Two Federal Way Public Schools were placed in temporary lockdown Tuesday afternoon as Kent Police responded to shots fired into a house at a nearby neighborhood.
Officers responded at about 11:54 a.m. to a report of gunshots in the 3900 block of South 271st Place, according to an email from Assistant Chief Jarod Kasner.
“A neighbor of the male suspect called 911 and reported that she had several bullets enter her residence, from the south side of her home,” Kasner said. “The bullets narrowly missed all of the occupants that were in the residence. The shots were believed to have come from a neighbor’s residence.”
Officers determined that the shots came from a neighbor’s backyard and likely fired by a 26-year-old man who was still inside the home. Kent Police negotiators and Valley SWAT personnel responded to assist. Negotiators were able to successfully talk the man into surrendering and he was taken into custody without further incident, Kasner said.
“We are very fortunate that this incident did not result in tragedy,” said Police Chief Rafael Padilla. “I am proud of the work done by our officers.”
Officers arrested the man for investigation of second-degree assault.
Totem Middle School, 26630 40th Ave. S., and Star Lake Elementary School, 4014 S 270th St., went into lockdown after Kent Police contacted school officials.
Star Lake Elementary was placed in an external lockdown at approximately 12:17 p.m. due to police activity in the area, according to Kassie Swenson, chief of communications for Federal Way Public Schools. Police lifted the lockdown at approximately 2:25 p.m.
Totem Middle School was placed in an external lockdown at around 12:34 p.m. due to police activity in the area, Swenson said. Police lifted the lockdown for Totem at approximately 2:04 p.m.
“Students and staff were safe at all times and are continuing their day as normal,” Swenson said.
Totem and Star Lake are part of Federal Way Public Schools but each school is in the city of Kent.
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