A fatal Saturday morning incident is being investigated by the Kent Police Department (KPD).
Fatal Kent Crash: Stolen Truck and Excavator Involved in Irresponsible Incident, Suspect Evades Pursuit
A stolen truck with an excavator trailer was involved. The truck driver was irresponsible on South 234th Street in Kent around 7 a.m. An extended truck boom arm hit a stop sign. Despite his erratic driving, officers did not pursue the subject per state law.
After that, the trailer and excavator detached from the vehicle. The driver briefly left but returned and fled. Due to present laws, police did not pursue the suspect again. Only violent or sex crimes, vehicular assault, escape, DUI, or domestic violence warrant pursuits.
Officers found a 29-year-old Kent male with severe injuries at the crash site, presumably from being on the trailer or excavator during the rollover. Despite CPR and medical assistance, the person died of “massive head and chest injuries.”
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Kent Police Hunt for Culprit in Stolen Truck Fatality
The incident truck was abandoned around 116th Avenue and SE 208th Street in Kent. Further investigation found that the truck, trailer, and excavator had been stolen in Kent earlier that Saturday.
King County K9 and drone teams failed to find the suspect. The agency described the man as a 25- to 30-year-old man, 5’8″ to 5’10”, weighing 170 pounds. A high-visibility vest or jacket was last spotted on the suspect.
This tragedy shows how difficult it is for law enforcement to pursue criminals under current laws. The theft of a vehicle and fatal crash highlighted police pursuit restrictions for public safety. The KPD is investigating the fatality to find the culprit who stole the truck and killed the victim.
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