Kent Police officers apprehended two felony suspects within a span of just two hours on Wednesday, October. 30, 2024, exemplifying the proactive policing efforts officers say are aimed at keeping dangerous individuals off the streets.

In the first incident, Kent Police Officer Fry was patrolling the area of Central Avenue and Pioneer Street when he spotted an unlicensed Chevrolet Trail Blazer. When the driver noticed the patrol car, she accelerated northbound on Central, sparking a brief pursuit. Officer Fry, suspecting the vehicle might be involved in criminal activity, pursued and conducted a precision immobilization technique (PIT) maneuver to stop the car.

The 30-year-old driver from Lakewood, who had outstanding warrants and lacked a valid driver’s license, was taken into custody without further incident. Due to an existing medical condition, she could not be booked at the time; however, she now faces charges including Attempting to Elude a Police Vehicle, Reckless Endangerment, Driving with a Suspended License, Bail Jumping, and Possession of an Illegal Narcotic. Additional charges for unlawful imprisonment were added, as the passengers reportedly urged the driver to stop, which she refused to do. The vehicle was impounded.

Approximately two hours later, Officer Steiner reported a stolen Mini Cooper traveling westbound on Willis Street. K-9 Officer Tudor quickly joined the pursuit, which led to another failed attempt at evasion. The driver—a 30-year-old Kent man—struggled with the manual transmission and stalled the car, allowing officers to pin it and end the chase. While the passenger attempted to flee, other officers quickly apprehended her.

The male driver was reported to have ignored commands, instead rifling through a backpack, which officers suspected might contain a firearm. K-9 Officer Tudor’s partner, Frank, was deployed to gain compliance, resulting in the man’s immediate surrender. The backpack was seized, pending a search warrant, while narcotics found inside the vehicle were confiscated. The driver is facing charges of Eluding and Driving with a Suspended License (second degree), and additional drug and firearm-related charges are pending. The passenger, a 27-year-old woman from Bellevue, faces an obstruction charge.

Detectives will continue investigating both cases, which officers say underscore the importance of teamwork in law enforcement.

“PSA-If you’re planning to steal a car in Kent, drive a stolen car in Kent, or commit other crimes in a stolen car in Kent…we are paying attention and are good at catching you. Consider a new career,” police said in a statement.

Scott Schaefer

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