A reported death threat on Wednesday afternoon spiraled into a large-scale narcotics and weapons operation in Kitsap County, culminating in one suspect in custody and a continuing manhunt for a second individual.
Deputies responded around noon to a residence on Bethel Burley Road Southeast after alerts surfaced concerning a potential lethal threat. Officials said the incident involved two masked men who entered the property in a vehicle later confirmed to have been stolen, with at least one carrying a handgun.
When officers arrived, they engaged two individuals on the scene. One of them quickly departed on foot, prompting a K-9 search. Though the tracking effort was initiated, the K-9 unit was unable to reestablish contact with the fleeing suspect. The second individual remained and was taken into custody without incident.
Inspectors later combed through the residence and surrounding areas, uncovering an extensive stash of controlled substances and a customized firearm. In total, roughly 2.5 pounds of illicit drugs were collected, including:
- 376.4 grams of methamphetamine
- 305.7 grams of fentanyl in powder form
- 487.2 grams of fentanyl in pill form
Among the items recovered was a loaded semi-automatic pistol that had undergone modifications, including a serial number that had been altered or obscured.
The detained man, described as a 28-year-old, was processed into the Kitsap County Jail. He faces pending charges related to felony-level threats and unlawful possession of controlled substances.
Law enforcement continues to pursue the second suspect, identified as a 48-year-old resident of Port Orchard with a known history of interactions with local agencies. Officials have elected not to disclose full names at this stage, citing the active nature of the probe.
Earlier reporting noted that the suspects’ movements and possible connections are still under review as part of the wider investigation.