KENT, Wash. — A tense standoff in Kent ended in tragedy as a 51-year-old man is now presumed dead after a fire engulfed the building where he was believed to be hiding.
The incident began just after 8 a.m. when Kent police officers responded to a report of domestic violence assault with a firearm at an apartment on the 5500 block of S 259th Street. The suspect fled the scene in a black pickup truck, leading officers on a high-speed chase that was later terminated for public safety reasons.
Authorities tracked the man to his workplace at 1520 W Pike Street in Auburn. Despite efforts by negotiators and the Valley SWAT Team (VSWAT) to secure his surrender, the man remained uncooperative. An arrest warrant was issued, allowing officers to forcibly enter the building if necessary…