A 23-year-old Kent woman was arrested early Tuesday morning, April 8, 2025 after she allegedly turned in front of a marked Kent Police patrol vehicle, nearly causing a collision, then was found to have no insurance and an active arrest warrant.
The incident occurred just after 1 a.m. as the officer was driving westbound on Willis Street, approaching the northbound onramps to State Route 167.
The officer had a green light when the woman, heading eastbound and attempting a left turn onto the onramp, cut across his path.
Thanks to quick reflexes and emergency driving training, the officer was able to brake and sound his horn, avoiding a crash.
The woman swerved back into her lane and was pulled over moments later.
She told the officer she believed she had the right to turn because she saw a yellow light.
“All drivers know that a yellow light means yield. This is driving 101,” the department said in a statement. “Almost wiping out a police car is a strong contender for the top of the list” of reasons to revisit the state driver’s guide.
Police also offered a link that might help others who are confused about traffic laws in the State of Washington.
Police determined the woman had no proof of insurance and an active warrant for failure to appear in a reckless driving case out of Tukwila.
She was arrested and transported to Tukwila without incident.
Her mother retrieved the vehicle, and she was issued citations for traffic infractions and lack of insurance.
Kent Police encouraged anyone with an active warrant to contact the issuing court to resolve it before an arrest occurs.
