A 51-year-old Kent man, wanted for a reported domestic violence incident with a firearm and fleeing from police, apparently “has left the area,” according to Kent Police.

Avon Cobb reportedly fled April 8 from a domestic violence incident at a Kent apartment to an Auburn business which later caught fire after Valley SWAT surrounded the building, according to police. Police initially believed Cobb had died in the fire but nobody was found inside the building after Valley Regional Fire Authority firefighters extinguished the blaze.

At some point during the standoff, Cobb left the building without police noticing. Detectives are working to locate and arrest him on probable cause for investigation of domestic violence assault involving a firearm against a family member and eluding, according to police.

“None at this time that have a confirmed a location for him,” Kent Police Assistant Chief Jarod Kasner said in an April 21 email about whether the request by police for tips from the public had helped them find Cobb. “We believe he has left the area.”

As of April 22, Cobb had not been located by police.

Meanwhile, the cause of the fire at Zanadu Studios, 1525 Pike St. NW, reportedly could have been from a flashbang device, used by police, and which explodes with a loud noise and a bright light.

“It appears that the noise device was the listed cause,” Kasner said. “We have not seen a copy of the report nor do we have the report, however, when we obtain a copy we will review it to get a full assessment of the determination.”

Valley Regional Fire Authority is investigating the cause of the fire, Kasner said.

“The cause of the fire is still under investigation,” according to an April 21 email from a Valley Regional Fire Authority spokesperson. “The lead agency for this investigation is the Kent Police Department.”

Cobb initially drove a vehicle to Zanadu Studios, an entertainment venue for music and other events. He reportedly runs the business with Marlene Cobb, his wife. She is the reported victim in the domestic violence incident, Kasner said.

Marlene Cobb sent an email to a couple of local TV news stations about the incident.

“The investigations are at an early stage, but the evidence so far shows that the fire was likely caused by a “flash bang” device fired by the police into the building after it was cleared,” Cobb said in an email, according to King 5 and Fox 13. “When all the facts are in, I trust that those responsible will be held accountable.”

Kent Police are asking anyone with information about Avon Cobb’s whereabouts to call the police tip line at 253-856-5808 or email KPDTipLine@kentwa.gov.

GoFundMe for Zanadu

Marlene Cobb posted a GoFundMe account two days after the fire asking people to donate money to support the business, which she described as “a total loss” from the fire. She said the family dog Tigger died in the fire.

“Zanadu Studios wasn’t just a venue—it was a creative and cultural hub for South End nightlife,” according to the GoFundMe post. “From Vibe Bingo and Boots on the Ground to incredible live performances featuring Suga Free, Ne-Yo, Luciano, Adrian Marcel, and Joseline’s Cabaret. Zanadu supported not only artists and promoters—but also local workers, vendors, caterers, and small businesses.

“Their mission was to bring the community together through music, entertainment, art, and food. Zanadu aimed to provide a safe and inclusive space for the BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities, and catered to individuals of all ages, shapes, and sizes, providing a venue where people could truly be themselves and have fun.”

Because of the fire, Zanadu had to lay off two managers, eight bar staff, two facility staff and its administrative staff, according to the post.

“Local promoters are scrambling to find alternate venues, and our future as a space for the community has come to an unexpected halt,” according to the post.

Many of Zanadu’s employees and contracted workers are not eligible for unemployment benefits, according to the post. Donations are wanted as the business waits for its insurance to process.

“This GoFundMe is being launched to help bridge that gap and cover critical business expenses in the interim,” according to the post. “Our neighbors Upholstery Northwest have lost equipment and inventory and will have to find a new space for their business. We would like to support them in these efforts as well.”

As of April 21, the GoFundMe had raised $415 from 11 donations toward a goal of $50,000.

“Zanadu Studios may be gone, but the impact it had on the community is still strong,” according to the post. “Let’s show up for the people who brought us the music, the energy, and the vibes.”

Avon Cobb is wanted by Kent Police for a reported domestic violence incident and fleeing from police. COURTESY PHOTO, Kent Police

Customers during an event at Zanadu Studios in Auburn prior to an April 8 fire that burned down the business. COURTESY PHOTO, GoFundMe