A 45-year-old Kent man was arrested early Monday, Mar. 23 after leading police on a brief pursuit and resisting arrest while carrying a loaded handgun and illegal drugs, according to the Kent Police Department.

Patrol Officer Flowers spotted a speeding and recklessly driven vehicle around 1:38 a.m. on State Avenue and attempted to stop the driver as he traveled westbound on East Smith Street. Police said the driver accelerated away, refusing to stop as the pursuit continued toward Kent’s West Hill.

Officers anticipated the driver would attempt to access I-5 and positioned accordingly. As the vehicle, identified as a Saturn Aura, turned northbound, Officer Flowers used a PIT maneuver to stop it, bringing the car to a halt against a curb, police said.

The suspect exited the vehicle before it fully stopped and acted aggressively, screaming and refusing repeated commands from officers. Police said he took a fighting stance and appeared ready to flee while wearing a backpack that raised concerns he could have access to a weapon.

After multiple attempts to gain compliance, officers deployed a Taser. The suspect continued to resist before being taken into custody. He was placed in a recovery position and evaluated at the scene by Puget Sound Fire personnel before being cleared for booking, according to police.

Investigators said the suspect’s backpack contained a loaded Glock 40 handgun with an extended high capacity magazine, along with numerous small bags of drugs, including an estimated 30 to 40 grams of methamphetamine and hundreds of fentanyl pills. Officers also recovered scales and cash in denominations consistent with drug distribution.

Police reported seeing the foregrip of a rifle between the front seats of the vehicle. The car was impounded pending a search warrant to recover additional evidence.

Due to prior felony convictions, the suspect faces charges including unlawful possession of a firearm, attempting to elude and intent to distribute narcotics. Additional charges could be filed if the firearms are determined to be stolen, police said.

A passenger in the vehicle, identified as a 47-year-old Kent man, was arrested on an Auburn warrant for possession of a controlled substance and reckless burning.

One officer sustained minor injuries, including scrapes and a pulled shoulder, during the arrest, according to police.

“Great teamwork on this call, which resulted in some scrapes and a pulled shoulder to one of the arresting officers,” police said in a statement. “We are thankful that with the presence of two guns and a very agitated suspect, the injuries were not more severe.”