Kent, Wash. — Kent Police patrol officers arrested a stabbing suspect Friday afternoon after a violent incident inside the Kent Library left an 18-year-old man injured.
Police were dispatched around 1:41 p.m. to a downtown medical facility after receiving a 911 call reporting a stabbing. While responding, dispatchers learned the incident had occurred at the Kent Library and that the victim had driven himself to an urgent care clinic. Officers were also informed that the suspect had fled the library on foot.
The victim, a Kent resident, suffered a non-life-threatening stab wound to his arm. He was awake, bleeding, and able to provide critical information to officers. According to police, the victim said an unknown man became confrontational inside the library, rapidly approached him, and poked him in the arm before fleeing. The victim later realized he had been stabbed and drove himself to seek medical treatment.
Investigators determined there was no prior dispute between the two individuals, aside from the suspect’s apparent agitation.
A library security guard told officers the suspect had been in the library before without causing problems. Shortly before the stabbing, the guard noticed the suspect raise his voice and appear agitated. The guard attempted to calm him, believing the situation had de-escalated. Moments later, the suspect assaulted the victim and exited the building. Library staff initially did not realize an assault had occurred.
Library employees provided officers with a photo of the suspect, which was quickly distributed to responding units. Officer Rogas later spotted the suspect at a Metro Transit Station and took him into custody without incident.
The suspect, identified as a 37-year-old Centralia man with ties to Bonney Lake, was found carrying two sheathed daggers, brass knuckles, a collapsible baton, and a folding knife with apparent blood on the blade.
During questioning, the suspect admitted to being in the library but denied committing the assault. He was booked into the King County Jail on charges of Assault and Possession of Dangerous Weapons.
Kent detectives were notified and completed the required investigative filings. Police credited the rapid coordination between officers, dispatchers, and library staff for the swift arrest, emphasizing the importance of such collaboration in areas frequented by the public.