Kent Police chief awards three residents for their bravery

Several residents were recently recognized by Kent Police Chief Rafael Padilla with awards for their bravery and being a good Samaritan.

Padilla gave out the honors during the Dec. 14 City Council meeting.

Dustin Everett, a security officer at the Alvista 240 Apartments, was awarded the Chief’s Award for Citizen Commendation for assistance he gave to apprehend a potentially violent suspect. On Sept. 16, officers responded to an alleged assault in progress at Alvista 240. The suspect fled on foot while being questioned by a Kent Police Department officer.

A Kent officer pursued the suspect and deployed his Taser twice, which was ineffective. The suspect turned around to confront the officer and was surprised to see Everett there as well.

Officers later learned the suspect had a felony assault warrant for his arrest. Everett is being commended for his bravery in assisting the officer with the arrest of this repeat offender as police believe he would have likely tried to fight if he was not outnumbered.

Brian Yeater was also given the Chief’s Award for Citizen Commendation from Padilla.

On Sept. 12, a suspect had been trying to carjack and rob residents in Kent. At one point, Yeater was approached by the suspect and was held at gunpoint while the suspect demanded his keys. According to police, Yeater was able to hold off the suspect with the help of another citizen until police arrived. Sometime during the struggle, Yeater was able to retrieve the gun and throw it away from the suspect.

“Mr. Yeater is being commended for his bravery while being held up. Because of his actions, officers were able to safely detain and arrest the suspect with no further risk to the Kent community,” said Kent Police in a written statement.

Clarence Tewasiliyaro was awarded the Chief’s Award of Valor for his heroics. On Sept. 17, a suspect attempted to carjack and rob three residents in Kent, and Tewasiliyaro was one of those citizens, according to police.

The suspect entered the cab of Tewasiliyaro’s truck while he was putting air in his tire. Tewasiliyaro told the suspect to get out of his truck and the suspect pointed a gun in his face and demanded his keys.

Police say Tewasiliyaro yelled for someone to call 911 and then pulled the suspect out of his truck. The suspect then tried to carjack another driver. That driver and Tewasiliyaro tackled the suspect, disarmed him, and held him until police arrived.

“Mr. Tewasiliyaro is being commended for his bravery as he selflessly came to the aid of a citizen even after being victimized himself moments prior. Because of his actions, officers were able to safely detain and arrest the suspect with no further risk to the Kent community,” Kent Police said in a written statement.