Suspect hiding in trunk of car arrested for organized shoplifting in Southcenter District

On Wednesday afternoon, July 3, 2024, at approximately 12:30 p.m., detectives from the Tukwila Police Department’s Special Emphasis Unit arrested a male suspect wanted for multiple organized shoplifting totaling over $14,000 in the Southcenter District.

The suspect, who had warrants for robbery and was also wanted by the Department of Justice for a previous robbery, was identified through Flock Safety LPR cameras, which alerted investigators when the suspect’s vehicle was in the area.

When investigators attempted to apprehend the suspect in the Sound Transit Light Rail parking lot, he fled on foot. SeaTac Police, Kent Police Department canine unit and Guardian One assisted in the search.

An alert Tukwila officer noticed a stopped vehicle whose driver appeared nervous. When questioned, the driver revealed that a man was hiding in the trunk. Officers opened the trunk and arrested the 27-year-old Seattle resident without incident.

The suspect was taken to the hospital after claiming to have swallowed fentanyl pills, a common tactic to avoid prison time.

Officers are waiting for the suspect to undergo a medical examination before he is taken to jail.

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