KENT, WASHINGTON — Kent police arrested a box van driver early Friday morning after officers said he was reported driving erratically and later barricaded himself inside the vehicle near State Route 167.
The incident began shortly after 2 a.m. when a witness called 911 to report a box van “driving very erratically” on Willis Street near 68th Avenue South and South 220th Street, according to the Kent Police Department.
Witness Followed Van Until It Stopped
Police said the witness followed the box van until it stopped on Willis Street near 74th Avenue South.
The witness told the driver to shut off the vehicle.
According to police, the driver told the witness he needed help and initially stayed in place.
As patrol officers arrived, police said the driver began to pull away.
Driver Barricaded Inside Vehicle
Officers said the driver’s behavior appeared unstable, and they believed he may have been impaired by drugs or alcohol.
Police said the 40-year-old man from Ohio then began barricading himself inside the van while officers tried to speak with him.
According to Kent police, the man repeatedly appeared ready to get out before changing his mind.
Officers said the van remained in drive during the incident.
Traffic Stopped Near SR 167 Onramps
Because the van was close to SR 167 onramps, officers stopped traffic in both directions on Willis Street.
Police also notified the Washington State Patrol due to concerns that the driver could enter traffic while impaired or in crisis.
Kent police said officers used pepper spray and took the man into custody.
Driver Taken for Mental Health Evaluation
The man was not booked into jail.
Instead, police said he was taken to a hospital for a mental health evaluation.
Investigators contacted the Ohio owner of the box van, who knew the vehicle was being used but did not know it was in Washington state.
Kent police said investigators had not yet determined whether the man’s behavior was caused by impairment, a mental health crisis, or both.
A decision on possible charges is expected after more information becomes available.
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