In an unexpected twist to a domestic violence case in Kent, police now believe that the suspect, who they initially thought had perished in a fire during a standoff, may still be alive. Avon A. Cobb, 51, is accused of assaulting a family member with a firearm. The event unfolded on Tuesday morning when Cobb reportedly fled from police and barricaded himself in his workplace, prompting an hours-long negotiation effort.
As reported by KIRO 7, Kent Police and the Valley SWAT team attempted to arrest Cobb at his apartment around 8 a.m. on Tuesday. Before officers could apprehend him, Cobb, driving a black truck, managed to evade the authorities, abandoning his apartment and heading toward his Auburn workplace on West Pike Street.
Negotiations, drawn out over several hours, and tactical approaches, including deploying drones, flash bangs, and chemicals, were unsuccessful in persuading Cobb to surrender. A statement detailed by KING 5 describes how a fire ignited inside the building while law enforcement was clearing it. The blaze rapidly consumed the building, leading to a temporary retreat by the SWAT team and subsequent firefighting efforts.
A thorough search ensued once the fire was extinguished, but Cobb was nowhere to be found. Despite initial statements indicating his presumed demise, police yesterday expressed doubts about Cobb's supposed fatal outcome, as covered by MyNorthwest. Police are now asking the public to be on the alert for Cobb, who is still believed to be armed, and to contact the Kent Police tip line with any pertinent information.
The Independent Force Investigation Team has investigated the incident. Kent Police continue their efforts to locate Cobb and urge anyone with information to call their tip line at 253-856-5808 or email [email protected], especially if the information is time-sensitive.
