Kirkland Police rescue teen : Kirkland Police Department Rescues Sex Trafficking Victim, Arrests Suspects

The Kirkland Police Department (KPD) has announced that they recently rescued a 16-year-old victim of sex trafficking from California. The rescue operation began on Saturday, Dec. 2, when KPD officers responded to a reported theft at a gas station in the Totem Lake neighborhood.

During their investigation, the officers noticed a suspicious vehicle at a nearby Motel 6. They had received information from the FBI the day before regarding a missing teenager who was believed to be a victim of human trafficking and might be at the motel. The officers examined the vehicle and found items that indicated a connection to the missing teenager.

Further investigation led the officers to a room in the motel where they discovered a 16-year-old girl, later identified as the missing teenager from California. Child Protective Services were called in to provide care for the teenager.

In addition to rescuing the victim, the officers arrested two suspects and impounded the vehicle found at the scene. The two men have been booked into King County Jail and are facing multiple charges, including the commercial sexual abuse of a minor.

The KPD expressed their gratitude to the Seattle FBI Field Office and Child Protective Services for their assistance in this case. They also took the opportunity to issue a warning to the public, urging anyone who suspects human trafficking to report it to the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888. They emphasized that it is essential to report any suspicions, whether it involves a minor or an adult being coerced into prostitution or labor.

This successful rescue operation highlights the dedication and hard work of the KPD and their commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals from the horrors of human trafficking. It serves as a reminder to the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicions of human trafficking to the appropriate authorities.