Resident falls victim to online extortion scam involving sensitive photos | Mercer Island police blotter

Selected reports Oct. 8-14.

Oct. 14

Theft: Someone stole a resident’s duffel bag from the basement of an apartment building in the 8800 block of Southeast 36th Street.

Fraud: A resident in the 7400 block of Southeast 27th Street fell victim to an online extortion scam involving sensitive photos and transferred $500 to the scammer. The scammer befriended the victim on a messaging app, the victim willingly sent the photos, and then the scammer demanded a money transfer in order to prevent the photos from being shared with the victim’s social network. (A similar incident occurred on Oct. 13.)

Oct. 12

Vehicle prowl: Someone prowled a vehicle in the 7400 block of 85th Place Southeast.

Malicious mischief: A resident in the 7700 block of 89th Place Southeast reported that someone smashed their vehicle’s front window. Nothing was stolen from inside.

Oct. 10

Burglary: In the 3200 block of 80th Avenue Southeast, a resident reported that they believe a former roommate stole the victim’s belongings.

Oct. 8

Theft: A suspect was arrested for shoplifting various personal hygiene items from a business in the 2700 block of 77th Avenue Southeast.