A 20-year-old Kent, Washington, man died after reportedly shooting himself while police attempted to arrest him during a lengthy standoff at a residence on the city’s West Hill.
According to Kent Police, detectives located the man while investigating an April armed robbery and shooting in Kent. Investigators also believed he was connected to a drive-by shooting involving Tacoma police officers earlier in the week.
Officers established a perimeter around the home and crisis negotiators successfully convinced the man and two family members to come outside. However, police said the suspect suddenly ran back into the residence and locked the door.
Negotiators repeatedly attempted to re-establish contact, but officers later heard what they believed was a single gunshot from inside the home. The Valley SWAT Team was called to assist with the operation after authorities obtained an arrest warrant.
Police deployed a drone inside the residence after breaching the front door. The drone located the man unconscious in a bedroom with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Officers entered the home and immediately began providing medical aid, but King County Medic One personnel pronounced him dead at the scene.
Authorities continue to investigate the incident. Standard reviews into the police response and the circumstances surrounding the man’s death are expected to be conducted.
Quick Facts
Location: Kent, Washington
Incident: Police standoff ending in an apparent self-inflicted gunshot
Suspect: 20-year-old Kent man
Related Investigations: Armed robbery, shooting and Tacoma drive-by shooting
Emergency Response: Kent Police, Valley SWAT Team and King County Medic One
Status: Investigation ongoing
Tags
Kent Washington, Kent Police, Police Standoff, Washington News, SWAT Response, Crime News, Breaking News, World News