Judge denies bail reduction, release for man accused of shooting trooper in Kent

Bail remains at $3 million; defense attorney wanted release for drug treatment program

Washington State Patrol Trooper Raymond Seaburg, in the green shirt, at a recent event to honor the Kent Police officers who came to his aid. COURTESY PHOTO, Kent Police

Washington State Patrol Trooper Raymond Seaburg, in the green shirt, at a recent event to honor the Kent Police officers who came to his aid. COURTESY PHOTO, Kent Police

A King County Superior Court judge denied a motion by a defense attorney to reduce bail or release to drug treatment the man accused of shooting and injuring a Washington State Patrol trooper Feb. 16 in Kent.

Jason Joshua Posada, 31, of Federal Way, remained in custody at the King County Correctional Facility in Seattle with bail at $3 million. Prosecutors charged Posada with first-degree assault with a firearm enhancement, first-degree unlawful possession of a firearm and firearm theft, after he reportedly shot and injured Trooper Raymond Seaburg.

Defense attorney Daniel Aisaka requested a bail reduction and release to Judge Johanna Bender during a July 9 court hearing at the Maleng Regional Justice Center in Kent. Aisaka sought to allow Posada to be released for six months of drug treatment at the Union Gospel Mission’s Recovery Program in Seattle, according to court documents.

Prosecutors argued that the bail reduction and release should be denied, according to a King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office spokesperson.

At the initial bail hearing, prosecutors explained the request for $3 million bail.

“High bail is warranted in this matter based on the significant danger to the community,” wrote Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Stephen Herschkowitz in charging documents. “The defendant shot a Washington State Patrol trooper numerous times, stole the trooper’s firearm, and has a violent history in his past.”

Posada has convictions for second-degree robbery, third-degree assault, first-degree theft, possession of a stolen vehicle, attempting to elude a pursuing police vehicle, attempted burglary and being a fugitive from justice.

Seaburg, recovering at home, spoke during the hearing against the bail reduction and release.

“I could’ve died,” said Seaburg, according to a report on king5.com. “They used tourniquets to save me. I was bleeding to death, but they (other officers) saved my life.”

Seaburg is a 21-year veteran with the State Patrol and based out of Enumclaw.

Posada told the judge he asked for the drug treatment program to show the community and the court that he was trying to change his ways, according to king5.com.

In a letter to the judge, the defense team said Posada spent his early years between Burien and Federal Way being raised by his mother and became exposed to drugs as a young boy by his cousins, according to court documents. His mother sent him to his home country of El Salvador to try to set him up for success.

Posada returned to the United States at age 18 and eventually became addicted to meth, heroin and then fentanyl.

“It’s the saddest part of addiction, you try to stay away but the drugs bring you back in,” Posada said in the letter. “I want everyone to know that I don’t want to run from my issues, but I want to give back. I know I’d be expected to work, do community services, chore and I want to build that positivity.”

Posada, who has pleaded not guilty, faces a trial date of Aug. 9, but that date could be pushed out if attorneys ask for more time to prepare the case.

On the night of Feb. 16 in Kent, Seaburg was on patrol when he spotted a possible DUI and speeding vehicle and began to follow it. The vehicle crashed near the intersection of James Street and Washington Avenue. Seaburg notified dispatch the driver fled on foot and he was chasing him, according to Kent Police reports.

Seaburg took Posada to the ground in an apartment parking lot, but Posada reportedly resisted arrest. After a scuffle, Posada reportedly shot Seaburg multiple times. Seaburg remained in the hospital until March 5.


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
Kent mayor highlights new city facilities during annual address

Kent East Hill Operations Center to open later this year; administrative offices to move

Lake Meridian. FILE PHOTO, City of Kent
Kent burglary suspect jumps into Lake Meridian in attempt to flee

Officers catch the 31-year-old man after he left lake and ran through several backyards in March 17 incident

t
Kent City Council plans to establish Stay Out of Drug Areas

Attempt to reduce drug activity in downtown, along Meeker Street corridor and near 104th/240th on East Hill

Courtesy Photo, King County
Tacoma man charged with kidnapping girlfriend in Kent

Reportedly forced her into vehicle outside bar along Washington Avenue North

t
One year later: Remembering those lost in high-speed crash near Fairwood

In memory of Andrea Hudson, Buster Brown, Matilda Wilcoxson and Eloise Wilcoxson

t
Two Kent School Board members could face recall

Board controversy erupts about paying for legal defense of Meghin Margel and Tim Clark.

t
Fire damages Morrill Meadows Park playground in Kent

Parks director: ‘To see something built for inclusivity and joy targeted like this is especially disheartening’

t
Kent Police arrest man for allegedly kidnapping girlfriend

Witnesses reportedly saw the man dragging the woman into a vehicle during March 14 incident

Maleng Regional Justice Center in Kent. FILE PHOTO
Auburn man sentenced for May 2024 Kent vehicular homicide

Drove a Tesla at high speed after drinking alcohol at a Mariners game; receives sentence of 40 months

t
Kent fire burns more than 100 vehicles at wrecking yard

Crews spent about seven hours extinguishing fire that broke out early Sunday, March 16

Courtesy Photo, State of Washington
City of Kent fails to get state support for sales tax hike

Two measures backed by city leaders to raise revenue for more police don’t advance out of committees

Courtesy Photo, King County
Two men face murder charges in 2024 Covington shooting

Incident reportedly started over a stolen bong; 18-year-old man fatally shot