Suspect who attacked an elderly man with a hatchet is shot by Kent police officers

Newly released video shows police officers shooting a suspect who was wanted for the unprovoked attack of a 71-year-old man at a park in Federal Way, Washington.

Prosecutors have now cleared the two Kent officers who shot Paleti Anikesi Veniale, 30, on December 23 near 24800 Pacific Highway South.

The video shows officers chase Veniale on foot across a road before he pivots with a large knife in his hand, and one officer falls to the ground. At that moment, the officers fire at Veniale, who then drops the large knife he was holding over the officer, the video shows.

Veniale was wanted for attempted murder in connection to the violent attack on a stranger at a Federal Way park two days prior. According to court records, Veniale followed a 71-year-old man around Town Square Park before running up behind him and striking him with a hatchet on Dec. 21, 2023.

Video of the attack was captured by park surveillance cameras. Prosecutors said Veniale struck the victim numerous times, even after he had fallen to the ground.

According to prosecutors, the 25-second attack was completely unprovoked.

Police say Veniale ran off after the attack, and the victim was rushed to Harborview Medical Center with critical injuries to the head, face, and chest. Initially, doctors said it was possible the victim wouldn’t survive his injuries, but he is now listed in satisfactory condition at Harborview almost three months later.

Veniale was charged with attempted murder in the first degree. Prosecutors cited Veniale’s ‘extreme level of violence and extensive violent criminal history’ in charging documents that requested a bail of $1 million.

While Veniale was being treated for his gunshot wounds, court records show he tested positive for methamphetamine and fentanyl.