An incident on Saturday afternoon resulted in a search of the Kirkland Library and Heathman Hotel for an armed suspect in an assault.

Kirkland police officers were dispatched to the area of the Parkplace QFC for a report of a Metro bus driver being punched by a passenger in the 500 block of Central Ave. around 12:30 p.m. Saturday.

“Witnesses saw a man take off running,” said Kirkland Police Officer Rob Saloum.

Police were directed to the QFC but did not immediately find the man. When an officer spotted the man running from the scene a few blocks away he directed him to stop, at which time the suspect turned toward the officer.

“The officer observed the subject was armed with a handgun,” said Kirkland Detective Sergeant John Haslip in an official media release.

The man then backed away and disappeared among some nearby buildings.

“The suspect was last seen entering the lobby of (The Heathman Hotel) located in the vicinity,” said Haslip. “Officers searched the interior. With video provided by management, it was determined the suspect had fled out another area of the building.”

Police also searched the Kirkland Library, which is located across the street from the hotel.

“We secured the immediate area,” said Saloum.

The man is said to be in his mid 20s, about 5-feet-10 to six-feet tall with a slim build and scruffy facial hair.

Police ask that any information be directed to Haslip at 425-587-3506 or call 911.