Kent Police nab suspect after burglary, vehicle and foot pursuit

A Kent Police sergeant and officer successfully located and arrested a burglary suspect after a pursuit on Sunday morning, July 21. 2024.

Police said that just before 11 a.m., dispatch notified Kent Patrol Officers of a commercial burglary at an East Hill construction site near the 28500 block of 144th Avenue SE. Witnesses reported the suspect’s vehicle, a gray 2007 Toyota Prius, was last seen traveling northbound on 144th Avenue SE.

Sergeant Clay, who was nearby, anticipated the suspect’s escape route and positioned himself accordingly. Shortly after, he spotted the suspect’s vehicle traveling westbound and initiated a pursuit.

Thanks to the recent change in state law, Sergeant Clay was able to pursue, but at the same time was scanning for a safe place to conduct a Pursuit Intervention Technique, (PIT). Officer Green quickly joined him and together they deployed a successful PIT stopping the vehicle, and then pinned the vehicle to keep if from leaving.

The suspect, a 32-year-old Bellevue man, then attempted to flee on foot. Officer Green pursued him, issuing several loud commands to stop.

“As he tried to run away, he yelled back that he was on fentanyl and ‘hated the drug,’ (so do we),” police said.

Given the potential danger of armed suspects, officers took precautions. After multiple warnings, the suspect was tased, taken into custody, and transported to a local hospital as a precaution. He was determined to be uninjured and was later booked into the King County Jail.

The suspect’s vehicle was found to be an unreported stolen car from Issaquah. Inside, officers saw multiple tools and a computer monitor matching the stolen items from the burglary. Video evidence showed the suspect taking the items with an unidentified female accomplice.

The suspect faces charges of burglary, eluding, and possession of a stolen vehicle. The car was sealed and towed, awaiting a judge’s approval for a search warrant.

“Great work all around in locating the fleeing vehicle, ending the pursuit quickly, getting the suspect into custody, and recovering the property. Nicely done, Sgt. Clay and Officer Green,” police said.

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