t

Kent Police fatally shoot man armed with circular saw on East Hill

Officers responded to domestic dispute call Tuesday afternoon

Kent Police fatally shot a 52-year-old man armed with a circular saw after responding to a verbal domestic dispute between the man and a female.

Officers responded at about 1:55 p.m. Tuesday, April 18 to the 12200 block of SE 259th Place on the East Hill and were advised by the 911 caller that the man was refusing to leave, acting erratically and was believed to be intoxicated, according to a Kent Police statement. The caller also relayed that the man was drinking gasoline and pouring in onto himself.

Initial information from a witness indicates that officers made contact with the man, who had reportedly armed himself with a circular saw, according to police. Officers attempted to back away from the man and use less-lethal measures to stop him, but this did not work.

Moments later, officers fired shots at the man.

Officers immediately performed lifesaving aid and were assisted by Puget Sound Fire personnel. Despite their efforts, the man did not survive.

Kent Police Chief Rafael Padilla called in the Valley Independent Investigative Team (composed of police personnel from Auburn, Des Moines, Federal Way, Kent, Renton, Port of Seattle and Tukwila) to investigate the shooting. Kent Police will not be part of the investigation.

The involved officers will be placed on administrative leave, which is standard protocol. Kent Police did not release how many officers fired shots.

Editor’s note: This story was updated with the address of the incident.


Talk to us

Please share your story tips by emailing editor@kentreporter.com.

To share your opinion for publication, submit a letter through our website https://www.kentreporter.com/submit-letter/. Include your name, address and daytime phone number. (We’ll only publish your name and hometown.) Please keep letters to 300 words or less.

More in News

t
Man fatally shot by Kent Police had high blood alcohol level

Crime lab test results show 0.27 blood concentration level in August 2024 shooting at apartments

Courtesy Photo, City of Kent
Construction set in Kent for 74th Ave. S. and Willis Street

Crews to install traffic islands, curbing at busy intersection

t
Kent Police Blotter: Jan. 26 to Feb. 6

Incidents include vehicle prowls, carjacking arrest, police pursuits, shots fired

Kentlake High School. COURTESY PHOTO, Kent School District
Former Kentlake High School teacher pleads guilty to sex charge

Jesse Webb, 46, pleads guilty to communication with a minor for immoral purposes

t
Kent School Board appoints Teresa Gregory to vacant seat

Gregory selected from among 7 finalists to replace Awale Farah

Karen Keiser. COURTESY PHOTO
Former state Sen. Karen Keiser appointed to state Exchange health board

Health Benefit Exchange formed as part of Affordable Care Act

Crews on the SR 509 Completion Project in south King County install the framework for a new bus stop on SR 516, also known as Kent-Des Moines Road. The SR 509 Completion Project includes new or improved connections to existing transit centers and stops. COURTESY PHOTO, WSDOT
Eastbound SR 516 ramp to I-5 in Kent to close for 4 months

Drivers heading to northbound I-5 will use a temporary left turn lane

Courtesy Photo, King County
Tacoma boy, 17, charged with murder in November 2024 Kent case

Reportedly fired six shots into vehicle that killed 21-year-old SeaTac man on West Hill

t
CW series ‘Police 24/7’ features Kent indecent exposure case

Department also part of future TV episodes after crews responded on calls with police in 2024

t
Kent mobile home park fire displaces 7 people, kills family dog

Cause of accidental fire Feb. 6 in 24400 block of 64th Avenue S. remains under investigation

File Photo
Police arrest man at Kent hotel wanted for Alabama murder

Officers take fugitive into custody Feb. 5 for December 2024 shooting

Courtesy Photo, Kent School District
Seven candidates to interview for Kent School Board vacancy

School Board members scheduled to select replacement at Tuesday night, Feb. 11 special meeting