A 36-year-old Bothell man was arrested early Friday morning, Nov. 7, 2025 after allegedly robbing a man at gunpoint in Kent, stealing his work van, and leading police on a high-speed pursuit that ended in Auburn, according to the Kent Police Department.
Police said the incident began around 2:19 a.m. Nov. 7, when Kent patrol officers were dispatched to an armed robbery at a business in the 25400 block of 104th Avenue SE.
The 27-year-old victim, an Auburn resident, told officers the suspect had pointed a gun at him before stealing his work van and phone. The stolen vehicle was last seen heading west toward James Street, police said.
K9 Officer Flesher spotted the stolen van a short time later traveling south on Central Avenue. When the officer attempted a traffic stop, the suspect fled, reaching speeds of over 100 miles per hour and driving south in the northbound lanes near Auburn. For public safety, Officer Flesher discontinued the pursuit, Kent Police said.
Minutes later, Auburn police officers located the abandoned van in the 3500 block of Auburn Way North after it had crashed into a stationary object. Officers from both departments established a perimeter, and Auburn K9 Officer Johnson tracked the suspect while Kent Officer Toledo-Blanco assisted.
Police said the suspect was found hiding on a nearby porch and was taken into custody without further incident. He sustained minor injuries from the crash and was treated by Puget Sound Fire before being booked into King County Jail on charges of first-degree robbery, possession of a stolen vehicle, and eluding police.
Detectives later searched the van after obtaining a warrant and recovered a loaded handgun matching the description provided by the victim. Investigators also found the victim’s phone discarded near the 9400 block of Canyon Road. Additional charges may be filed once the investigation is complete.
Kent Police credited strong coordination between Kent and Auburn officers, including both K9 units, for the swift arrest.
