12,000 motorcycle.
Officers found the suspect, 34-year-old Joseph Edward Sanders, on foot in the 1000 block of West Bakerview on Sunday, Oct. 8, but when they moved to arrest him, he fled into the woods, leaving the vehicle that was going to pick him up, according to social media posts made by The Bellingham Police Department.
A couple hours later, Sanders returned to the vehicle that was waiting for him, and officers made a traffic stop. When the vehicle started to slow down, he fled from the passenger side of the moving car and began to run away on foot. He was captured and by a Bellingham Police officer.
Police said that according to their investigation, Sanders would commit burglaries early in the mornings, usually in condos or apartment complexes, getting in by using keys stolen from a lock box or sneak in when cars would open the automatic gates.
He was arrested on seven counts of burglary second degree; one count of theft first degree; three counts of theft second degree and three counts of theft third degree; one count of malicious mischief; one count of theft of a motor vehicle, and one count of possession of a stolen vehicle.
Two of the stolen bikes have been recovered, police said.
Sanders is currently in the Whatcom County Jail with a $75,000 appearance bond.
This story was originally published October 10, 2023 at 3:00 PM.
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