Kent, Wash. — A robbery suspect was taken into custody Tuesday evening after a quick response by Kent Police and help from alert witnesses at a convenience store on the city’s East Hill.
According to the Kent Police Department, an 18-year-old Renton man entered the store around 6 p.m. and waited in line with other customers. When he reached the counter to purchase cigars, the clerk requested identification. The suspect allegedly handed over an ID that did not appear to be his. After the clerk refused the sale and returned the items, the suspect attempted to grab several packs of cigars.
Police said the suspect then jumped over the counter, dropped his belongings, and assaulted the clerk by striking him in the head and kicking him in the torso before fleeing the store with cigars in hand. The clerk suffered a bump to the head during the incident.
Multiple witnesses were present, and the robbery was captured on surveillance video. One witness took a photograph of the suspect, which was immediately shared with responding officers.
Patrol officers flooded the surrounding area, and the suspect was later spotted near Central Avenue by Officer Toledo-Blanco. After initially cooperating, the suspect was taken into custody without further incident. He was positively identified and arrested, with the stolen cigars still in his possession.
Police credited the clerk, witnesses, and quick information sharing for helping officers locate and arrest the suspect.
“Great example of the public and police working together,” the department said in a statement.
The suspect was booked on suspicion of robbery, and the investigation remains ongoing.