Suspect Attempted to Light a Bomb While on the Run From Cops...

On October 12, 2024, at approximately 10:36 a.m. at the 3500 block of 108th Ave, officers responded to reports of a vehicle — a black Mercedes sedan — idling in a parking lot with both driver and a passenger sleeping. Officers noticed the suspects – both middle-aged males – had drugs in their possession and had suspicion that a driving under the influence incident occurred. Bellevue Police developed reasonable suspicion of a DUI crime and awakened the suspect driving the vehicle, in which the driver, 42-year-old Sokphana Soeung then fled the scene. This vehicle was previously reported stolen. Officers deployed spikes — which punctured the four tires of the vehicle. However, Soeung continued to elude law enforcement. Driving at approximately 5 mph, Soeung drove underneath I-90, turned onto SE 34th Street eastbound, turned left onto 113th Ave SE northbound, and then proceeded to travel south on Bellevue Way before merging onto I-90 West.

At this time, Washington State Patrol joined to assist during the incident. According to law enforcement, the passenger of the vehicle attempted to flee the vehicle while traveling on the interstate. However, police quickly apprehended him. Washington State Patrol then disabled the vehicle by attempting to use a PIT maneuver traveling at approximately 3 mph – disabling the vehicle just west of Exit 8. Then, Soeung allegedly fled the vehicle and headed west toward the Mercer Island overpass. This prompted a foot pursuit between Bellevue Officers, WSP Troopers, and Soeung. As officers approached Soeung, he turned toward them and revealed to have a blow torch and an explosive device in his possession. It was then when Soeung attempted to light the device, prompting Bellevue Officers to use force by tackling him to the ground. Other Bellevue Officers and WSP took him into custody.

Officers found two additional explosive devices in the vehicle.

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