Kent Police arrested a 26-year-old man on Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2024, in connection with a violent assault on a woman near 1000 Central Ave N. (map below).
The arrest follows a swift investigation by Kent detectives and officers that culminated in the suspect’s capture at the Kent Transit Center just two days after the attack.
The assault occurred on the morning of Sept. 15, when a 29-year-old female Kent resident was attacked from behind by a larger male assailant. The suspect dragged the victim into nearby bushes, where he strangled her until she lost consciousness. Upon regaining consciousness, the victim found herself being sexually assaulted. Courageously, she fought back and managed to escape.
The victim was treated at Harborview Medical Center and has since been released.
On Sept. 16, detectives from Kent’s Major Crimes Unit, Homicide and Violent Crimes Unit, and Special Assault Unit began canvassing the area for surveillance footage. Their efforts produced clear images of the suspect, which were shared with Kent Patrol Officers.
On Sept. 17, a sergeant from Kent PD’s newly established Crime Reduction Unit (CRU) located the suspect near the Kent Transit Center. Still wearing the same clothes and shoes from the attack, the suspect was detained within 20 minutes. During a subsequent interview, the suspect confessed to the assault after being read his Miranda rights. He has since been booked into custody.
“This arrest underscores the outstanding collaboration between detectives, patrol officers, and the Crime Reduction Unit,” police said in a statement. “Their swift and coordinated efforts brought this case to a quick resolution, removing an ongoing threat to public safety.”
The Kent Police Department also extended thanks to the community for its vigilance and support throughout the investigation.
“We would like to extend our appreciation to the community for their continued vigilance and support during our investigations,” police said. “We could not do the work we do without you.”