Kent Police fail to find warrant suspect after eight-hour standoff | Update

Kent Police continue to follow leads in their efforts to locate Blake B. Bellecourt, 26, of Kent, who eluded officers after an eight-hour Friday morning standoff at a West Auburn home.

Officers first surrounded a house in the 4800 block of South 288th Street shortly after 8 p.m. Thursday when Bellecourt was seen on the grounds. When efforts to coax the suspect from the house failed, members of Valley Regional SWAT entered the home but were unable to locate him inside, according to a Kent Police media release.

Shortly after 6 a.m. Friday, police were summoned back to the area after witnesses reported seeing Bellecourt leaving the property. Officers from several agencies converged on the area, searching the surrounding neighborhoods and local business areas.

The search also triggered a short lockdown of nearby Thomas Jefferson High School in the Federal Way School District. Once again their efforts were unsuccessful. By 8 a.m. police had scaled back their search efforts and school operations were returned to normal.

Bellecourt is currently wanted by police regarding a number of incidents. He is the subject of three arrest warrants, which include escape from community custody and assault. He also eluded officers a week ago after fleeing from a shoplifting incident at a Pacific Highway convenience store. Bellecourt has prior convictions for assault and illegal possession of a firearm, and law enforcement officials consider him a danger to the community.

Police throughout the South King County area will continue to focus their efforts on locating Bellecourt through extra patrols and surveillance. They are also hopeful that a friend or family member of the suspect may help in bringing his surrender.

“Because of the danger this man presents to the public, we are asking that anyone with knowledge as to the whereabouts of Blake Bellecourt call 911 immediately,” said Kent Assistant Police Chief Pat Lowery.

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Contact Kent Reporter Courts, government reporter Steve Hunter at shunter@kentreporter.com or 253-872-6600, ext. 5052.

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