Suspect dead after chase and shootout involving Pierce County Sheriff’s Department

PIERCE COUNTY, Washington – The Pierce County Sheriff’s Department was involved in a fatal shooting Monday afternoon.

According to the sheriff, the incident occurred shortly before 3 p.m. in the 26000 block of 70th Avenue East in Graham.

The shooting occurred after officers attempted to stop a “suspicious suspect” and he fled, according to department spokeswoman Carly Cappetto. Officers attempted to stop the suspect using tire pressure valves, but the suspect did not stop and reportedly struck an officer with his vehicle, who sustained minor injuries.

According to the sheriff, the suspect continued driving and led police on a chase that lasted about two miles.

The suspect then got out of the car and ran to a nearby house where he was shot. Life-saving measures were administered, but the victim died at the scene. It is unclear who fired the fatal shot.

A woman who lives nearby could hear gunshots from her house.

“It was … disturbing,” said the neighbor, who preferred to remain anonymous. “There was a police chase on Mountain Highway … it sounded like there was return fire, or from two different people.”

When officers caught up with the man a few minutes later, he got out and ran toward a house, Cappetto said.

“We have a second crime scene here where the second series of shots was fired,” Cappetto said. “And then the suspect was pronounced dead.”

Officials are hoping for the public’s cooperation in investigating the crime scene where the pursuit ended.

“Depending on how long the investigation takes, the road could be closed for several hours,” Cappetto said.

The man was pronounced dead at the scene. When asked why the man was a “suspect of interest,” Cappetto said they could not release that because the investigation is ongoing. We also asked who fired the fatal shot, whether it was the suspect or a deputy. The deputies would not release that answer either because their investigation is ongoing.

This is a developing story. Check back later for updates.