Kent Police capture 24-time convicted felon in Federal Way

Kent Police captured a 24-time convicted felon on Wednesday morning in Federal Way after searching for the man for the past week.

Jacob Steven Widener, 37, was charged last April with third-degree assault for ramming a police vehicle, attempting to elude and hit and run, according to a Kent Police media release. He served little time and was released very soon after. Once out, Widener committed more crimes that resulted in additional charges against him as well as a $425,000 warrant being issued for his arrest.

Widener was said to be armed with a firearm, and he made it known that he was not going to go down without a fight or would go by suicide by cop, according to the media release.

Through anonymous tips and intel received, investigators learned that Widener was hiding out Wednesday morning at the Days Inn Motel, 34827 Pacific Hwy. S., in Federal Way. Just as officers were moving in on him, Widener spotted them and took off on foot wherein a brief foot pursuit ensued.

Once officers encroached, Widener fled in the nearby wooded area. Widener eventually stopped, but he proceeded to put his hand in his pants in a manner that suggested he was reaching for a weapon. Verbal commands were given to him to show his hands, and he was slow to respond. Finally, once he was surrounded, he surrendered and police took him into custody.

A firearm was located several feet away from Widener.

“This is one of those cases where our officers used great restraint when deadly force would have been completely justified,” Kent Police Chief Ken Thomas said. “This could have been a totally different outcome. I am very proud of the officer’s professionalism.”

“Thanks to the tipsters and great police work, Widener is off the streets and our community is safer because of it,” said Detective Melanie Robinson.

Jacob Widener.