LONGVIEW, WA (BRAIN)—A Washington podiatrist suspected of stealing $56,000 worth of high-end bikes in eight states has committed suicide.
Dr. Jacob Bos, 36, took his own life on Feb. 23 while in the psychiatric ward of St. John’s Hospital in Longview, WA, said Longview Police Sgt. Mike Hallowell.
Bos had twice attempted to commit suicide in the days following his Jan. 18 arrest on felony and trafficking charges in connection to a string of bicycle thefts in Washington, Oregon and Utah.
As will be reported in the March 1 issue of BRAIN, Bos, an avid cyclist, was accused of stealing expensive road bikes from at least nine retailers over a period of about 18 months. Police said he used his stature as a doctor and cycling knowledge to build trust with retailers before taking a bike for a test ride and never returning to the shop.
He was charged with nine counts of felony 1st degree possession of stolen property and three counts of felony 1st degree trafficking stolen property.
Bos was accused of selling at least three of the stolen bikes to members in his local cycling club
Seattle Police linked him to the thefts using DNA off a coffee cup he left behind at one of the bike shops he was suspected of victimizing.
—Nicole Formosa
