A hit-and-run driver was arrested thanks to a quick-thinking couple on Tuesday afternoon, Sept. 10, 2024, following a collision in Kent’s East Hill neighborhood.

Police said that Kent Patrol Officer Lam responded to a 911 call at 4:23 p.m. reporting a hit-and-run involving an occupied vehicle at the intersection of 124th Avenue SE and SE 280th Street (map below).

According to police, the driver of a 1997 Ford Ranger rear-ended a gray Mazda before fleeing the scene when the occupants attempted to exchange information.

The victims, a couple in their 30s from Auburn, began following the suspect vehicle and provided dispatchers with a description of the truck, the license plate number, and the driver’s appearance.

Officer Lam arrived in the area within minutes and found the victims a few blocks from the crash site. As Puget Sound Firefighters assessed the couple for injuries, they provided critical information that was broadcast to other officers in the area. Soon after, Kent Patrol Officers located the suspect’s unoccupied vehicle in a nearby store parking lot.

Shortly after officers arrived at the parking lot, the suspect—a 55-year-old man from Kent’s East Hill—exited the store and was detained. The victims positively identified him as the driver involved in the hit-and-run. The suspect was arrested and booked into SCORE jail on felony hit-and-run charges.

The Kent Police Department praised the victims for their calm demeanor and ability to provide detailed information, which helped officers quickly apprehend the suspect.

“The victims in this incident did a great job of remaining calm and reporting critical information to the dispatcher and first Patrol Officer on scene,” police said “Without their cool heads, the suspect would have been very difficult to identify.

“Kudos to the Officers who seamlessly worked together to get this careless driver off our streets. Nice work!”

No serious injuries were reported from the crash, and the investigation is ongoing.

Questions about what you are legally required to do if you’re involved in an accident? Check out https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=46.52.030

rresIn an accident with injuries, DUI, high property damage, hit and run? CALL 911.

Scott Schaefer

Founder/Publisher/Editor. Three-time National Emmy Award winning Writer (“Bill Nye the Science Guy”), Director, Producer, Journalist and more...