Federal Way man pleads not guilty to Metro bus shooting in Kent

A 22-year-old Federal Way man pleaded not guilty Monday to first-degree assault with a firearm enhancement in connection with an April 20 shooting on a Metro bus in Kent.

Roy Purcell Jackson, Jr., entered the plea at his arraignment at the Norm Maleng Regional Justice Center in Kent. He remains in the Regional Justice Center jail with bail set at $1 million.

If convicted as charged, Jackson faces up to 17 years in prison, according to the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. He is scheduled to return to court June 6 when a trial date could be set or attorneys from either side could ask for more time to prepare the case.

The shooting allegedly occurred because another man partially sat on Jackson’s leg or bumped into him on the bus, according to charging papers filed May 9.

A 24-year-old SeaTac man was critically injured after gunshots were fired on a bus at about 6 p.m. April 20 in the 20600 block of 108th Avenue Southeast.

The SeaTac man was on the bus with three friends when he made his way to the back of the bus where he ended up either bumping into or partially sitting on Jackson’s leg, according to charging papers. The incident led to a brief argument and shots were fired. Jackson then reportedly went to the front of the bus, pointed a gun at the driver and told her to open the door, which the driver did.

Kent Police received anonymous tips that led to the arrest of Jackson, according to charging papers. Police had released photos of a suspect to law enforcement agencies and the media that helped lead to Jackson’s arrest.

Kent Police arrested Jackson May 6 after they were conducting surveillance of a residence in southwest Federal Way according to a Kent Police media release.