Teen arrested in stolen vehicle in Kent that was carjacked at gunpoint in Des Moines

Kent Patrol officers arrested a 16-year-old suspect in a stolen vehicle carjacked at gunpoint two days prior in Des Moines. The arrest occurred on Saturday evening after officers located the vehicle in a local apartment complex.

Police said that at approximately 7:21 p.m., officers from Sergeant Clark’s crew were alerted to the presence of a stolen 2019 Honda Accord in the area of 10100 SE 258th (map below). The car had been taken at gunpoint in Des Moines. Officers Blowers and Rankin found the vehicle running and occupied in a parking stall within the complex.

As officers reported their discovery via radio, the suspect noticed their presence and began maneuvering the vehicle in an apparent attempt to escape. Officer Blowers, concerned for the safety of children playing near the entrance, activated his emergency lights. The suspect accelerated, prompting Officer Blowers to pin the vehicle against a wall to prevent a potential reckless flight.

K9 Officer Tudor arrived on the scene with K9 Frank and ordered the suspect to exit the vehicle. Given the original carjacking involved a firearm, officers proceeded with caution. The suspect, a 16-year-old resident of Kent, climbed out through the sunroof and admitted to having a loaded firearm in his pocket. He was taken into custody without further incident after additional officers arrived.

Des Moines officers assisted in processing the vehicle for fingerprints and evidence. The suspect was transported to the Kent jail for booking and then to the Juvenile Detention Center in Seattle, where he was charged with a weapons violation and possession of a stolen vehicle. Further charges related to the original carjacking may follow as Des Moines Police continue their investigation.

“Great teamwork by Sgt. Clark’s crew and Des Moines, WA Police Department,” Kent Police said. “They immediately responded to the area, systematically checked possible hiding spots, acted quickly to the danger the suspect posed to the community, safely took him into custody and protected evidence for processing.”