Late one night last September, a woman was raped in downtown Bellevue. The man fled the scene, but with the help of a resident, who reported seeing a man hiding, police captured the offender that night.
The Bellevue Police gave awards Wednesday, May 14 to the resident, Nick Wood, and the officer, Greg Neese, for their actions, which led to the arrest of a 25-year-old Kent man. Victor Nolasco-Luna awaits trial for second-degree rape for his attack on a 44-year-old Bellevue woman.
Wood and Officer Neese were among 14 civilians, police officers and emergency dispatchers to receive awards at an afternoon ceremony at City Hall.
On Sept. 19, around 11 p.m., Wood saw a man hiding in some bushes between two businesses near the intersection of 110th Avenue Northeast and Northeast Second Street. He called 911, reported what he had seen and left his name and number.
“Mr. Wood’s actions, while seemingly small, had a large result,” said Capt. John Manning, who nominated the Bellevue resident for a civilian Award.
Officer Neese received a commander’s award for expertly handling the case – from methodically searching the area to obtaining a thorough account from the victim while taking her to the hospital to learning about the suspect from the jacket and cell phone he left behind when surprised in the act.
The awards given Wednesday, including annual department awards, were:
Officer Jeff Christiansen – officer of the year
Lisa Nomura – records specialist of the year
Sue Schutz – dispatcher of the year
Becky McCracken – dispatcher event award
Erin Mitchell – dispatcher sustained exemplary performance
Mark Trout – 30 years of public service
Officer Greg Neese – commander’s award
Lt. Chris McOmber – commander’s award
Officer Denny Naumec – blue star award
Barb Paulsen (dispatcher) – commander’s award
Detective Jennifer Robertson – meritorious service
Nick Wood – civilian law enforcement merit
Bill Davenport – civilian law enforcement merit
Dennis Austin – civilian law enforcement merit
