Police Department's Investment in Starchase Pays Off

StarChase is a police technology that uses GPS tracking devices to help law enforcement safely track fleeing vehicles without engaging in high-speed pursuits. The system involves a compressed-air launcher mounted on police cars that fires a GPS tag at a suspect's vehicle,
allowing officers to monitor its location in real-time and apprehend the suspect later, reducing risks to public safety.

According to LFP PD Commander Diego Zanella, "last Sunday in the City of Bothell near the intersection of Bothell Way NE and Woodinville Drive at approximately 10:25 pm, a Bothell Police Department patrol officer attempted to stop a vehicle for a traffic violation. The driver failed to stop and accelerated, reaching speeds in excess of 80 mph while traveling southbound toward Kenmore and Lake Forest Park.

Lake Forest Park officers assisted Bothell PD with the incident. An LFPPD supervisor successfully deployed a tire deflation device and a StarChase GPS tracking device. The suspect vehicle was later located in Shoreline, and the driver was taken into custody without incident or use of force. It appeared that the suspect also had outstanding warrants.

The suspect was transported to a local hospital for medical evaluation and was subsequently booked into King County Jail.

The Bothell Police Department case number is 2026-01160, and they are in charge of the case.

I am very proud of our patrol officers—they assisted another department, utilized the right tools, and were instrumental in locating and arresting the suspect."

Last May, a chase that originated in Bothell, with the suspect speeding down Bothell Way through LFP, ended with the suspect reaching Oregon without being arrested.