Suspect hiding in car trunk arrested for organized retail theft in Southcenter District

On Wednesday afternoon, July 3, 2024, at approximately 12:30 p.m., detectives from Tukwila Police Department’s Special Emphasis Unit apprehended a male suspect wanted for multiple counts of organized retail theft totaling over $14,000 from the Southcenter District.

The suspect, who had outstanding warrants for robbery and was also wanted by the Department of Corrections for a previous robbery, was identified through Flock Safety LPR cameras. These cameras alerted detectives when the suspect’s vehicle was in the area.

When detectives attempted to arrest the suspect in the Sound Transit Light Rail parking lot, he fled on foot. SeaTac Police Department, Kent Police Department’s K9 unit, and Guardian One all assisted in the search.

A vigilant Tukwila officer noticed a stopped vehicle whose driver appeared nervous. Upon inquiry, the driver revealed that a man was hiding in the trunk. Officers opened the trunk and detained the 27-year-old Seattle resident without incident.

The suspect was transported to the hospital after claiming to have swallowed fentanyl pills, a common tactic used to avoid jail.

Officers are waiting for the suspect to be medically cleared before he is booked into jail.