Alleged Kennewick Carjacker is Also an Alleged Kennewick Rapist

In a press release, Kennewick police report on Sunday, August 26, 2019 at about 8:00 a.m. officers responded to a residence in the area of N Kent St and W Kennewick Ave for the report of a burglary and attempted rape.  Upon arrival the female victim reported she had heard a knock on her door and opened the door a crack to see who was there.  When the door opened an unknown male allegedly pushed the door open, knocking the victim to the floor.  Once on the ground the male began physically assaulting the victim.

The victim fought back and the male eventually quit and fled the scene.  Through their investigation patrol officers were able to identify 19-year-old Karlo Medina as a suspect and develop probably cause for this arrest.

Then the next day, Monday, August 27, 2019 at about 5:45 a.m., Kennewick officers responded to 1000 W 4th Ave for the report of a robbery.  Upon arrival the female victim (a NBC Right Now reporter) said she had set up a video camera in the parking lot to document an upcoming news story about the Kennewick teachers strike and subsequent picket line, and was sitting in her car when an unknown male allegedly entered the back seat of the car and pointed a firearm at her demanding that she drive away.  After a few feet the male told the victim to stop.  The male then fled the scene on foot.  A police K9 responded to the location and followed scent from the location to apartments located at 1001 W 4th Ave, but no specific apartment.

After reviewing security surveillance from the area investigating officers believed the male suspect was similar in description to Medina.  Investigators were able to identify a possible apartment at 1001 W 4th Ave where Medina may have been staying and requested a search warrant for that location.  Upon receiving the search warrant Kennewick officers, with help from on-duty regional SWAT team members, made contact.  After a short standoff Medina exited the apartment and was taken into custody without incident.  The apartment was cleared for safety and investigators conducted a search of the apartment.

Based on their on-going investigation Medina was later transported to Benton County Jail where he was booked for Burglary and Rape from the incident on the 26th as well as Robbery 1st Degree and Kidnapping 2nd Degree for Monday morning's incident.