A Kent Police officer shot a teenager with a handgun during a traffic stop early Tuesday morning.
The officer shot the suspect, a 15-year-old from Kent, twice as backup units arrived at the scene – the intersection of Central Avenue North and East Pioneer Street in Kent, police reported.
The teenager sustained gunshot wounds to his right arm and upper right leg areas, police said.
Officers also located a handgun clearly visible on the driver’s side floorboard of the car.
Officers immediately provided the suspect medical aid, with fire personnel later assisting. The suspect was transported to Harborview Medical Center for further treatment. The suspect was in stable condition and is expected to recover from his injuries, police said.
Police are not releasing the name of the suspect because he is a juvenile.
Just after 12:29 a.m. the police officer stopped the teenager’s vehicle with expired tabs at the intersection. After notifying dispatch of the stop, the officer announced over the radio that the driver had a gun and called for backup. Moments later and before other units could arrive, the officer announced shots had been fired.
According to police, the suspect has extensive criminal history, including prior convictions for theft of firearm, robbery and assault.
As is standard procedure, the officer was placed on administrative leave. The Valley Investigative Team was called out to conduct a third-party independent investigation. Police are not releasing the name of the officer involved at this time.
None of the officers involved in this incident were assigned body cameras, but the investigators are canvassing nearby businesses for potential video and witnesses.
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