t

Slow, swerving driver in Kent leads to DUI arrest by police

Auburn woman, 55, eventually stopped by officers trying to enter Highway 167

Even a slow-moving vehicle can catch the attention of a Kent Police officer, especially when it’s reportedly swerving dangerously all over the road.

At about 6:30 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 24, an officer was patrolling the East Hill around 104th Avenue SE and SE 240th Street when he saw a full-sized truck driving slowly in the center lane, according to a Sept. 27 Kent Police statement. The truck was repeatedly weaving into oncoming lanes, then coming back, according to police. The officer attempted to pull the truck over.

“This is where it gets a bit unusual,” according to police. “The driver didn’t want to stop, and continued to slowly drive around the East Hill at about 25 mph. The truck stopped twice in different locations, only to drive off again when the officer tried to make contact. Now additional officers had arrived to assist, trying to pin the vehicle into place. No such luck.”

Eventually, according to police, the driver tried to access Highway 167 and was in a section of the road where the officer could safely perform a PIT (precision immobilization technique) maneuver to stop the vehicle. It worked, but the driver, a 55-year-old Auburn woman, was undeterred.

The woman reportedly pointed something at the officer that looked very similar to a pistol and declared they would have to kill her. She jogged away from the vehicle and again pointed the pistol-looking object at the officers.

“Despite this clear attempt at scaring them away, she was assisted to the ground from behind once several officers were able to surround her,” according to police. “She resisted, but was placed into cuffs. Due to her behavior, she was evaluated by PSRFA (Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority) and deemed OK.”

The object? A collection of items formed into the shape of pistol, according to police.

In addition to her current arrest for investigation of DUI, she was also arrested for an outstanding King County Sheriff’s Office DUI warrant for $10,000, and for driving on a suspended second license.


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

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

t
Kent man, 24, identified in city’s first homicide of 2025

Elijah J. Oceguera Bestgen fatally shot Feb. 7 in wooded area along Lake Fenwick Road South

t
Cancer Center is open and ready to serve South King County

Cancer patients can now receive treatment at the Valley Medical Center in Renton.

t
Kent officers part of CW ‘Police 24/7’ episode Thursday night, Feb. 6

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

An Amtrak train in Kent. FILE PHOTO, STEVE HUNTER, Kent Reporter
Pedestrian, 30, dies in Kent collision with Amtrak train | Update

Medical examiner identifies Kent man struck Wednesday evening, Feb. 5 near East Titus Street

t
NTSB rules pilot lost control in 2023 Kent small plane crash

Pilot and passenger were injured; pilot flew without receiving training in plane model’s operation

Courtesy Photo, King County
Man receives 35-year sentence for 2021 Kent killing of mother

Duane Bates borrowed pipe wrench from neighbor in beating death and later returned it