Kent police arrested a man early Friday morning after officers said he drove a box van erratically before barricading himself inside the vehicle.
Kent police arrested a man early Friday morning after officers said he drove a box van erratically before barricading himself inside the vehicle near State Route 167.
A witness called 911 a little after 2 a.m. 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 (KPD).
The witness followed the van until it stopped on Willis Street near 74th Avenue South and told the driver to shut off the vehicle.
Police said the driver told the witness he needed help and initially stayed put before beginning to pull away as patrol officers arrived.
Officers said the driver's behavior appeared unstable and they believed he could be impaired by drugs or alcohol, but he began barricading himself inside the van as officers tried to speak with him.
KPD said the 40-year-old Ohioman repeatedly appeared ready to exit the van before changing his mind, while officers said the vehicle remained in drive.
Officers stopped traffic in both directions on Willis Street and notified the Washington State Patrol because of the van's proximity to the SR 167 onramps and the concern that the impaired man could enter traffic.
KPD said officers then used pepper spray and took the man into custody.
The man was not booked into jail and was instead taken to a hospital for a mental health evaluation.
Police contacted the Ohio owner of the box van, who knew the vehicle was in use but was unaware it was in Washington state.
KPD said investigators had not determined whether his behavior was caused by impairment, a mental health crisis, or both.
A decision on possible charges is expected after more information becomes available.
