Resident urges council to investigate alleged selective non‑enforcement by Mercer Island Police Department

Dustin Jolley told the Mercer Island City Council during the public‑comment period on Nov. 4 that he has documented what he described as a pattern of selective non‑enforcement by the Mercer Island Police Department and requested a council investigation into the department’s internal culture.

Jolley said he filed complaints and provided evidence on Oct. 27 of what he described as a multipart felony involving vehicle theft, forgery and fraudulent transfer of ownership. He said a detective who called him refused to provide a name, declined to accept his testimony as evidence and “hung up on me,” which Jolley characterized as obstruction. Jolley said repeated attempts to reach the chief produced only a delayed response after multiple emails.

“Despite providing evidence of these felonies on October 27, I received a call from an unnamed detective who refused to provide his name and willfully obstructed investigation,” Jolley said. He added that he had “zero confidence in the Mercer Island Police Department’s willingness to investigate this,” and asked the council to investigate whether a pattern of selective non‑enforcement is denying justice to victims.

No council action or staff response was recorded on the record during the public‑comment period; the council moved on to other agenda items after public appearances concluded. The city clerk invited any additional speakers, and there were no immediate public‑forum votes or directions tied to Jolley’s remarks.

The council packet for the meeting did not include a staff report or formal agenda item related to the police department; Jolley’s request was presented as a public comment for council consideration at a future time if members choose to place it on an agenda.