Kent PD looking for SUV used in early-morning home invasion, investigating link to other crimes
KENT, Wash. - Kent Police are asking for the public's help in locating a silver Hyundai involved in a recent home invasion in Kent's West Hill neighborhood. The vehicle and suspects inside may have been involved in another home invasion, police said.
Around 4 a.m. on Aug. 28, several suspects broke into a home near S. 254th Street, armed with handguns and demanded money. The suspects are believed to be all men, ranging from 5'8" to 6'0" in height. They all wore dark clothing, black masks and gloves. One had red pants on.
Police have not specified what, if anything was taken.
The suspects drove off in a silver, older model of a Hyundai Santa Fe with no license plates.
About half an hour later, another home in East Hill, near 219th Place, was targeted in a similar manner. The homes are about six miles from each other.
Police are investigating whether the incidents are linked. It's also unclear whether these armed home invasions are connected to a string of similar incidents in south Seattle. In most of those cases, families of Asian descent are being targeted.
If you have any information on the vehicle's whereabouts, call 911 immediately. Do not approach.
You can also email tips to KPDTipLine@kentwa.gov or by calling 253-856-5808 and reference case #23-11524.
Kent Police issued the following tips to improve home safety:
- Keep all windows, doors, and sliding doors locked whether even when you are home. Install protective window film to smaller windows next to doors. This helps prevent the breaking of glass and denying access to the inside of the front door.
- Close garage doors and entries to garages- Keep them shut and locked.
- Use secondary locking systems on windows/sliding glass doors (wooden dowels etc.).
- Locate valuables such as purses, laptops, small electronics, cash, and jewelry out of plain sight from windows & doors. If you choose to keep cash and other important items in your home, keep them locked in a safe. You may also use a safe deposit box at a bank.
- Install good lighting in the front, back and sides of your home such as motion sensor lighting. Lighting allows things/people to be seen and alerts you and neighbors when something unusual is happening.
- Participate in Operation ID – document valuables, serial numbers, and photos of valuables so that in case of a break-in you have this information available to provide to police to assist in identifying your property.
- Be aware of your surroundings. When walking to and from your vehicle look around and make note of any suspicious and unfamiliar people, groups of people, behavior, and activity. If you spot anything suspicious, call 911 immediately.