Kent Police arrested a 26-year-old Auburn man for investigation of eluding after a pursuit that began in the Valley and ended a few miles later along Pacific Highway South in Federal Way, just south of Kent.
A Kent officer on patrol at about 2:50 a.m. Sept. 2 spotted a blue Volkswager Jetta traveling on West Meeker Street missing a plate, according to a Sept. 5 Kent Police social media post.
When the officer passed the car, the driver reportedly tried to hide his face. Two passengers were in the car. The officer through research discovered it might be the same car reportedly involved in a Tukwila incident where a male and a female occupant allegedly pulled a gun on a security officer near the Westfield Southcenter mall, according to police. The car had recently been sold to an Auburn man.
The officer requested backup due to the multiple occupants and the possible presence of a gun in the car. Officers activated their emergency gear, but the driver took off. Several officers from neighboring agencies overheard the pursuit and responded to the area to lay down spike strips and offer backup.
The driver made several evasive maneuvers to avoid spike strips and other attempts to bring his fleeing vehicle to a stop, according to police. The driver failed to dodge one set of spike strips near Pacific Highway South and 16th Avenue South in Federal Way, and his tires began to deflate.
At this point the lead officer in the pursuit was able to perform a pursuit intervention technique (PIT) maneuver on the suspect vehicle causing it to stop, according to police.
The Auburn man, and his two passengers, surrendered without further issue. A BB gun that looked like a realistic firearm was located in the vehicle.
The suspect was identified and arrested for investigation of eluding and a $5,100 warrant for an Auburn domestic violence reckless endangerment warrant. His identity and those of his passengers were shared with Tukwila Police for further investigation on its case.
A search warrant was later executed on the car where investigators reportedly discovered a homemade pipe bomb. The device was disposed of by the Seattle Bomb Unit.
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