A Washington State Patrol pursuit through Kent ended with the arrest of a felon early Saturday morning, Oct. 11, thanks in part to Kent Police Department K9 Gambit.
Kent Police said the incident began around 3 a.m. early Saturday when a Washington State Patrol trooper attempted to stop a driver for reckless driving. The suspect fled on foot after abandoning the vehicle on 1st Avenue South.
Multiple Kent officers and troopers set a perimeter before K9 Gambit and his handler, Officer Flesher, were deployed. Police said loud warnings were given, but the suspect did not surrender. Gambit picked up the scent and began tracking near a backyard fence line.
According to police, the commotion prompted the suspect to try to better conceal himself in nearby bushes. A perimeter officer spotted the man, who was then called out and taken into custody without further incident.
Washington State Patrol handled the follow-up investigation. In addition to reckless driving and eluding, the suspect was booked on charges including unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of a stolen vehicle, theft of a motor vehicle, and driving under the influence.
“This suspect is not someone we want running around our city,” Kent Police said in a statement thanking WSP, K9 Gambit, and Officer Flesher for the arrest. “We are hoping he shares his Kent arrest experience with his friends.”
