From our sister site ILoveKent.net:
A 20-year-old Kent man suspected in multiple shootings and an armed robbery died Wednesday, Aug. 5 from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound as police attempted to arrest him, according to the Kent Police Department.
Police said detectives were trying to locate the man in connection with an April 24 armed robbery and shooting in Kent. Investigators also believed he was involved in a drive-by shooting Tuesday at the Walmart on South Union Avenue in Tacoma.
In the Tacoma incident, police said Tacoma officers were attempting to arrest a shoplifting suspect when people inside a vehicle fired multiple rounds at them.
Tacoma detectives, who had been investigating that shooting overnight, coordinated with Kent detectives. Through the joint investigation, detectives determined both agencies were looking for the same suspect, Kent Police said.
Kent detectives found the suspect at a residence in the 13900 block of South 259th Place in Kent (map below). Patrol officers established a perimeter while negotiators worked to get him to surrender peacefully.
Police said negotiators reached the suspect by phone and convinced him and two family members to leave the home. As they came outside, police said, the suspect suddenly turned around, ran back inside and locked the door.
The family members were safely moved away from the residence. Police said negotiators repeatedly tried to re-establish communication, but the suspect did not respond. A short time later, officers heard what they believed was a single gunshot from inside the home.
Because the suspect was believed to be involved in two shootings and an armed robbery, the Valley SWAT Team was called to assist, police said. After additional attempts to contact the suspect failed and an arrest warrant was obtained, SWAT personnel breached the front door and deployed a drone inside the home.
The suspect was found unconscious and unresponsive in a bedroom with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to police. Officers began medical aid, but King County Medic One pronounced him dead at the scene.
Kent detectives are continuing to investigate. The King County Medical Examiner’s Office will release the victim’s identity and determine the official cause and manner of death.
“Our officers, detectives, negotiators, and the Valley SWAT Team approached this incident with one goal, to safely take a dangerous suspect into custody peacefully,” Chief Rafael Padilla said. “While today’s incident did not end as anyone had hoped, I am grateful that no other people were physically harmed.”
Padilla said detectives will continue working to complete the investigation for the shooting victims and the suspect’s family. He also thanked the Tacoma Police Department, saying its work and collaboration were “instrumental in locating this suspect.”
