A 35-year-old Kent man was arrested this weekend on charges of second-degree assault and violating a felony no-contact order after a family member reported he was threatening to kill his girlfriend and child.
Police said the incident began when a concerned relative contacted 911, stating they had seen visible injuries on the victim’s face during a FaceTime call. Officers responded to the woman’s home, securing both the front and rear exits during their initial approach.
According to police, the suspect attempted to look over the backyard fence before retreating inside. Officers made contact with the 33-year-old victim and the suspect without incident. The victim was transported to a hospital for treatment of significant injuries, including head trauma. She reported being struck multiple times in the head and strangled to the point of losing the ability to breathe for several seconds.
Investigators learned the assault had occurred in a vehicle, partially witnessed by the couple’s elementary-aged child seated in the back. Officers also confirmed the existence of a no-contact order barring the suspect from being near the victim.
The suspect was booked into jail on charges of second-degree assault and violating a felony no-contact order.
“Family often does not know when to call 911, especially on their own family member,” police said in a statement. “They often worry that, ‘maybe it’s just venting’, ‘maybe they don’t mean it’, ‘maybe we should mind our own business’. We applaud this family for understanding that domestic violence is everyone’s business, and for acting immediately. The end result could have been very different without their intervention.”
Resources are available for individuals impacted by domestic violence. Victims can contact:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233
- DAWN Rising at 425-656-7867.
- Those in immediate danger should call 911.
For individuals who want to stop hurting others or seek help with substance abuse, Social Treatment Opportunity Programs (STOP) offers resources at 253-234-1190.
