Kent Police arrest man who fired shots at another man on West Hill

Kent Police arrested a 36-year-old Seattle man for reportedly shooting at a 20-year-old Kent man early Friday morning, Jan. 24 on the West Hill.

The man reportedly fired multiple shots but did not hit the man, according to a Jan. 24 Kent Police news release. Officers responded at about 2:15 a.m. to reports of multiple gunshots near the 23800 block of Pacific Highway South.

Officers quickly saturated the area and could hear ongoing gunshots, emanating from the Highline Apartment Complex, 23820 30th Ave. S. During their search, officers located one man, who was later reportedly determined to be the shooter, hiding in bushes at the apartment complex, according to police. They also located a second man, who was later determined to be the victim.

A K-9 unit was brought in to conduct a search for the firearm used, which had been discarded by the suspect. The K-9 unit was successful in locating a handgun near the location of the shooting that is believed to have been used by the suspect, according to police. Officers also worked to confirm that no one else had been struck by the numerous gunshots fired.

“I am grateful that community members stepped up and provided the officers the information they needed to safely respond and intervene in what could have a tragic loss of life,” Kent Police Chief Rafael Padilla said. “I am also incredibly proud of the courage and professionalism of our officers, who brought this incident to a safe resolution.”

Officers booked the Seattle man into the Maleng Regional Justice Center in Kent for investigation of first-degree assault and unlawful possession of a firearm.

Detectives continue to investigate the case, including trying to determine a motive for the shooting, according to police.