A pursuit of a stolen U-Haul truck on Tuesday night, Oct. 1, 2024 led to Kent Police Officers firing shots at a suspect in SeaTac, though no injuries were reported.
Police said the incident began around 10:30 p.m., when a Kent Police officer spotted the stolen vehicle traveling westbound on W. Meeker Street.
When officers attempted to pull the truck over, the suspect, a 19-year-old Seattle man, refused to stop and initiated a high-speed chase. The pursuit led officers toward Kent’s west hill, where spike strips were deployed, successfully deflating the truck’s front tires. However, the suspect continued driving and eventually entered an apartment complex in the 3700 block of S. 182nd Street in SeaTac (map below).
Once inside the complex, the suspect drove around the back of an apartment building, ran over grass, crashed through a fence, and collided with a tree and retaining wall, bringing the vehicle to a halt. Shortly after the crash, officers reported “shots fired” over the radio.
Authorities believe two officers discharged their firearms during the confrontation, but no one was struck.
The suspect was quickly arrested and is facing charges of possession of a stolen vehicle and eluding police, with further charges possible as the investigation continues.
Police confirm that the male suspect was the only occupant of the stolen truck, and no other individuals are being sought in connection with the incident.
Both the officers who fired their weapons will be placed on administrative, which is standard operating procedure.
Kent Police Chief Rafael Padilla has requested the Valley Independent Investigation Team (VIIT) to conduct an independent investigation into the officers’ use of force.
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