Kent Police Department

10/16/2026

💜 Kent, You’re Invited! Let’s Come Together for DV Awareness Month!

Join Project Be Free, the Kent Police Department, King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, City of Kent, and other community partners for an evening of connection, conversation, and community!

Domestic violence impacts families in many different ways, and creating safer communities starts with awareness, education, and meaningful conversations.

✨ What to Expect:
💜 Community conversations about domestic violence
💜 Local nonprofit resources and support
💜 Two amazing food trucks — Big Boy’s Filipino Food Truck and TOLU Modern Fijian Cuisine
💜 An opportunity to connect with the organizations serving our community

📅 Monday, October 19, 2026
⏰ 5:30–8:00 PM
📍 Kent Senior Center
600 E Smith St, Kent, WA 98030

This is a FREE, family-friendly event, and everyone is welcome!

Come grab some food, meet your neighbors, ask questions, and be part of a conversation that helps strengthen our community.

🔗 Register here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dv-awareness-month-community-conversation-tickets-2002598560202?aff=oddtdtcreator

10/16/2026

SHOPLIFTING WHEN POLICE CARS ARE PARKED OUT FRONT?

Wednesday evening Patrol Officers Wall and Long were parked in the Target lot after handling a shoplift call, when a loss prevention employee came running out the front doors. She yelled that another shoplifter had just exited out of the East emergency exit with a cart full of items.

Both Officers immediately took off running, and located the suspect, a 53-year-old woman, attempting to flee across 104th Ave. They gave her commands to stop, she declined, ditched the cart and tried unsuccessfully to hide in the bushes. She was taken into custody without further incident.

The suspect had stolen 21 items, totaling $752.64. She admitted that her intent was to sell some of the items.

We don’ t know why the suspect picked this store and this time to try and heist a cart completely full of items. Target is known for having attentive loss prevention employees, and they call 911 when they catch people stealing. One might assume that presence of two police cars might have also caused a pause.

Great job by Officer Wall and Long sprinting across the street to catch this shoplifter, and to loss prevention for their eagle eyes and quick responses.

10/15/2026

MISSING YOUNG ADULT

Brandon Ben was reported missing by his mom on October 12. She was out of town and last spoke to him on October 10. At that time there were no indications that anything was wrong.

When she arrived back home, Brandon was not there, and he has since had no contact with any family members. This is highly unusual behavior for Brandon who does not frequently leave the house and and attends online school at home. He does not have close friends nearby or common locations where he visits.

Brandon does not drive, and his cell phone was not receiving calls when the officers attempted to make contact.

Although Brendan is an adult without cognitive disabilities, his absence from the house and subsequent no-contact with his family is unusual enough to cause concern.

Brandon is 21 years old, 5'4" tall, and weighs about 110 pounds. He has no unique scars, marks or tattoos and it is unknown what he was wearing when he left the house. He might be is possession of his phone and laptop.

If you have information about Brandon's whereabouts please call the non-emergency line 253-852-2121 or 911.

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10/14/2026

OCTOBER IS NATIONAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH
Project Be Free is changing the lives of domestic violence survivors

This past Saturday Project Be Free held their annual awards ceremony and fundraiser. Unbeknownst to Chief Padilla, when the awards were near over, there was one for him.

Project Be Free began in 2020 when the co-founders and their like-minded stakeholders decided to help domestic violence survivors with common sense resources. They developed relationships with local law enforcement to help them while on duty to provide critical assistance to domestic violence victims in their moments of crisis . Their mission: "To provide crisis response to individuals affected by Domestic Violence. We utilize partnerships within our community that allow support and navigation of mental health needs to increase advocacy and promote individual wellbeing."

They have been widely successful.

Last year they recognized Kent Commander Landon Meyer for the work he did to integrate Project Be Free into Kent PD's daily operations. They will tell you he is an exceptional partner and cares deeply about helping domestic violence survivors.

This year they recognized Chief Padilla with the 2026 Justice in Action award which said, “Recognizes leadership that moves justice beyond policy and into practice-especially through partnership, innovation, and direct impact on survivor and families.”

Project Be Free is having an obvious and significant impact on domestic violence in our city. Kent PD has been consistently been the department that utilizes their services at the highest level of all their partners. We have built wonderful relationships with their staff, and have embraced their mission as our own.

Thank you Project Be Free for your tireless efforts and for caring for our residents. The difference you are making is amazing.

10/12/2026

Here is your October 2026 Community Education Newsletter! Be sure to take a look at our upcoming Drug Take Back Day on Saturday October 24th. https://www.kentwa.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/25626

10/12/2026

OCTOBER IS NATIONAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH

Last Thursday the Domestic Abuse Women's Network (DAWN) organized a Purple Light Night to raise awareness about domestic abuse. The event started at Kent Station and together Kent residents, volunteers. elected officials and members of Kent PD walked together as our KPD bike unit led the way.

Thank you to DAWN Executive Director Finley, your staff and your volunteers for bringing us all together. The work you do for our community and the awareness you bring is incredible.

If you are experiencing Domestic Violence, or know someone who is, here are some resources:

NEED HELP NOW-CALL 911

Additional resources:
CALL 988 24/7 and speak to a trained call receiver for options
CALL National DV Hotline 1-800-799-7233 24/7
Get advocacy, support at the Domestic Abuse Women's Network (DAWN) https://dawnrising.org/

CAN'T CALL but have access to text? You can text 911 in Kent and most WA State counties to reach a police/fire dispatcher. This is intended for Deaf and Hard of Hearing residents but can also be used in cases where it is dangerous for you to make an audible call.

Are you a witness to domestic violence and don’t know what you can do? CALL 911 and ask for a welfare check, (OR call the law enforcement agency where the loved one needs to be checked).

10/08/2026

OCTOBER IS NATIONAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH

On Monday October 19th Project Be Free, the Kent Police Department, the King County Prosecutors Office and multiple non-profits are hosting a free family gathering at Kent's Senior center.

This is a great time to come gather and fellowship, but also to meet with people who have answers to questions you want to ask.

Please join us for the conversation.

💜 Calling All City of Kent Residents! 💜

Let’s come together for an evening of community, connection, and meaningful conversations during Domestic Violence Awareness Month!

Join Project Be Free, Kent Police Department, City of Kent, King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, and local nonprofit partners for a FREE community event focused on strengthening families, raising awareness, and connecting residents with valuable resources.

📅 Monday, October 19, 2026
⏰ 5:30–8:00 PM
📍 Kent Senior Center
600 E Smith St, Kent, WA 98030

✨ What to Expect:

* Community conversations with local partners
* Nonprofit resource tables
* Two food trucks: TOLU Pacific Island Cuisine and Big Boys Filipino Food Truck
* Opportunities to ask questions, connect, and learn about available support

💜 Everyone is welcome! Bring your family, friends, and neighbors.

Strong communities start with conversations. Come be part of ours!

10/07/2026

DRIVER ARRESTED AFTER WALKING OFF FROM MINI BIKE TRAFFIC STOP

Monday evening, around 5:40 p.m. Kent Officer Lyon was patrolling on the east hill when saw an adult man riding an unlicensed mini bike on the public roadway. The bike did not have required equipment to be safely driven on the road and the rider was not wearing a helmet as required by law.

Officer Lyon activated his emergency equipment as the bike was pulling into a gas station. The driver stopped next to the pumps. Then, despite seeing the full lit up police vehicle directly behind him, and the officer loudly announcing that he was not free to walk away from a traffic stop, he kept walking and entered the store. He stated he needed to “get gas”. Officer Lyon caught up with him inside, explained multiple times that was legally required to return to his bike for the traffic stop, but he refused. At one point he seemed surprised by the request and inferred he thought it was a joke. Additional Patrol Officers arrived to assist, and he was detained without further incident in the store.

The suspect, a 39-year-old Kent man, was carrying a pack around his neck that contained a Sig Sauer 9mm handgun and am******on. It was subsequently determined that he was not eligible to possess a handgun due to his felony criminal history. The suspect denied having any felonies.

The suspect stated he owned the gun and had a CPL. The officers ran him and the gun and neither of those statements were accurate.

He was booked into the KC Jail for Unlawful Possession of a Fi***rm. He is also being charged with Obstructing and Driving while License Suspended. He will be receiving citations for operating an off-road vehicle on public roads, no motorcycle endorsement, no helmet, and no license plate on the bike.

Fortunately, his family was nearby when the officers called them, and they responded to pick up the bike.

Stops like this can be confusing for the public when they happen during rush hour in busy locations like a gas station. For anyone who saw this incident, it was a traffic stop that escalated when the driver/suspect decided to participate. Always participate. If you don’t agree with the stop, you will have many legal opportunities to disagree later if needed.

Nice job Officer Lyon and his crew calmly handling this reluctant driver.

10/07/2026

IT'S FIRE PREVENTION MONTH

Read tips below from our friends at Puget Sound Fire on how to keep your home fire free.

Thanx Puget Sound Fire for the great info!

10/06/2026

KENT DETECTIVE SAGIAO HONORED BY NAPIPA WITH PRESTIGIOUS AWARD

Kent Police Detective Sagiao, a 25 year tenured member of our department, was recently honored by NAPIPA, (National Asian Pacific Islander Prosecutors Association) for the diligent investigative work that he conducted on a 2021 Kent homicide case. The suspect, now 44 years old, was recently handed a 73-year prison sentence.

Detective Sagiao was nominated for the NAPIPA Law Enforcement Officer of the Year award by Senior Deputy Prosecutor Gary Ernsdorff of the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. In his nomination, he praised Detective Sagiao’s technical abilities and his competence in explaining highly technical case details to a jury. He stated, “He’s one of the go-to folks that I can call on regularly when we need help with really complex, high-profile investigations, typically involving technology.” SDP Ernsdorff added that in addition to Detective Sagiao’s technical abilities. He has earned high praise for making himself available when prosecutors need help, even while managing his caseload in Kent. Lastly, he stated that during the recent 2021 homicide trial, “He did an excellent job not only in testifying but in investigating the case, and really helped bring that case to justice.”.

Detective Sagiao is known in our department as highly competent, exceptional at his job, and as a co-worker who is always ready to jump in to help others. He deserves this award more than we can say.

When he received the award at the NAPIPA Pacific NW Chapter banquet, he accepted graciously, and said little. He gave praise back to the prosecutor’s office for their hard work and successful trial. He also expressed appreciation for his co-workers and the similar diligence and expertise they exhibit as they collaborate with each other on investigations.

SDP Ernsdorff stated that when he called supervisors at Kent PD to advise them of the award, the response was immediately supportive. His exact words were that every Kent PD co-worker “leapt” at the chance to support the nomination.

Thank you, Pacific NW Chapter of NAPIPA, for honoring our detective and inviting us to your event.

Thank you to King County Prosecuting Attorney Leesa Manion, Senior Deputy Prosecutor Ernsdorff and your office for recognizing Detective’s Sagiao’s work and helping to organize the award event.

Thank you, Detective Sagiao, for all the highly difficult investigative work you do on important cases, and for representing Kent so well. We see what NAPIPA sees and are thrilled you were honored.

Learn about NAPIPA: https://www.napipa.org/
King County Prosecting Attorney’s Office award announcement: https://www.facebook.com/kcprosecutor/posts/pfbid02JPXgDmiZ7WabSKuW4Mtc4ze9skyGFS4tTN36hJbQ6cVry2sAMMf7Hw4X7JwjWR4rl