Tacoma Police shoot murder suspect during pursuit
PIERCE COUNTY, Wash. - Tacoma Police shot a suspect during a pursuit that ended in Lakewood after the man crashed his vehicle, according to the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department.
The police department says officers were trying to arrest a first-degree murder suspect in a parking lot near Hosmer Street and the I-5 off-ramp. The suspect sped off in a car, crashing into several vehicles on their way out.
Police pursued the suspect, who crashed into more cars as they drove south to 96th Street, went west and then north up South Tacoma Way. The suspect hit two cars near 88th Street, and then was shot by officers.
Yong Beer, who was one of the victims who was crashed into, witnessed the shooting. She told FOX 13 News that she was still in shock as she saw the man try to get into a vehicle in front of her.
"I started shaking, and I almost ducked down into my car," she said.
Beer said she believes the man was shot in the leg. Investigators haven't described the extent of the man's injuries but said he was taken to a nearby hospital with serious injuries.
Investigators have not released the suspect's name, but they have said that he was wanted for a Feb. 7 homicide that occurred at the Econo Lodge on S. Hosmer Street. The victim was dropped off at a hospital with a gunshot wound, where he later died.
Beer said it was a bad day, but said in some way she was "lucky" after learning how serious the charges were against the man.
"Oh my goodness, I'm more shocked now," said Beer after learning the man was wanted for homicide. "I can't believe that happened to me, but I'm lucky. I'm lucky I'm still alive."
The Pierce County Force Investigation Team is currently investigating this shooting.
Tacoma Mayor Victoria Woodards released the following statement:
"While there is very little information available at this time, the City is always concerned when there is an officer-involved shooting. In accordance with state law, the scene was swiftly turned over to an independent investigation team who will provide public updates going forward. Pierce County Force Investigation Team is leading the independent investigation of this incident.
I am grateful for the Tacoma Police Department’s efforts to ensure that these serious violent crimes continue to have a high-rate of being solved in our city. I will continue to support the work of the Tacoma Police Department and our new Police Chief on long-term strategies and solutions to address crime.
I appreciate your patience and understanding as the investigation team works to provide up-to-date and accurate information while protecting the integrity of their work in the weeks ahead."
South Hosmer Street is the location of two homicides so far this year in Tacoma. The February 7th incident and a shooting incident that happened two weeks earlier on January 25. Tacoma police report they found a 29-year-old man dead at the location who had been shot.
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