One male attacked another male with a machete early Saturday afternoon, March 12 at the popular Kent Station Shopping Center.
“There was an assault near the public restroom on the east side of Kent Station,” Kent Police Chief Rafael Padilla said in a March 14 email. “One male assaulted another male, slashing him several times with a machete.”
Kent officers responded at about 1:10 p.m. and began medical aid to the victim, who was later transported to a hospital for treatment, Padilla said. At last check the victim was in stable condition.
“It was a bloody crime scene,” said one person, who was at the shopping center when all of the police units responded, to the Kent Reporter. “There was blood all over the sidewalk.”
Police took a male into custody for assault.
“Security camera video helped in identifying the suspect,” Padilla said. “We have arrested the lone male suspect and expect charges to be filed soon.”
Padilla said detectives are investigating to determine the motive for the assault. Padilla did not release the ages or hometowns of the males involved.
Police also have met with Sumner-based Tarragon Property Services, which manages Kent Station, to make sure people are safe at the shopping center, 417 Ramsay Way.
“We are working with the Kent Station Management on an ongoing basis to ensure Kent Station remains a safe place for shopping, dining and entertainment,” Padilla said.
John Hinds, Kent Station general manager, released a statement when asked for comment about the incident and potential measures to improve safety at the shopping center.
“This issue is a Kent police matter and we defer to them for information about it,” Hinds said.
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