Violent Offender Task Force arrests prolific thief suspected in more than 100 car prowls



 

CAPTURED 1-25-17 The Snohomish County Violent Offender Task Force arrested Hugh ‘Pat’ Doherty in the Monroe area Tuesday night.  He was booked into the Snohomish County jail where he is being held on charges of Attempting to Elude Police, Reckless Driving, Vehicle Prowling. Theft 2, Identity Theft 2, Failing to Obey a Police Officer, Parole Violation and Probation Violation. Doherty’s criminal history includes 22 arrest warrants and 9 felony convictions.

ORIGINAL STORY



REDMOND, Wash. -- Police said a serial car prowler has hit more than a hundred times and is targeting places schools, day cares and churches, places where people typically feel safe. His latest heist has now left an innocent girl terrified.

“She actually hid; she hid from him, because she just knew something bad was going to happen,” said a mom, who only wanted to be identified as “Sara” out of fear after her 10-year-old daughter sat just feet away.

“My nanny was dropping off my youngest daughter at day care, my oldest daughter was sitting in the car waiting for her,” said Sara. “He walked up to the car and smashed out the window.”

The thief made off with the nanny’s purse, but not before traumatizing the little girl.

“Her sense of security, her sense of safety, her idea that the world is just and good and that people are good has just been shattered,” said Sara.



This recent smash and grab happened in a school parking lot in Redmond. The King County Sheriff’s Office believes Hugh “Pat” Doherty is behind this one and many more.

“We believe he has over 100 victims and most of those stemming from his vehicle prowls,” said Detective Jessica Santos with King County Sheriff’s Office.

She says the crimes have been focused in northeast King County and southeast Snohomish County.

If you know where he's hiding, call an anonymous tip into:
CRIME STOPPERS: 1-800-222-TIPS

You must call the Crime Stoppers hotline with your tip to be eligible to receive a cash reward for information leading to a fugitive’s arrest.

You can also download the new P3 Tips App on your smart phone to submit the information and any photos or videos you have to Crime Stoppers.