Pierce County deputy killed by fleeing burglar

A Pierce County sheriff’s deputy was fatally shot late Sunday while chasing two burglars in the Frederickson area.

Killed was Deputy Daniel A. McCartney, 34, of Yelm.

“There’s a sadness that will be felt and should be felt in the community,” Sheriff Paul Pastor said Monday. “He is a young deputy who signed up to watch over other people. He had an ethic in his heart for doing something for other people.”

McCartney was shot after deputies were called about 11:25 p.m. to a home in the 5100 block of 200th Street East for a home invasion.

During the 911 call, dispatchers said, they could hear screaming and the sounds of a scuffle.

McCartney arrived six minutes later and gave chase as the burglars ran, sheriff’s spokesman Ed Troyer said. Three minutes later, shots rang out.

Investigators said they believe McCartney was able to fire at the burglars. The deputy suffered fatal wounds in the shootout and was taken to St. Joseph Medical Center in Tacoma, where he died just after 2 a.m.

One suspected burglar was found dead near the home next to a handgun. The other suspect, who also was believed to be armed, is on the run. (Editor’s note: This is a story reported early in a series of unfolding events. Read about the apprehension of the suspect here.)

He was described as white or mixed race, tall and thin with dark curly hair in a ponytail, a large pointy nose and pock marks on the right side of his face.

He was last seen wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt and a black beanie.

Deputies searching the area with a K-9 officer closed 176th Street East to 200th Street East, and 38th Avenue East to Canyon Road East.

By 6:30 a.m., they’d opened everything except 200th Street East from 42nd Avenue to 50th Avenue.

Drivers were asked to avoid the area and residents were asked to stay inside their homes.

“We have somebody who is very dangerous out there,” Troyer said.

All schools in the Bethel School District were canceled because of the investigation.

Neighbors woke up confused by the commotion and large presence of law enforcement officers in the area.

Soobie Yoo, a 32-year-old who lives less than two blocks from the scene, woke up when she saw flashing lights outside her window.

She never heard the shots and said she was surprised when she finally learned what happened.

“It’s a pretty safe neighborhood,” Yoo said, pointing out that she left her garage door open while walking to the scene. “... There are a lot of kids in the area.”

McCartney was hired in 2014, having worked in Hoquiam for six years. A U.S. Navy veteran, he leaves behind a wife and three sons ages 4, 6 and 9.

“Dan was a good guy and a good police officer,” Hoquiam police Sgt. Jeff Salstrom told KXRO Radio. “More importantly he was an extremely devoted dad.”

The deputy’s family gathered alongside dozens of law enforcement officers at the hospital to say goodbye to McCartney and join a procession to the Medical Examiner’s Office.

More than a dozen officers and deputies saluted as McCartney’s flag-draped coffin was carried outside and loaded into a van.

Until he is buried, McCartney’s body will never be alone, with an honor guard and fellow deputies standing watch.

Planning for his funeral are underway, officials said.

Donations to the deputy’s family can be made to any Tapco Credit Union in McCartney’s name.

The Sheriff’s Department has set up a tip line and is asking anyone with information on the shooting or the suspect at large to call 855-798-8477.

This story was originally published January 8, 2018 at 12:47 AM with the headline "Pierce County deputy killed by fleeing burglar."