Kent Police Officers Shoot Suspect Who Attacked an Elderly Man With a Hatchet

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Federal Way, Washington — On December 21, 2023, at around 8:00 a.m. the 30-year-old suspect Paleti Anikesi Veniale followed a 71-year-old man around Town Square Park before running up behind him and striking him with a hatchet. Video of the attack was captured by park surveillance cameras. Prosecutors said Veniale struck the victim numerous times, including after he had fallen to the ground. Veniale then fled the scene with a hatchet. Federal Way Police obtained pictures of Veniale from Metro bus surveillance cameras shortly after the alleged attack and published them in the Federal Way bulletin, helping Kent police identify him. The victim was rushed to Harborview Medical Center with critical injuries to the head, face, and chest. He is now listed in satisfactory condition at Harborview almost three months later.

On December 23, 2023, at around 9:30 a.m., Kent Police officers located Veniale in the area of 24800 Pacific Highway South (just south of Lowe’s and Dick’s Drive-In). Veniale ran from officers when they attempted to contact him. During the foot chase, Veniale pulled out a knife and reared it back in a position above his head to stab one of the officers. The officer falls to the ground and at that moment, both the officers fire at Veniale, who then drops the large knife he was holding over the officer. Officers began lifesaving efforts right away, which was taken over by firefighters and medics who arrived a short time later. Veniale was taken to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle in critical condition. Veniale was charged with attempted murder in the first degree. He is currently being held in King County Jail on a $1 million bond while awaiting his next court hearing, which is slated for June.