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

* (Disclaimer: This video content is intended for educational and informational purposes only) * 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