Authorities say survivalist is suspected car thief spotted in Bellevue

By JOSHUA ADAM HICKS
BELLEVUE REPORTER

Federal and state law-enforcement agencies have identified Bradley Steven Robinett as the man who jumped from a stolen Honda Pilot and avoided arrest after troopers spotted him at the Eastgate Park and Ride Nov. 24.

Robinett is believed to be armed at all times and possibly equipped with body armor. He is also known to be a survivalist who runs 3 miles per day, according to the State Patrol.

The Honda Pilot that authorities last saw him in was rigged with a curtain that snapped to the roofline to conceal his presence. The vehicle was reported stolen from the Portland area and bore a set of plates stolen in Vancouver, Wash.

Bainbridge Island police had a run-in with Robinett on Sept. 12, when they spotted him with another stolen Honda Pilot bearing stolen plates. Officers recovered a stolen handgun and stolen body armor in that case.

The State Patrol suspects Robinett was casing a bank when troopers spotted him at the Eastgate Park and Ride.

Robinett has an outstanding felony warrant for escape and unlawful possession of a firearm. The FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, Washington State Patrol, and Bainbridge Island Police are among the agencies now looking for him.

The State Patrol says Robinett is probably living in stolen vehicles or outdoors in a secluded area.

This article was originally published in the Bellevue Reporter on December 30, 2009.
Joshua Adam Hicks can be reached at jhicks@bellevuereporter.com.