Authorities in Kent say 51-year-old Avon Cobb, who was wanted in connection with a domestic violence case involving a firearm, appears to have fled the area after evading police during a standoff earlier this month.
On April 8, Cobb allegedly fled from a domestic violence incident at an apartment in Kent and was later tracked to Zanadu Studios, a music and events venue in Auburn that he co-manages with his wife, Marlene Cobb. A standoff ensued after police surrounded the building with the assistance of Valley SWAT, but it ended in confusion and destruction when a fire broke out at the location.
Initially, authorities believed Cobb might have perished in the fire. However, after the blaze was extinguished by Valley Regional Fire Authority, no body was found inside. It was later determined that Cobb had managed to exit the building during the incident without being noticed.
Kent Police are now seeking Cobb on probable cause for domestic violence assault with a firearm and for eluding police. “We don’t have a confirmed location for him,” said Assistant Chief Jarod Kasner in an email on April 21. “We believe he has left the area.”
The cause of the fire remains under investigation, but initial assessments suggest that a flashbang device used by officers may have ignited it. “It appears the noise device was the likely cause,” Kasner stated. A formal report on the incident is still pending review.
The incident caused serious damage to Zanadu Studios, which has since been declared a total loss. Marlene Cobb, who was reportedly the victim in the domestic violence case, reached out to local news outlets, expressing concerns about how the situation was handled. She suggested that police may be responsible for the fire, citing preliminary findings.
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As the investigation continues, the Kent Police Department urges anyone with information about Cobb’s whereabouts to contact their tip line at 253-856-5808 or email [email protected].
Community Impact and Fundraising Efforts
In the wake of the fire, a GoFundMe campaign was launched by Marlene Cobb to support the now-destroyed Zanadu Studios. In the post, she described the venue as a “creative and cultural hub” that hosted artists such as Ne-Yo, Suga Free, and Joseline’s Cabaret. The business aimed to create an inclusive space for BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities in the South End.
Tragically, the fire also claimed the life of the family’s dog, Tigger.
The loss of the venue has left several employees and contract workers without jobs—including managers, bar staff, facility workers, and administrative staff. Many are ineligible for unemployment benefits, further compounding the financial strain.
“Local promoters are struggling to find alternative spaces, and our ability to serve the community has come to an abrupt stop,” reads the fundraising message. The campaign also aims to help neighboring business Upholstery Northwest, which lost equipment and inventory in the fire and now needs a new location.
As of April 21, the GoFundMe campaign had raised $415 from 11 donors toward a goal of $50,000.
“Zanadu Studios may be gone, but the spirit it fostered is very much alive,” the post concludes. “Now is the time to rally for the people who brought us unforgettable moments, music, and joy.”
