WMW viewer tips lead to Everett fugitive accused of cleaning out vacationing family's home
FUGITIVE CAPTURED August 20, 2013 -- Everett Police detectives and The Snohomish County Violent Offender Task Force arrested Lee Wallette on Tuesday afternoon -- thanks to WMW viewer tips to Crime Stoppers. He was featured on this show this past weekend. Officers say Wallette was taken into custody near Lower Ridge Road and Madison in Everett. He's accused of burglarizing a home on July 1st while the residents were away on vacation. A flat screen TV, two rifles, a handgun, a safe, silver and gold coins and two vehicles were among the items stolen. He as wanted for Burglary 1st degree, Theft of Motor Vehicle and three counts of Unlawful Possession of Firearms. He also had an active Department of Corrections warrant. Wallette is the 450th fugitive caught thanks to help from viewers since Washington’s Most Wanted started in late 2008.
FUGITIVE WANTED IN EVERETT August 16, 2013 -- He has 15 felony convictions under his belt and now Lee Wallette is staring at another felony charge for cleaning out the home of a family away on vacation. Everett police said he took their flat screen TV, two rifles, a handgun, safe, silver and gold coins, and two vehicles. Police said he is a self-admitted drug dealer who also sells stolen goods for his burglary buddies -- and doesn't bother to ask where it came from. "He has talked about selling firearms. He's a suspect in several burglaries throughout the county where firearms have been taken. Their M.O. is to take the victims' vehicles and load them with stolen property," Everett police detective Danny Rabelos said. Police said Wallette could be staying with family in Everett. He's considered armed and dangerous and has four tattoos on his face and neck that make him look pretty scary, albeit easy to spot. If you know where police can find Lee Wallette, call the Crime Stoppers tip line at 800-222-TIPS. You can also text a tip here.