Kent Police: barricaded Federal Way man shoots, kills himself; detectives sought man in ongoing case

Police activity prompts lockdown at Federal Way elementary school

A 57-year-old Federal Way man, a suspect in an ongoing Kent Police case, was found dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound after barricading himself inside his home Tuesday.

At about 2:30 p.m., Kent detectives were on the scene in the 30600 block of Eighth Avenue Southwest in Federal Way to make contact with the man regarding an investigation, said Federal Way Police Cmdr. Kurt Schwan on Tuesday.

“He was being investigated in regards to sex crimes involving family members,” Kent Detective Melanie Robinson said in a Wednesday email.

Valley SWAT and negotiators were called to the scene, making sure neighbors remained safe as officers attempted to contact the suspect.

“Investigators were intending to arrest him, but prior to being able to do so, he committed suicide,” Robinson said. “Given the circumstances, SWAT was called out as a precaution.”

Kent detectives said they heard a single gunshot from inside the residence. Valley SWAT officers then entered the home and found the man dead.

Police activity in the area prompted a brief lockdown of Lake Grove Elementary School on Tuesday afternoon. All exterior doors were locked at 2:52 p.m., according to a message the district sent to Lake Grove families. The lockdown was lifted at 2:54 p.m. All students and staff were safe.

Federal Way Police responded to assist, established a perimeter and attempted to make contact with the individual inside the residence.

Federal Way Mirror staff contributed to this article.