A 34-year-old Kent man has been arrested in connection with a double shooting that killed two people near Kent’s Panther Lake neighbourhood on East Hill Tuesday night, as the city also dealt with a separate fatal stabbing later that evening.
Officers were called to a home along SE 210th Place at approximately 10:20 p.m. after reports of gunshots. Callers also reported hearing an argument and vehicles speeding away from the area. When Kent police arrived, they found two people with gunshot wounds behind a home and immediately began lifesaving measures. Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority medics relieved officers at the scene, but both victims died from their wounds. The victims, a 25-year-old Seattle resident and a 26-year-old Federal Way resident, are believed to have known the shooter, according to police.
Detectives processed the scene and interviewed witnesses overnight, identifying a suspect and beginning surveillance immediately. With assistance from Tukwila and Auburn Special Investigation Units, the suspect was located in Kent. The Valley SWAT team and negotiators were called in to coordinate a surrender, and the 34-year-old was taken into custody without incident. The arrest was announced Wednesday.
Later Tuesday evening, a fatal stabbing was reported outside the Meeker Street Bar and Grill, approximately six miles from the shooting scene. Police confirmed the two incidents are unrelated.
Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call the Kent Police Tip Line at 253-856-5808 or email KPDTipLine@kentwa.gov. Those with time-sensitive information should contact the non-emergency dispatch line at 253-852-2121.
