Domestic violence suspect presumed dead after fire broke out during SWAT raid

A domestic violence suspect is presumed dead after Auburn Police and the Valley SWAT Team attempted to arrest him on felony charges Tuesday, causing the suspect to hole up in an Auburn building that subsequently caught on fire.

According to the Kent Police Department, officers responded to a report of a domestic assault involving a firearm at an apartment on the 5500 block of S 259th Street at approximately 8 a.m. When they arrived, the suspect, 51, allegedly fled in a black pickup truck, leading officers on a high-speed chase. Moments later, the pursuit was called off for public safety reasons.

Later that afternoon, a police investigation led officers to the suspect’s workplace, a building at 1520 W Pike Street in Auburn. Kent and Auburn police officers surrounded the building and attempted to negotiate his surrender. Police stated the suspect, believed to still be armed, refused to comply.

Police surround building, SWAT begin raid

Hours later, when police claimed negotiations broke down and after a judge issued an arrest warrant, officers were authorized to forcibly enter the building if necessary. SWAT flew a drone inside the building and deployed flash bang grenades and what police referred to as “other chemical munitions,” but the suspect remained uncooperative.

As SWAT entered the building, a fire broke out inside. SWAT officers were forced to retreat as the fire quickly spread. Police said firefighters, concerned about the possibility that the suspect could still be armed with a gun, were unable to get close enough to put the fire out. The building was eventually consumed by flames.

Investigators believe the suspect was the only person inside, although his death has not yet been confirmed. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

The Independent Force Investigation Team has taken over the investigation.

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