Burien man arrested after city workers report traffic signal wire theft in Kent

A 34-year-old Burien man was arrested Wednesday afternoon, Jan. 14, 2026 in Kent after city employees reported a wire theft in progress involving traffic signal junction boxes near a busy intersection and highway ramps, according to the Kent Police Department.

Officers responded about 1:43 p.m. to the area of 4th Ave South and Willis Street after City of Kent Public Works engineering technicians Jay and Dan saw a suspect removing wire from junction boxes that control traffic signals and cameras and communicate with nearby railroad crossing arms, police said.

Jay called 911 to report the theft and provide a description while Dan followed the suspect at a safe distance and continued updating dispatch as the man tried to leave the area, police said. The suspect abandoned his bicycle and trailer and ran southbound up the northbound off ramp to SR 167.

Officer Lyon located the suspect near the highway and coordinated with Officer Stanfill, who responded to a nearby parking lot near the former LA Fitness building where the suspect attempted to avoid police, according to the department.

Police said the suspect removed a blue outer shirt in an apparent effort to change his appearance before officers made contact. Dan observed the clothing change and reported it to officers.

Sgt. Lorette later conducted an in field identification and the suspect was positively identified by the witness. Police said Jay also took a photo showing the suspect kneeling next to an open junction box with wires visible.

“There is iron clad evidence, and then there is this next level evidence provided by Jay and Dan,” police said in a department statement.

The initial estimate of damage to the junction boxes is about $10,000 and could increase as repairs continue, police said. The wire the suspect attempted to steal was valued at about $100.

The Burien man was transported to King County Jail and is being charged with felony malicious mischief. Police said he denied involvement and denied being on State Route 167.

“We don’t have enough great words to say about Dan and Jay,” police said in a statement. “Their actions were the textbook version of see something say something, remain calm, be a good observer and a great witness.”