Kent Police arrested a 35-year-old East Hill man on Wednesday night, May 14, 2024, following a domestic violence assault that escalated to an armed standoff with children trapped inside the home.
Officers responded around 8:24 p.m. to a residence on 118th Avenue SE after a family member called 911 to report that the suspect had assaulted his wife and was preventing their children from leaving the house. The caller warned that the man was known to carry firearms and reported hearing a loud bang from inside the home while the children were still present.
According to police, the suspect assaulted his wife during an argument, pointed a gun at her, and prevented her from calling 911 by throwing her phone away. When a 39-year-old family member arrived to help, the suspect attacked him outside the home, scratching his face and attempting to strangle him, causing visible injuries to his face and neck.
The suspect then blocked efforts to get the children out of the house, physically fighting their mother to keep them inside. A short time later, he walked the children outside to their mother.
Kent police officers surrounded the residence to prevent the suspect from fleeing and to protect nearby residents. Using a PA system, officers instructed him to surrender. He eventually complied and was taken into custody without further incident.
The suspect was booked into King County Jail on multiple charges, including first-degree assault domestic violence for using a firearm, second-degree assault for strangulation, two counts of fourth-degree assault domestic violence, and interfering with reporting domestic violence.
“Calls with kids where guns are in play require delicate and well thought out tactics,” Kent Police said in a statement. “Well done Officers.”
Detectives are continuing the investigation and will forward charges to prosecutors.
Local Domestic Violence Resources:
Call 988 the 24/7 crisis line to speak to a trained called receiver for resources and support
IN DANGER? CALL 911 We will come.
