Kent Police officers made multiple arrests this week in two separate incidents involving stolen vehicles and suspects fleeing on foot.
Officers credited their training, quick thinking, and physical readiness for safely apprehending the suspects.
“Chasing an unknown suspect on foot for any crime is dangerous business,” Kent Police said. “People who run away are already disobeying commands to stop, are often armed, and usually physically resist when we catch up with them. Your KPD Officers are well trained in safe tactics and in great shape for a run, but the danger is present each time none-the-less.”
In the first incident, on Saturday, Feb. 1 at 1:07 a.m., Officer Toledo-Blanco was patrolling near the 1500 block of W. Meeker Street when he noticed suspicious activity at a gas station. After observing one driver signal to another before performing doughnuts at an intersection, Officer Toledo-Blanco attempted a traffic stop. The driver, a 21-year-old Kent man, fled in a black Infiniti Coupe, striking three parked cars in the process. He then attempted to escape on foot but was caught by Toledo-Blanco after a brief chase.
The suspect was booked on charges including DUI, resisting arrest, hit-and-run, driving without a license, and unlawful race attendance. He also had multiple domestic violence-related warrants totaling over $15,000.
In the second incident, on Wednesday, Feb. 5 at 11:47 p.m., Officer Petersen located a stolen Buick Lesabre near 500 S. Central Avenue. Using patrol vehicle push bars, Petersen pinned the Buick against the curb to prevent a pursuit. The driver, a 33-year-old Normandy Park man, exited the car and ran. Officer Toledo-Blanco, responding to assist, chased and tackled the suspect before he could hide near private homes.
The suspect, who matched the description of a driver who had fled from Washington State Patrol the previous night, was booked on charges related to the stolen vehicle and an active $50,000 warrant for robbery and obstruction in King County.
“Great job by Officers Toledo-Blanco and Petersen. Their proactive patrols and great tactics are helping to make Kent a bad place to drive stolen cars,” police said.
