A Kent Police officer shot and injured a 55-year-old man reportedly armed with a knife during a confrontation Tuesday night at a West Hill mobile home park.
One shot was fired and the man was struck in the abdominal area, according to a Wednesday email from Renton Police spokeswoman Terri Vickers. Paramedics transported the man to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.
“He underwent surgery (Tuesday) night for internal injuries that do not appear to be life threatening,” Vickers said. “The suspect remains in the hospital.”
Renton Police are investigating the shooting rather than Kent Police because the case involved a Kent officer.
The incident started at about 9:05 p.m. at the Midway Mobile Manor, 24426 Pacific Highway S., according to a Kent Police media release.
Responding officers were dispatched to a disturbance involving a man with a knife. The first officer arrived within minutes to find the suspect standing outside a mobile home near the entrance. That officer attempted contact with the man at which time the suspect retreated into the trailer with the officer in pursuit.
Moments later a second officer arrived to assist with detaining the subject. A confrontation ensued inside the trailer during which time one of the officers discharged his weapon, wounding the suspect. The man was taken into custody without further incident.
Neither officer nor a resident in the trailer was hurt.
“There is a no-contact order between the suspect and the mobile home resident,” Vickers said.
Vickers said the suspect may be a Kent resident, but officers were still working to confirm his residence.
Police had not yet arrested the man Wednesday morning, but possible charges include felony assault and violation of a no-contact order, Vickers said. The ongoing investigation will determine the specific charges.
The two Kent officers have been placed on administrative leave with pay as the investigation moves forward, which is a normal protocol for officer-involved shootings.
The officer who discharged his weapon has worked two years with Kent Police while the second officer has been with the department 11 years, Vickers said.
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