KENT, Wash. – A 15-year-old boy with an extensive criminal history is in the hospital after being shot by a Kent police officer during a traffic stop, investigators say.
PHOTOS: Teen shot by Kent officer during traffic stop
It happened near the intersection of Central Ave North and East Pioneer Street in Kent at about 12:30 a.m. Tuesday.
Kent police said the officer stopped a car with expired tabs, and after telling dispatchers about the stop, the officer announced over the radio that the driver had a gun and called for backup.
Moments later, before other units arrived, the officer fired two shots.
The teenage driver was hit twice and was wounded in his right arm and upper right leg. He was transported to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle in stable condition and is expected to recover. The officer was not injured.
Police said they found a handgun that was clearly visible on the driver’s side floorboard of the car.
According to investigators, the boy lives in Kent and has an extensive criminal history, including convictions for theft of a firearm, robbery and assault.
Video from the scene shows a Volvo that has what appears to be bullet holes in the driver’s side door and shattered glass on the ground.
Police said none of the officers involved in the incident were wearing body cameras, but investigators are canvassing nearby businesses for potential video and witnesses.
The Valley Investigative Team is in charge of investigating the shooting.
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