KENT, Wash. — The Kent Police Department Traffic Unit is investigating a crash involving a stolen vehicle that left its driver and a 17-year-old Kentlake High School student dead.
Just after midnight on Nov. 17, Kent police officers and Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority firefighters and medics responded to the scene of a two-vehicle crash in the 15600 block of SE 272nd Street. They found a stolen 2006 Nissan Ultima had crashed into a 2005 Chrysler Town Car van.
The driver of the stolen vehicle, a 28-year-old man from Algona, and the 17-year-old girl who was riding in the van, died at the scene.
A 38-year-old Covington woman was seriously injured and taken to the hospital.
"I'm so sickened, upset, sad, angry," Kent City Councilmember Zandria Michaud posted on Facebook. "The young girl killed was my son's friend. Something has to change in our state legislation. What is it going to take for them to listen?"
Prior to the crash, King County deputies were sent to the Fred Meyer in Covington for reports of a man passed out in a vehicle. When deputies arrived, they learned the vehicle was recently reported stolen.
The driver of the vehicle sped off before deputies were able to contact him. He reportedly drove over a median and planter box to get out of the parking lot, then went drove the wrong direction in eastbound lanes of a roadway.
Deputies did not chase the suspect to comply to state law, which limits when police can pursue a suspect. They began searching the area due to the likelihood of a crash.
An initial investigation indicates the suspect in the stolen vehicle crashed into the van.
The Kent Police Traffic Unit is collecting evidence and statements to determine the circumstances of the crash. Anyone with information is asked to call the tip line at 253-856-5808 or email KPDTipLine@kentwa.gov - refer to case number 23-15599.