AUBURN, Wash. — A suspect is in custody after two armed carjackings were reported at Lea Hill Park in Auburn Monday evening. Police are still searching for the second suspect.
The Auburn Police Department (APD) said both vehicles, a red Toyota Camry and a black Toyota Camry, were stolen around 5:15 p.m. Auburn police said both victims were pistol-whipped but are OK and that no one was seriously injured.
It's unclear if the carjackings are related, but police said Monday they believe it is a coincidence.
The APD said both vehicles were located but were not able to pursue either vehicle until officers developed probable cause. After receiving probable cause, the APD said officers pursued the black Camry and performed a PIT maneuver at 15th Street NW and West Valley Highway.
The suspect in the black Camry was taken into custody after a short foot pursuit, police said.
The APD said the suspect in the red Camry was gone by the time officers had probable cause to stop the vehicle. The suspect in the red Camry is still on the loose and was last seen driving toward Federal Way. No suspect description has been released at this time.
“It’s important to note that in this situation once officers have Probable Cause they are allowed to pursue due to the nature of the crime. A carjacking is considered Robbery in the First Degree,” APD said in a Facebook post Tuesday morning.
Anyone with information is asked to call the APD tip line at 253-288-7403.
Download our free KING 5 app to stay up-to-date on news stories from across western Washington.