A 28-year-old woman was arrested Thursday afternoon, May 21 after allegedly fleeing Kent Police officers and running into traffic near the 300 block of Washington Avenue South, according to the Kent Police Department.
Police said officers were dispatched around 2 p.m. to investigate a recent shoplifting incident in the area. Officers were searching for a suspect described as having a distinctive tattoo and carrying a blue plaid bag or suitcase.
Officer Sherwood spotted the suspect near the intersection of Washington Avenue South and Willis Street. Police said the suspect refused commands to stop and began running away.
Investigators said the woman then ran into traffic, causing multiple vehicles to stop to avoid hitting her. She eventually stopped in the middle of the roadway and was taken into custody by Officers Sherwood and Quidachay.
Kent police thanked drivers in the area for avoiding collisions during the incident.
“The 28-year-old suspect was arrested and booked into jail for Theft 3, Obstructing, Disorderly Conduct, for running into traffic, and possession of a controlled substance,” the department said in its public statement.
Police also warned about the dangers fleeing suspects create for officers, drivers and pedestrians.
“If you do something bad, please don’t flee into traffic,” the department stated. “It almost never ends this well and a jail bed is far more comfortable than the pavement after being struck by a car.”
