Armed man fatally shot by Tacoma police during traffic stop
An armed 24-year-old man was killed by Tacoma police early Sunday during a traffic stop, according to the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department.
The incident occurred about 2:40 a.m. in the 3400 block of Portland Avenue.
It was not immediately clear why the officer pulled the man over, but some kind of altercation took place.
“There was a physical altercation, the suspect had a weapon and was shot,” sheriff’s spokesman Ed Troyer said.
A new state law prevents law enforcement agencies from investigating their own officer-involved shootings, which is why the Sheriff’s Department will look into the Tacoma shooting.
The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene. He has not been identified.
A handgun allegedly belonging to the suspect was recovered at the scene.
He had multiple warrants out for his arrest at the time of the shooting, Troyer said.
The 33-year-old officer was not injured. He has been placed on paid administrative leave, which is standard procedure after a police shooting.
The officer has been with the Tacoma Police Department for four years.
This story was originally published September 8, 2019 at 11:36 AM.
