Des Moines, WA – Three suspects were arrested late Wednesday night after a stolen vehicle was recovered following a police pursuit in Des Moines, Washington. Authorities say the incident involved a car reportedly taken during a carjacking earlier that morning, and the pursuit ended with the vehicle crashing in neighboring Kent.
Stolen Vehicle Alert Triggers Pursuit
According to local police, the chase began after officers received an alert from a Flock automated license plate reader on Nov. 5. The alert flagged a vehicle that had been reported stolen during a carjacking earlier the same morning.
Officers quickly located the stolen car near S 220th Street and Pacific Highway S. The driver of the vehicle attempted to flee, prompting a brief police pursuit. While the pursuit was short-lived, it ended dramatically when the car crashed within Kent city limits, forcing the suspects to abandon the vehicle and flee on foot.
K9 Units Assist in Suspect Search
Upon learning of the crash, Kent Police officers arrived to help secure the area, while a K9 unit from Auburn was deployed to track down the fleeing suspects. Using specialized training, the K9 team quickly located the three individuals hiding under a nearby boardwalk. All three suspects were taken into custody without further incident, per reports.
Authorities later recovered four firearms from the suspects, adding to the severity of the case and prompting a criminal investigation. Police have not yet released the names or ages of the suspects due to ongoing investigations.
Public Safety and Community Response
This incident underscores the dangers posed by stolen vehicles and the importance of rapid police response. Law enforcement officials emphasized the role of technology, such as automated license plate readers, in identifying stolen cars quickly and preventing potential harm to the public.
Residents in the area expressed relief that the situation was contained without injury. Police remind the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity immediately, particularly when it involves stolen vehicles or suspected criminal behavior.
Investigation Ongoing
The Des Moines Police Department, in coordination with Kent Police and the Auburn K9 unit, are leading the ongoing investigation into the carjacking, stolen vehicle, and weapons possession. Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage, witness statements, and other evidence to determine whether additional charges may be filed against the suspects.
Law enforcement officials also stressed that public cooperation is critical in solving crimes like these. They encourage community members to report any information that could help track stolen vehicles or apprehend suspects in similar cases.
What do you think about the role of technology and K9 units in solving crimes? Share your opinion in the comments below and join the conversation on keeping your community safe.
