Ex-employee dies after allegedly setting fires, waving gun at Kent workplace

A SWAT team responded to a deadly shooting in Kent Thursday around 10:30 a.m.

Kent officers were dispatched to a warehouse after reports that a recently terminated employee was flashing a gun in their former business, according to the Kent Police Department (KPD). It was also reported that the ex-employee was carrying a gas can while making threats, and later confirmed that multiple fires had been started in the building.

SWAT Team tries to make entry into a building where an Officer involved shooting and fire happened just before 10:30am. There is an active fire and the suspect is believed to still be inside. pic.twitter.com/WIIzlh3u5V

— James L. (@James_KIRORadio) June 5, 2025

Officers arrived and found the 55-year-old suspect inside the warehouse, in the 6600 block of South 216th Street. The man was reported to be “non-compliant and holding a firearm at his side,” KPD stated.

‘Shots fired’ heard on radio in Kent incident

After realizing there were multiple fires, officers withdrew from the building. Shortly after, “shots fired” was heard over the radio. It was previously reported the incident was an officer-involved shooting, but it is not confirmed if it was the officer who fired the shot or the suspect.

Once everyone was evacuated, Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority crews and King County medics were sent to the scene. 

“Due to the heavy smoke and uncertainty about whether active fires remained inside, officers deployed an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to assess the interior,” KPD wrote.

The suspect was then found dead inside the warehouse.

Officers and Puget Sound Fire crews are working to ventilate the building to allow for re-entry. Meanwhile, the Valley Independent Investigation Team is looking into the incident, as standard protocol.

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