Working closely with observant citizens, deputies and detectives with the Sammamish Police ruined Christmas for two mail thieves. Just after 7:30 a.m. , Dec. 24, itizens began calling 9-1-1 about a male and female going through mailboxes in the city. A suspect vehicle description was also broadcast to responding deputies.

Shortly after the initial calls the suspect car was spotted by police, but almost immediately the deputy lost sight of it. The suspects next parked their car in a driveway in the 2900 block of 204 Ave. S.E. and fled on foot. The homeowner at this location could see a large amount of mail inside the car and another neighbor used their vehicle to block the suspect car in the driveway.

More witnesses began to call about the suspects running through yards and a perimeter was set up. At approximately 8:20 a.m. the female suspect was taken into custody without incident by Sammamish Police Chief Nate Elledge.

The male suspect continued to run, choosing a kayak as his getaway vehicle. Another resident saw this and gave chase in his kayak. The male suspect didn’t make it very far on the water as he was using only his hands to paddle. He was convinced to return to a nearby dock and surrender.

The car the suspects were in had been stolen earlier that morning in Issaquah. The female in her 20s was booked into King County Jail for Investigation of mail theft. The male in his 30s was booked for Investigation of vehicle theft and mail theft. Further investigation will be done by Sammamish detectives working with the U.S. Postal Service.