In the early hours of Monday morning, Oct. 14, 224, Kent Police officers arrested a 27-year-old man suspected of firing a handgun out of his vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and marijuana.
Police said the incident occurred around 2:26 a.m. in the 24600 block of 64th Ave South (map below), after multiple 911 calls reported shots being fired from a white Dodge Charger in a parking lot.
According to police, witnesses observed the vehicle repeatedly speeding through the apartment complex parking lot and firing shots from inside the car. Officers De Var, Flesher, and N. Lontz quickly arrived at the scene and found the Dodge Charger parked with its engine running. The officers noticed the brake and reverse lights coming on and off as the car lurched forward intermittently.
Using caution, officers called out to the vehicle’s occupants, who were believed to be armed. Although initially uncooperative, both the driver and his girlfriend, a 35-year-old Kent resident, eventually exited the vehicle and were detained without further incident. A handgun was found in plain view on the front passenger seat.
A witness confirmed seeing the driver firing the gun from inside the car. Officers later recovered multiple bullet casings in the parking lot, believed to be linked to the shooting. The driver admitted to consuming alcohol and marijuana earlier in the night. When questioned about the incident, he vaguely remarked that “things have gotten sketchy.”
Kent Officer De Var obtained a search warrant for a blood sample from the driver, which was later approved by a judge. The suspect was taken to a local hospital for a blood draw and was subsequently booked into the Kent City Jail on charges of driving under the influence (DUI) and reckless endangerment. His girlfriend was released without charges.
The handgun, a 9mm Glock pistol, along with a loaded magazine and bullet casings, were collected as evidence.
“Thank you to the initial witness who called 911, and the additional witnesses who stepped up to give information,” police said in a statement. “You likely saved someone from being seriously injured and we appreciate your intervention.”