Authorities in Kent apprehended a motorcyclist suspected of pursuing and shooting at a 16-year-old driver during a weekend incident. Officers responded to reports of a drive-by shooting on 34th Avenue South, close to West Fenwick Park, at approximately 11:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 12.
The teenage driver, a resident of Kent, recounted the events to the police, explaining that while driving home, a motorcycle traveling in the opposite direction passed him. The motorcyclist then executed a U-turn and began following the teen as he parked near his residence. The suspect halted nearby and allegedly aimed a handgun equipped with a laser at the teen’s car. In a state of panic, the young driver reversed swiftly and headed north on Military Road. Despite this, the suspect reportedly pursued and fired three to five shots at the vehicle, hitting it, before fleeing the scene. Fortunately, the victim was unharmed, though bullets also struck a neighbor’s home and another vehicle.
The Kent Police Department, with assistance from the Washington State Patrol’s air support plane “Smokey,” launched a search for the suspect. The aerial unit located and tracked the suspect to 116th Avenue Southeast, where he allegedly abandoned his motorcycle and attempted to flee on foot. Officers established a perimeter to prevent the suspect from escaping into nearby neighborhoods. With the help of K9 units, police apprehended the 38-year-old suspect, a Kent resident, in a wooded area without further incident.
At the scene, authorities discovered the suspect’s distinctive helmet and a semi-automatic .45-caliber handgun. The individual was subsequently charged with first-degree assault, and his motorcycle, registered to him, was impounded.
The Bottom Line
This incident highlights the challenges and risks associated with violent crime in residential areas, underscoring the importance of effective law enforcement cooperation and response. For residents of Kent, witnessing such events can heighten concerns over community safety and the increasing prevalence of gun-related violence.
Enhancing community policing efforts and ensuring the availability of resources like aerial support and K9 units are crucial for maintaining public safety. This case also serves as a reminder of the importance of community vigilance and the role residents can play by promptly reporting suspicious activities, thereby aiding law enforcement in their efforts to apprehend suspects and prevent future incidents.