WSP trooper shot multiple times during Kent traffic stop, suspect in custody

Kent, Wash. — A man is in custody after allegedly shooting a Washington State Patrol (WSP) trooper in the leg multiple times during a traffic stop attempt in Kent Friday evening.

Kent Police Department (KPD) Chief Rafael Padilla said a trooper attempted to make a traffic stop of a suspected DUI driver just after 11 p.m. at Willis St and Washington Ave. The suspect fled and crashed into another vehicle at W James St and Washington Ave N, according to Padilla.

After crashing, the suspect ran on foot and the trooper ran after him near the Driftwood apartments in Kent, which is where the suspect shot at the trooper, according to KPD.

“The trooper relayed on the radio that he is in foot pursuit with the suspect, fled from the vehicle, and shortly after that announced on the radio that he had been shot," said Padilla.

The injured trooper radioed that he'd been shot and KPD responded to the scene. Officials said the trooper was taken to Harborview Medical Center. According to WSP Captain Ron Mead, the 21-year veteran trooper was in serious condition, but Harborview Medical Center said he's in the ICU with non-life threatening injuries. He is expected to recover fully.

WSP also said the trooper was working on emphasis patrol for freeway shootings when he tried stopping the driver for a suspected DUI.

"The violence we're seeing not only on highways but in general is alarming. and grateful that the troopers injuries while serious, aren't any worse than they are," said Mead.

Multiple agencies, K-9 units, and air support searched the area and found the suspected shooter. Police said he was taken into custody with minor injuries.

According to the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office on Monday, the suspect is being held in the King County jail for a separate no-bail Department of Corrections warrant. Prosecutors are awaiting the necessary paperwork from police to make a charging decision in this most recent incident.

KPD is the investigating agency on this officer-involved shooting.