Parks Tacoma director’s golden parachute, manhunt ends, and other top stories

From a manhunt’s resolution in Tacoma to a costly executive departure at Parks Tacoma, here’s a look at the biggest local stories making headlines. The News Tribune is also tracking Tacoma’s housing overhaul and a new twist on thrifting in Pierce County. Here are key takeaways:

• Suspect captured: Skyler Cantrell, 23, was arrested Monday afternoon in Tacoma after fleeing Pierce County deputies who fired shots at him Sunday, according to The News Tribune. He was wanted on multiple felony warrants and is under law enforcement guard at a hospital before being booked into Pierce County Jail.

• $538,000 payout: Resigning Parks Tacoma Executive Director Shon Sylvia will receive a $538,000 payout, including one year’s salary and unused leave, The News Tribune reports. His departure comes amid a $7 million budget deficit, and the board acknowledged it skipped a number of required annual performance reviews.

• Housing plan progress: One year into Tacoma’s “Home in Tacoma” program, the city reports a 62% increase in proposed housing units and a 39% increase in permit applications in newly rezoned areas, according to The News Tribune. Developers say impact fees and added costs are pushing builders toward smaller projects.

• Thrifting trend: The Spanaway Habitat for Humanity Store has launched “liquidated bins” filled with discontinued retail goods and Amazon returns, The News Tribune reports. Prices start at $5 on Fridays and drop to $1 by Wednesday, with $15 “blind boxes” offered Thursdays.

The summary points above were compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by senior editor Adam Lynn. The source reporting referenced above was written and edited entirely by journalists.