Pierce County deputy who fatally shot armed man in Graham is identified
A Pierce County sheriff’s deputy who fatally shot an armed man in Graham last weekend has been identified.
Ian Schwartz, 24, has been with the department since July 2018.
Investigators say he shot 39-year-old Donald Anderson Sunday night after Anderson emerged from a house and fired several shots in the direction of deputies who were outside.
Several concerned neighbors called 911 just after 9 p.m. to report a man randomly firing guns in the 24900 block of 144th Avenue East. One caller said Anderson held a knife to someone’s throat.
When deputies arrived on scene, they could not find Anderson, who was reportedly carrying several guns.
About 10:30 p.m., they found the house where Anderson was inside and were able to safely escort three people out.
An hour or so later, Anderson walked out of the house and began shooting, according to the Sheriff’s Department.
Schwartz fired back, striking Anderson.
Anderson was pronounced dead at the scene.
The deputy was placed on paid administrative leave, which is standard procedure after an officer-involved shooting.
The Thurston County Critical Incident Investigation Team is investigating the incident.
This story was originally published August 14, 2020 at 10:46 AM.
