Kent police arrest a man for firing shots from inside a vehicle

Kent police arrested a 27-year-old Kent man on charges of reckless endangerment and driving under the influence after he reportedly sped through an apartment complex parking lot while firing a gun from a white Dodge Charger.

According to an Oct. 15 news release from Kent Police, at approximately 2:26 a.m. Monday, Oct. 14, several officers responded to a 911 call in the 24600 block of 64th Avenue South that someone was firing a gun from a car. The caller said the vehicle kept driving away and then coming back into the apartment complex parking lot.

Three officers quickly arrived and found the car pulled in front of an apartment unit but stationary. They noticed the vehicle’s backup and brake lights flashing on and off and observed it lurch forward a short distance and then stop again.

According to police, they strategically prepared to safely alert the suspected armed vehicle occupants and patiently gave them the order to get out. Although the driver, a 27-year-old Kent man, and his girlfriend, a 35-year-old Kent woman, initially failed to comply with commands, they eventually got out and were arrested. Both live in an apartment at the address where the incident occurred.

Officers cleared the vehicle to ensure there were no other suspects inside and reportedly saw a handgun in plain view in the passenger seat. The gun was not in a holster.

According to police, a witness said he saw the car speeding back and forth within the complex and reportedly heard and saw the driver firing the gun from inside. Officers searched the parking lot and were able to locate several bullet casings believed to be related to the incident.

The driver admitted that he had previously drunk and used marijuana. When asked by an officer about the gun firing, the man responded that “things became unclear” without further explanation, police said.

Based on the admission of drug use, an officer executed a search warrant for a blood sample from the driver, which was later approved by a judge. The man was taken to a local hospital for a blood draw and then booked into the Kent City Jail on charges of drunk driving and reckless endangerment. The passenger was released.

The handgun, a 9mm Glock pistol, was taken into evidence along with a loaded magazine and shell casings found on the ground.