A Kent Police officer on routine patrol recovered a stolen vehicle and arrested a Tukwila suspect who attempted to flee on Friday afternoon, Aug. 16, 2024.

Police said that at around 4:45 p.m., Officer Bertolacci was flagged down by a passerby near W. Gowe Street and 4th Avenue. The passerby reported a driver passed out in a running Toyota Rav4. Officer Bertolacci approached the vehicle, which had its doors locked and the driver with a towel over his head. Suspecting the driver was intoxicated, the officer parked his patrol car in front of the Rav4 to prevent any escape. A check of the vehicle’s VIN revealed it had been stolen from Seattle, and burnt foil in the vehicle indicated recent drug use.

Backup officers, including Sergeants Lontz and Stewart, arrived to assist, pinning the stolen vehicle from the rear with another patrol car and deploying a “Terminator” device designed to flatten the vehicle’s tires. The officers, confident the vehicle was secured, used sirens and a public address system to wake the driver.

The 38-year-old Tukwila man inside initially tried to escape by accelerating forward, but the Terminator device had already flattened the tires. Despite his efforts, officers continued to block his path with their patrol vehicles. After several failed attempts to flee, the suspect exited the car and appeared to search for an on-foot escape route. However, he surrendered after officers issued commands, and he was taken into custody without further incident.

The suspect later claimed to have a medical condition, prompting the arrival of Puget Sound Firefighters. After receiving a clean bill of health, he continued to cooperate.

Police confirmed the man had outstanding warrants from Renton for DUI ($10,000) and from Kirkland for theft ($5,000). He was also found in possession of multiple ID cards that did not belong to him.

Community members praised the officers for their professional response and tactics in resolving the situation.

“We received an ‘attaboy’ from a community member who passed by the scene,” police said. “She praised the Officers for their tactics in arresting the suspect and keeping the community safe. KPD Officers train hard to have these types of outcomes and we agree they did an awesome job.”