A routine traffic stop for speeding in Burien on Tuesday morning escalated into a significant public safety incident, leading to the arrest of two individuals, the confiscation of various illicit drugs, and the recovery of two firearms. The incident began when the Burien Police Department’s (BPD) Crime Reduction Unit observed a vehicle traveling at an excessive speed.
Detectives with the BPD Crime Reduction Unit spotted the vehicle moving at approximately 70 miles per hour in a posted 35-mile-per-hour zone on S 128th Street in Burien. After identifying the speeding violation, BPD detectives initiated a response. During the process of catching up to the vehicle, information surfaced suggesting that the occupants might have been involved in a recent burglary that occurred in Shoreline. The vehicle was ultimately stopped by law enforcement officials in Tukwila.
The driver of the vehicle was taken into custody on a charge of second-degree driving while license suspended. A subsequent search of the driver revealed the presence of multiple types of drugs. In addition to the narcotics, law enforcement also found drug paraphernalia, including scales and baggies, which are often associated with the distribution of controlled substances.
The passenger in the vehicle initially attempted to mislead deputies by providing a fake name. However, deputies were able to confirm the passenger's true identity, which uncovered an active warrant for third-degree assault. Furthermore, during a search, deputies discovered that the passenger was in possession of a loaded revolver.
An inventory search of the vehicle following the arrests yielded another firearm, which was located in the driver’s area. The Burien Police Department confirmed that both the driver and the passenger are convicted felons. This legal status prohibits them from possessing any firearms under current law. Following the arrests and the discoveries of the drugs and weapons, the vehicle was impounded by law enforcement officials, pending the execution of a search warrant to conduct a more thorough examination.
Both individuals were subsequently booked into the King County Jail. The driver faces charges including unlawful possession of a firearm, possession with intent to distribute, and second-degree driving while license suspended. The passenger was booked for unlawful possession of a firearm and for making false statements to a public servant.