Kent Police arrested four men for investigation of drug possession, violation of the city’s Stay Out of Drug Areas (SODA) and other violations.
An officer responded at about 3:45 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28 after a 911 call about a large group of adults openly using drugs at Kaibara Park, near West Meeker Street and First Avenue North, just east of the Kent Library, according to an Oct., 29 Kent Police Facebook post. The location has been a source of drug calls and associated issues in the past, according to police.
An officer arrived and noticed about 15 people who reportedly were using drugs in plain view. The officer requested assistance from more officers. The officers told the group they were not free to leave, and the majority complied, according to police.
A Seattle man, 28, attempted to leave the park after he stuffed something into his backpack, but other officers stopped him. Officers arrested the man for investigation of possession of methamphetamine and obstructing a criminal investigation.
Officers arrested a 30-year-old Enumclaw man for investigation of violation of SODA restrictions, possession of meth and multiple Kent warrants. They arrested a Kent man, 36, for investigation of violation of SODA restrictions and possession of meth.
Officers arrested a fourth man for investigation of violation of SODA restrictions and possession of meth. That man reportedly gave a false name before having his fingerprints taken, which revealed he had multiple Kent warrants for previously providing a false name, possession of a controlled substance and a DUI warrant out of Auburn.
Officers booked the four men into the City of Kent Correctional Facility. City prosecutors will file the cases in Kent Municipal Court.
The Kent City Council in April adopted SODA in three areas of town in an effort to reduce drug activity. The zones are downtown, along a portion of West Meeker Street and on the East Hill along 104th Avenue SE/SE 240th Street.
Violation of the SODA order is a gross misdemeanor subject to a maximum penalty of 364 days in jail and/or a $5,000 fine under city code.
Kent Police are asking residents when they see drug activity in the parks to please call to make a report. Depending on the circumstances they can call 911 or the non-emergency dispatch line 253-852-2121.
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