A 27-year-old Tacoma man was arrested on Saturday, May 23 after Kent Police said he randomly punched a 64-year-old man in the face at Lake Meridian Park in Kent.
Police said the victim and his adult son were sitting at the park enjoying a snack and talking when an adult stranger suddenly approached and punched the father in the face, causing an injury to his forehead.
Officers Dale and Bare responded to the scene and learned the suspect had just left the parking lot in a white Jeep headed westbound on Kent Kangley Road, police said.
The information was broadcast to other officers, and Officer Blowers spotted the Jeep a few blocks away and conducted a traffic stop.
Witnesses and the victim confirmed with police that there had been no altercation before the assault.
“The man just walked up and punched him,” police said in a statement.
The victim rode with Officer Dale to the traffic stop location and identified the Jeep passenger as the suspect, according to police.
The suspect was taken into custody without incident and booked into the Kent jail for fourth degree assault.
Puget Sound Fire personnel treated the victim’s injury at the scene.
Officer Blowers later spoke with the suspect, who allegedly told police he thought he was being “mean mugged” and admitted he was “grumpy” after being awakened from a nap.
A witness also told officers the suspect had reportedly been drinking before falling asleep, according to police.
Kent Police included a public reminder in its statement encouraging people experiencing mental health or substance use issues to seek help by calling 206-461-3222 or 1-866-4-CRISIS.
