The Kent Police Department is investigating a fatal crash that followed a suspected DUI incident in Kent on the night of April 25, 2026.
According to authorities, at approximately 9:21 p.m., a police officer observed a driver suspected of being under the influence in downtown Kent. When the officer attempted to initiate a traffic stop, the driver refused to pull over, leading to a pursuit heading north on Washington Avenue.
The situation escalated when the driver lost control of the vehicle at the intersection of West Valley Highway and South 228th Street, crashing into a utility pole.
Responding officers found the driver unconscious and unresponsive, trapped inside the vehicle. Emergency measures were quickly taken, including breaking windows for access and performing CPR. Officers also deployed an automated external defibrillator (AED) in an effort to revive the individual. Despite these efforts, the man was pronounced dead at the scene after King County medics arrived.
Authorities later identified the deceased as a 56-year-old male resident of Seattle. Officials confirmed that no other vehicles or individuals were involved in the crash.
The Washington State Patrol has been requested to conduct the collision investigation, which is standard protocol in incidents involving police pursuits.
The case remains under active investigation.