Bellevue police bust drug house near Ardmore Elementary

A home less than a quarter mile from a Bellevue elementary school that was being rented by a convicted felon suspected of dealing drugs was raided early Thursday morning, according to police.

The Bellevue Police Special Operations Group, Bicycle Team and SWAT team members raided a home in the 3000 block of 169th Ave. NE on Feb. 16. Police had received several complaints of possible drug dealing, theft and transient activity linked to the house, which is near Ardmore Elementary School.

“It’s been an ongoing thing with neighborhood complaints. Because of the proximity to the school, we had investigators working on it until they could build the case,” Bellevue police spokesperson Tory Mangione said.

Inside, officers found cash and narcotics.

A 35-year-old Bellevue man who was renting the home was arrested. He is expected to be charged with possession of narcotics with the intent to distribute. His identity has not been released at press time.

Other people who were in the home when police arrived with a warrant were detained and later released.

Due to the proximity to the school, it is possible the suspect could face additional penalties. State law prohibits narcotics within 1,000 feet of a school, but it is unclear at press time if the residence falls within or outside of that radius.