Kent Police Department officers, along with the Valley SWAT team, arrested a 35-year-old man on West Hill Saturday night, July 6. 2024 on charges of felony domestic violence.
The incident began when officers were dispatched to a local hospital at 9:30 p.m. that night to take a domestic violence report.
Officer Wong met the victim, a 32-year-old Kent woman, who reported that her boyfriend had assaulted her in the parking lot of their apartment complex on the 2500 block of S. 248th Street. Earlier in the day, the suspect allegedly hit the victim’s torso with a gun, pointed the weapon at her, and fired rounds near her. The assault caused painful bruising to her side. The victim’s elementary school-aged child was present during the incident but was unharmed.
Terrified, the woman hid in various places until her family arrived to take her to the hospital. Officer Wong determined there was probable cause for felony assault and felony domestic violence harassment charges. Officers responded to the suspect’s apartment, where evidence suggested he had not left since the assault.
Officer Petersen obtained a search warrant, which was approved by a judge, allowing officers to secure the scene and set a perimeter. The Valley SWAT team arrived and gave numerous commands for the suspect to exit the home. After a lengthy standoff, the suspect eventually surrendered and was taken into custody without further incident.
Records revealed this was not the suspect’s first domestic violence assault and that he was not legally allowed to possess a firearm. He was booked into King County Jail on assault, harassment, and weapons charges.
“We are very thankful for the victim’s resilience in escaping the immediate threat and that both she and her child are now safe,” police said.
For help with domestic violence, call 988 for crisis intervention and resources. DAWN (Domestic Abuse Women’s Network) can be reached at 425-656-7867 or via their website, https://dawnrising.org/.
For those seeking to stop harmful behavior, visit https://www.stopwa.com/kent-treatment-center/.
In case of immediate danger, call 911.
