A man opened fire at police before killing himself during a standoff in the 200 block of W. James Street in Kent on Monday morning, Feb. 18.

The incident resulted in a large police response, including a SWAT team.

Police said that the 50-year old man – reportedly wanted by Seattle Police for a violent felony investigation – was spotted by deputies outside an apartment, where he retreated.

Negotiations with the suspect broke down, and a SWAT team was brought in.

Witnesses told us they heard explosions (likely ‘flash bangs’) as well as gunshots, likely from when the suspect fired at police.

Police did not return fire, and instead used tear gas, flash bangs, a loudspeaker and the phone to try and contact the suspect, who didn’t answer.

The SWAT team then entered his apartment and found him dead of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

James Street was closed from Central Avenue to 4th Avenue for several hours.

Scott Schaefer

Founder/Publisher/Editor. Three-time National Emmy Award winning Writer (“Bill Nye the Science Guy”), Director, Producer, Journalist and more...