Two suspects were arrested Tuesday morning, Dec. 17, 2024, after a robbery in Kent that left the victim pepper-sprayed and in significant pain, police said.
The incident occurred around 9:30 a.m. in the 300 block of 4th Avenue North near the ShoWare Center (map below). A 56-year-old Kent man reported that two suspects assaulted him with pepper spray and stole his wallet.
Patrol Officer Joss responded immediately, obtaining a clear description of the suspects despite the victim’s condition. Officer Hamilton, en route to assist, heard the description over the radio and quickly spotted the suspects walking near the 500 block of East Smith Street.
Both suspects were taken into custody without incident, and the victim positively identified them as the perpetrators.
The male suspect, a 48-year-old former Spokane resident, was found to have two felony warrants for failure to appear on possession of a stolen vehicle charges. The warrants, issued out of King County, totaled more than $15,000. Additionally, the male suspect violated a domestic violence no-contact order prohibiting him from being near the female suspect, a 31-year-old Auburn resident.
While attempting to avoid jail, the male suspect claimed he had swallowed drugs, prompting a hospital visit before his booking. Medical staff cleared him, and he now faces new charges, including felony robbery, violation of a no-contact order, and the pending warrants.
Kent Police credited the teamwork and communication between Officers Joss and Hamilton for the arrests.
“Your KPD Officers use great tactics, they help each other out, and they communicate very well,” police said in a statement. “Criminals try to evade, but it’s hard to outrun their radio transmissions.
“Great teamwork Officers Joss and Hamilton!”
