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Bellevue police bust largest burglary ring in city's history

BELLEVUE, Wash. — Bellevue police say they have busted largest burglary ring in city history, based on the value of the property stolen.

KIRO 7 watched Bellevue officers arrest two men and raid a house in West Seattle on Monday morning, with the help of the SWAT team.

Bellevue police say the suspects arrested are a part of the residential burglary ring that stole more than $3 million dollars worth of property. One of the victims was Mariners pitcher Felix Hernandez.

Bellevue police Chief Steve Mylett and other area police chiefs gave details of the nine-month investigation.

The burglars were dubbed the "Rock Smash Burglary Crew". Investigators say they are responsible for at least 123 residential burglaries in Bellevue, Seattle, Medina, Clyde Hill and Kirkland. The crimes were tied together because of how the men got inside--they'd break the windows. In surveillance video the men are seen carrying handguns.

Detectives got a break in the case when a homeowner on Mercer Island found a phone in their yard and called police.

Two suspects were arrested in West Seattle on Monday. Bellevue's Special Enforcement Team was watching a house in the Alki neighborhood where one of the suspects was hiding out, staying with a friend for a few days. When another of the suspects stopped to pick him up, police moved in.

The third suspect was already in custody.

Police identified the suspects as Alonzo Severson, 25; Joseph Sims, 26; and Shon Shannell, 29. Severson has already been charged with burglary and will be arraigned on those charges on Thursday morning.

Bellevue police say they have busted largest burglary ring in city history, based on the value of the property stolen. Victims of the burglaries included Mariners pitcher Felix Hernandez. Watch the news conference with us and leave your comments.

Posted by KIRO 7 News on Wednesday, January 25, 2017