Bremerton Police use "unconventional" tactics to move car and arrest suspect hiding in tree

Bremerton Police caught a suspect hiding in a tree "harvesting moss" and used advice from a former car thief to safely move her abandoned vehicle.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 13, 2026, 11:08 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from MyNorthwest

Suspicious Vehicle Leads to Hillside Pursuit

Bremerton Police Department (BPD) officers responded to reports of an abandoned 1994 Honda Accord blocking a roadway near Pendergast Park earlier this week. Officer Corn, the first on the scene, discovered the vehicle was unregistered and lacked a driver, creating a significant traffic hazard. After a history check revealed the individual associated with the car had an outstanding felony warrant, officers cleared the area and waited for the suspect to return. When a woman eventually approached the vehicle, she fled down a nearby hillside upon spotting the officers.

Suspect Apprehended While "Harvesting Moss" in Tree

Following a brief tracking effort, BPD officers located the suspect approximately 10 feet up in a tree. When ordered to descend, the woman reportedly claimed she was in the tree for the purpose of "harvesting moss" for the upcoming Easter holiday. Despite the unusual explanation, she was taken into custody without further incident based on her active warrant. While the suspect was secured, the issue of the Honda Accord blocking the road remained a primary concern for the responding unit.

Sergeant Employs Former Car Thief’s Technical Expertise

Rather than waiting for a tow truck, Sergeant Donnelly initiated a "creative problem-solving" maneuver to clear the roadway. Having had a professional encounter just the day before with a reformed individual—a former car thief now gainfully employed—the Sergeant reached out for technical assistance. The contact provided a step-by-step tutorial on how to bypass the older vehicle's ignition. Under this "very unconventional technical support," officers were able to start the Honda and move it to a safe parking spot.