Police seek information about Puyallup man after crime lab matches DNA found on 'bloody carpet'



AUBURN, Wash. -- Police are asking for the public's help after DNA was linked to blood found on carpet along the side of a road earlier this month.

The Washington State Patrol Crime Lab matched the DNA to Brandon Shane Zomalt, 30, who has ties to the Puyallup area.

Police in Auburn launched a criminal investigation on August 13th after a federal law enforcement officer spotted a fire in the area and called 9-1-1. When officers arrived, they discovered bloody carpet, flooring and towels along the side of the West Valley Highway.

Investigators said a man in a dark SUV was seen next to the carpeting before the SUV quickly left the area.

The suspect seen fleeing in the SUV was described as possibly a mixed-race man, in his late 20s to early 30s, between 5-foot-8 and 5-foot-10, thin build, and short, dark hair. There is no further description of the SUV.

King County Search and Rescue Team members were clearing brush the following weekend in a wooded area South of 277th Street and 55th Avenue South.

Auburn police said the search was the result of credible tips about suspicious activity that could be linked to the blood.

Detectives want to hear from you if you know Zomalt's activities leading up to August 13th. The Auburn Police Department tip line is 253-288-7403.