A man accused of assaulting his ex-partner and threatening to kill her was arrested Thursday evening, April 3, 2025, following a vehicle and foot pursuit that ended in a blackberry-covered ravine, Kent Police said.
Police said that the 32-year-old suspect, an Anchorage man visiting his child, allegedly assaulted the victim—a Kent woman in her 30s—in her apartment in the Kent Valley.
Officials said the attack escalated when he broke into the apartment through a window after being locked out and attempted to take the child.
The suspect fled the scene before officers arrived Thursday at around 5 p.m., prompting an area-wide search by multiple Kent officers and sergeants.
Officers responded swiftly after the 911 call, during which the dispatcher reportedly overheard the suspect making threats to kill the victim. The child, who was present during the assault, was not physically injured, according to police.
After a witness provided the suspect’s vehicle description, Sergeant Goforth located the car and attempted to initiate a traffic stop. The suspect’s vehicle stalled on South 212th Street, where officers used a pinning maneuver to block further escape. The man then fled on foot, jumping into a steep ravine dense with blackberry bushes.
Despite commands from Officer Stanfill, the suspect refused to surrender. Officers opted not to pursue him directly through the thorns, unsure if he was armed. Instead, additional officers flanked him using a nearby trail.
“When suspects see there’s no longer an avenue of escape, they usually give up,” police said. “Not this guy.”
The suspect resisted arrest, kicked two officers while handcuffed, and attempted to spit on others. A search turned up 44 suspected fentanyl pills in his pocket, police said.
He was booked into jail on charges including residential burglary, domestic violence assault, eluding, interfering with the reporting of domestic violence, malicious mischief, and obstructing. Drug-related charges are pending.
The victim was treated for injuries and connected with advocacy services through Project Be Free. Officers remained on site to clean up broken glass to help ensure the child’s safety in the home.
Police praised the officers and sergeants involved for their coordination and care.
Local Domestic Violence Resources:
- https://dawnrising.org
- https://project-be-free.com/
- Call 988, the 24/7 crisis line to speak to a trained called receiver for resources and support
- IN DANGER? CALL 911 – police will come
