Bellevue Police Department investigating detective's alleged inaction during hate crime

BELLEVUE, Wash. — The Bellevue Police Department is investigating whether a detective did nothing to help when a man allegedly threatened black passengers at a transit center.

“Any complaint made against any of my officers, especially not taking appropriate action is of concern to me,” Chief Steve Mylett said.

Jim Lindquist, a veteran officer and detective, is under internal investigation for an alleged hate crime that happened at the Bellevue Transit Center on Jan. 23.

“Based on the allegation and what was described, it's very inconsistent with who we are and what we stand for,” Mylett added.

According to court documents, suspect Robert Panera was hurling racial slurs and making threats towards African-American people at the transit station.

A 32-year-old black man says he asked Lindquist for help.

Lindquist was working off duty at this nearby construction site at city hall.

The alleged victim said "Lindquist failed to contact or detain Panera."

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He went on to say he was so frustrated and felt so unsafe, he left and later called 911 from home to report the incident.

He also gave police videos and two witnesses who corroborated his story.

One woman says she heard Lindquist say, "This happens ALL THE TIME. This guy has done this before."

Another witness said she felt Lindquist had a look of "boredom or perhaps exasperation" on his face.

She said she "felt duty-bound to inform the officer that he had witnessed a 'hate crime under state law.'"

KIRO 7 asked Chief Mylett about his department’s policy.

“If a criminal act occurs in front of the officer, the officer is going to take the appropriate action,” Mylett explained, “regardless of the situation. Certainly, officers need to take into consideration officer safety, but our job is to serve the community, every member of the community, regardless of who they are, what they look like.”

Mylett described Lindquist as a hardworking officer and a good detective. Lindquist has been with the department for 31 years.

Mylett said the internal investigation is almost done and he will soon make a determination.

After the internal investigation is over, police said they will share video of the incident.

The suspect, 53-year-old transient Robert Panera, has been charged with malicious harassment. A warrant is out for his arrest.

Cox Media Group