KENT, Wash. — A man is in custody after allegedly chasing and shooting at a teenage driver late Saturday night, following a disturbing encounter in a quiet Kent neighborhood.
According to Kent Police, the incident occurred around 11:30 p.m. on April 12 near 34th Avenue South, just blocks from West Fenwick Park. Officers responded to reports of gunfire from a moving vehicle.
The victim, a 16-year-old Kent resident, told officers he was driving home when a motorcycle traveling in the opposite direction suddenly made a U-turn and began following him. As the teen parked near his home, the motorcyclist stopped nearby and reportedly aimed a handgun—equipped with a laser sight—at the vehicle.
Fearing for his life, the teen quickly reversed and drove north on Military Road. Police say the suspect followed and fired several rounds—between three and five—striking the teen’s vehicle. Fortunately, the young driver was not hurt. However, stray bullets hit a neighbor’s house and another vehicle parked nearby.
Kent Police, with help from multiple officers and the Washington State Patrol’s aerial support unit “Smokey,” launched an extensive manhunt. The suspect was tracked to the 116th Avenue Southeast area, where he abandoned his motorcycle and attempted to flee on foot.
Officers set up a perimeter to contain the area while a K9 unit was deployed. The 38-year-old suspect, a Kent resident, was found hiding in a wooded section off the trail and taken into custody without further resistance.
Police recovered a distinctive motorcycle helmet and a loaded semi-automatic .45 caliber handgun believed to be used in the shooting. The motorcycle, which was registered in the suspect’s name, was impounded.
The suspect was booked into jail for first-degree assault. Authorities continue to investigate the motive behind the shooting.
