A 36-year-old Seattle man was arrested early Friday morning, Jan. 24, 2025, after Kent Police officers responded to reports of multiple gunshots near the 23800 block of Pacific Highway South (map below).
Officers arrived at the scene just after 2:15 a.m. and quickly located the source of the gunfire at the Highline Apartment Complex at 23820 30th Ave South.
During their search, officers found a man hiding in the bushes who was later identified as the shooter.
They also located a 20-year-old male Kent resident who was the intended victim.
Through their investigation, officers determined that the suspect had fired multiple shots at the victim but did not strike him.
A K9 unit was deployed to search for the discarded firearm, successfully locating a handgun believed to have been used in the incident.
“I am grateful that community members stepped up and provided the officers the information they needed to safely respond and intervene in what could have been a tragic loss of life,” said Kent Police Chief Rafael Padilla. “I am also incredibly proud of the courage and professionalism of our officers, who brought this incident to a safe resolution.”
The suspect was taken into custody and booked into the Regional Justice Center. He faces charges of first-degree assault and unlawful possession of a firearm.
The case has been referred to the Kent Police Department’s Detective Unit for further investigation, including determining a possible motive.
No injuries were reported during the incident.