Bothell Door-To-Door Scammer Also In Everett – Update Arrested By Edmonds PD

Editor’s Update 12:20PM: Shortly after Noon today Edmonds Police announced they have arrested the suspect. Here’s the latest.

Over the weekend an Edmonds citizen recognized Joshua Smith from local media coverage. The citizen notified the Edmonds Police Department. The responding officer also recognized Smith from a police bulletin. The officer took Smith into custody. Edmonds Police transferred custody of Smith to the Bothell Police Department. Smith was booked into Snohomish County Jail on charges of Forgery and Criminal Impersonation.

Detectives from the Bothell Police Department are continuing their investigation which will include contacting other potential victims who have been identified.

We would like to thank the Edmonds Police Department for their assistance with this case.

Please make any inquires to Sergeant Cedric Collins 425-487-5180 or by email at cedric.collins@bothellwa.gov. Please reference case #15-17066.

Joshua Evan Smith. Photo credit Bothell Police.

Bothell Police Warning Public About Suspect Being Investigated For Door To Door Sales Scam…

On August 17th, officers were alerted that Joshua Evan Smith, a 25 year old man, was allegedly conducting fraudulent door to door sales in the city. Mr. Smith is reported to have told one victim he was selling magazines to raise money for a soccer team, and the magazines would be given to troops overseas. He reportedly told two other victims he was selling raffle tickets for season tickets to the Seahawks. When Mr. Smith learned a citizen was calling 9-1-1, he ran away.

Bothell Police have probable cause to arrest Mr. Smith for Criminal Impersonation with Intend to Defraud 1st Degree and Forgery. Detectives have learned Mr. Smith is being investigated by other agencies for similar scams, sometimes targeting the elderly. His most recent sightings were over the weekend of August 30th. Mr. Smith has an arrest warrant issued by the Wood Dale Police Department (Illinois) for failure to appear on a burglary charge.
Mr. Smith is described as a white male, 6’5”, 190 pounds, with blue eyes and blond hair.
Bothell Detectives are asking for anyone who has given money to Mr. Smith within the City of Bothell during the past few weeks under similar circumstances to contact them at (425) 486-1254 and refer to Case #15-17066.

Mr. Smith has been successful with scams and will most likely return to our area. If he is seen, residents should not confront him but are encouraged to call 9-1-1.
Residents are reminded they should never allow solicitors into their homes under any circumstances. Legitimate sales representatives can easily show their products from a porch and won’t care to enter into one’s home – they are focused on the sale and not getting into the house. The City of Bothell has an ordinance that requires most solicitors to obtain a business license prior to engaging in door-to-door sales. If a solicitor comes to your door, ask to see the license. If they are not able to provide this, report the activity to the Bothell Police Department as soon as possible.