t

Investigation continues after Kent police shoot saw-wielding man

The Auburn Police Department released new details regarding a shooting by the Kent Police Department that resulted in the death of a 52-year-old man.

The Auburn Police Department currently leads the Valley Independent Investigative Team investigation of the incident.

Kent police killed Dylan Wallace on April 18 after dispatching to the 12200 block of Southeast 259th Place for a report of a verbal dispute.

A news release on April 26 from the Auburn Police Department confirmed officers shot Wallace, calling the incident an “officer involved shooting … resulting in the death of … Wallace.”

Wallace died as a result of multiple gunshot wounds, according to the King County Medical Examiner’s Office.

According to the Auburn Police Department, Kent patrol officers responded to a home in Kent after a woman called to report her roommate, Wallace, refused to leave the residence. The woman described Wallace as intoxicated and acting erratically, ingesting and pouring gasoline on himself.

According to the department, the man armed himself with a Ryobi circular saw after officers contacted him. Officers attempted de-escalation tactics and less lethal measures, distancing themselves from the man.

According to the April 26 news release, Wallace actively squeezed the trigger on the saw, resulting in the blade spinning as he advanced on officers.

Officers used lethal force after the man advanced on the officers with the saw, according to the previous news release.

Both news releases provide no specific details regarding what de-escalation tactics and less lethal measures officers used, nor any details regarding the shooting itself.

Wallace died at the scene after first responders attempted lifesaving measures, according to the previous news release.

Investigators await autopsy, toxicology and ballistics results from the crime lab.

The Valley Independent Investigative Team serves as a seven-agency investigative unit of police departments from Auburn, Des Moines, Federal Way, Kent, the Port of Seattle, Tukwila and Renton tasked with investigating officer-involved shootings. As the April 18 shooting involved Kent patrol officers, the team has excluded all Kent Police Department staff from participating in the investigation.


Talk to us

Please share your story tips by emailing editor@kentreporter.com.

To share your opinion for publication, submit a letter through our website https://www.kentreporter.com/submit-letter/. Include your name, address and daytime phone number. (We’ll only publish your name and hometown.) Please keep letters to 300 words or less.

More in News

t
33rd Legislative District sets Telephone Town Hall for April 29

District includes part of Kent; call hosted by Sen. Orwall and State Reps. Gregerson and Obras

Kent Police officers will carry the latest Taser 10 model produced by Axon Enterprises. The gun can fire more shots and at a longer distance than the older model. COURTESY PHOTO, Axon Enterprises
Kent Police add latest Taser model to officers’ equipment

Taser 10 can shoot more shots at a longer distance; department also adds dash cameras

t
Kent crime numbers drop dramatically in first quarter of 2025

All categories down compared to first three months of 2024; commercial burglaries drop 62%

t
Kent Police arrest man in stolen vehicle after short pursuit

Seattle man, 36, taken into custody April 14 at apartment complex near Kent-Meridian High School

t
Kent church reaches $1 million milestone for assistance program

Kent United Methodist Shared Bread Program helps people pay rent, utilities

Atena, part of a Kent Police K-9 unit, helped locate a man who reportedly fired three to five shots from his motorcycle at another vehicle April 12 in Kent. COURTESY PHOTO, Kent Police
WSP plane, Kent K-9 unit locate man who fired shots at teen

Motorcyclist fled drive-by shooting on West Hill during April 12 incident

A house in Issaquah was damaged by fallen trees during November’s bomb cyclone. (Courtesy of King County Councilmember Sarah Perry’s office)
FEMA denies funds to WA for damage caused by 2024 ‘bomb cyclone’

Gov. Bob Ferguson says federal funds are needed to address $34 million in damage caused by the storm, and that the state will appeal.

Kentwood High School, 25800 164th Ave. SE., in Covington. COURTESY PHOTO, Kent School District
Person who made Kentwood High social media threat tracked down

‘Had no means to carry out the threat,’ according to King County Sheriff’s Office

A man places his ballot into the drop box outside Federal Way City Hall. Bailey Jo Josie/Sound Publishing
SAVE Act could disenfranchise millions of voters

Congressman reports law could cost Washingtonians over $361 million just to register to vote.

t
Judge dismisses petitions to recall 2 Kent School Board members

Group wanted to recall Meghin Margel and Tim Clark

t
Kent Police Blotter: March 25 to April 6

Incidents include attempted bank robbery, cable wire theft, DUI arrest, parking lot robbery

Courtesy Photo, Kent Police
New 3-year contract gives Kent Police officers pay boost

Hikes of 16% and 17% in 2025 compared to 2022; beginning salary at $96,306 with annual increases