Kent Police arrested an 18-year-old Renton man last week after investigators say he robbed a convenience store on Kent’s East Hill and assaulted an employee before fleeing on foot.
Police said the incident began when the suspect entered the store and attempted to purchase cigars. When a clerk requested identification, the clerk noticed the photo on the ID did not appear to match the suspect. After the suspect provided an incorrect birth date, the clerk refused the sale.
Police said the suspect then jumped over the counter, dropped personal belongings and grabbed several packages of cigars. As he attempted to flee, he struck one clerk and then intentionally hit the co-worker in the head and kicked the clerk in the torso. The suspect ran from the store with the cigars. The injured clerk suffered a bump on the head.
Multiple witnesses were present during the robbery, which was captured on store video. Police said one witness took a photo of the suspect and shared it with officers, allowing patrol units to quickly distribute the image.
Officers searched nearby streets and later spotted the suspect in the 200 block of South Central Ave. Police said he initially refused to comply with commands to stop but was taken into custody without further incident after additional officers arrived.
Investigators said the suspect was positively identified, advised of his rights and admitted to the robbery. He also told officers he was still in possession of the cigars at the time of his arrest.
“Kudos to the customer that snagged a photo of the suspect,” police said in a statement. “Your quick thinking helped shave minutes off the time it takes to disseminate a photo. Great job!”
The case remains under investigation.
