A 32-year-old shoplifter attempted to slash two officers before he was caught with an arsenal of knives and a handgun Thursday night in University Village.
Officers were in the University Village parking lot shortly before 10:30 PM when they were flagged down by a grocery store employee, who pointed out a shoplifter walking away through the parking lot.
Officers went to contact the man, who attempted to flee on a bicycle. One officer grabbed onto the suspect’s arm, but the suspect was able to slip out of his jacket sleeve and reach into his pocket.
The suspect pulled out a knife and began slashing at the officers. The second officer grabbed onto the suspect and police were able to get the man under control and call for backup.
The investigation showed that the suspect had shoplifted several items from the store and concealed them in his pant leg. Officers also located several other fixed blade knives on the suspect, as well as a loaded .380 caliber semi-automatic handgun. The suspect did not have a permit to carry a concealed firearm.
The suspect was later booked into the King County Jail for assault on an officer and charges requested for the illegal knives and gun.