MYNORTHWEST NEWS

The Crime Blotter: Bellevue man caught trying to solicit sex with minors through social media

Aug 5, 2022, 10:33 AM | Updated: Oct 19, 2022, 4:37 pm

(Photo Illustration by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)...

(Photo Illustration by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

(Photo Illustration by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Man caught trying to use social media to solicit sex with minors

The Crime Corner: Bear Spray Bandit is busted, suspect uses big board to smash into business

Bellevue Police have made an arrest of a man suspected of soliciting minors for sex online.

The 34-year-old Hermant Kent was caught when he tried to arrange a sex date with a 15-year-old boy, but that boy was really an undercover detective.

The detective told the suspect he was 15 years old, in high school, and still lived with his parents. Despite that knowledge, investigators say Kurmi still made a date and showed up at the meeting location in Bellevue.

He was arrested without incident at the meet-up.

His bail was set at $37,500, which he posted to be released.

Lacey Police catch man evading warrant after foot chase

Lacey Police report that, after seeing a suspicious vehicle in a hotel parking lot, they ran the plates and found out the vehicle belonged to a man who was wanted on a misdemeanor warrant.

Police say he was rummaging through the bed of the truck when they approached him.

He initially provided false information before confirming he owned the car.

Upon attempting to arrest the man, he dropped his bag and ran.

After a short foot chase, police were able to apprehend him and take him into custody.

In his bag officers found two handguns and several knives.

Kidnapping and auto theft case makes first appearance in court

In May 2022, Johnathan Mamel Cruz was charged with the possession of a stolen vehicle. He was later arrested in June and began trial.

He ended up being released after his attorney argued he should be allowed an alternative, less restrictive detainment, putting him in custody of the Pretrial Assessment and Linkage Services program.

On July 24, officers received a call of a theft of a car with a child inside.

The vehicle was located an hour later with the child inside, and Cruz was identified as a suspect in the theft Aug. 1 and arrested again.

Cruz has since started his second trial for vehicle theft and kidnapping, and King County Prosecutors Office has argued that given his history of not following court orders he should be helped on $300,000 bail.

Kirkland Police on the lookout for a missing Indigenous woman

Kirkland Police are looking for Taci A. D. Marson, a 26-year-old missing Indigenous woman.

She was last seen walking near her group home at 13400 block of 89th Ave NE at 1 p.m. on Tuesday Aug. 2.

Marson was last seen wearing a multi-colored scarf, black jacket, and blue jeans. She has black hair, brown eyes, and is 5’8” tall.

If a community member sees Marson, they can call 911 and report her location to local police.

Have a tip on a crime story? Message Darren Dedo on Twitter or email him here.

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The Crime Blotter: Bellevue man caught trying to solicit sex with minors through social media