Deputy injured, SWAT responds to standoff in Rainier, WA

Published September 2, 2026 5:24 AM PDT

A Thurston County sheriff's deputy was injured during a domestic violence response late Tuesday night, leading to a SWAT standoff in Rainier.

Police lights and cars at the scene of an officer involved shooting in Rainier, WA

(Thurston County Sheriff Derek Sanders)

Thurston County deputy shot during deadly domestic violence response

According to an 11:20 p.m. social media post by Thurston County Sheriff Derek Sanders, deputies initially responded to a domestic violence call. Upon arrival, deputies received reports that someone inside the home was dead.

While first responders worked at the scene, a resident of the home was asked by deputies to remain outside, so medics could perform their job. However, that individual ran back inside the house and locked the doors.

When deputies rushed to get inside, someone opened fire from within the home, shooting at deputies through the door. No deputies were struck by bullets, and at least one deputy returned fire. Another deputy hurt his leg while trying to retreat.

Rainier WA barricaded suspect SWAT response

SWAT responds to Rainier neighborhood

Deputies called for backup, bringing a SWAT team to surround the home. Deputies say the suspect remained barricaded inside the home and fired at law enforcement numerous times over the next seven hours.

At around 6 a.m., a SWAT sniper shot the suspect, but it was not lethal. The suspect was taken into custody and treated for a non-life-threatening injury.

What we don't know:

Deputies were originally told that there was a dead body inside the home, but those reports have still been unconfirmed.

The Source: Information in this story comes from a social media post by Thurston County Sheriff Derek Sanders and original reporting by FOX 13 Seattle.

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