Two boys, 14 and 16, arrested after armed carjackings at Pierce County big-box store
Lakewood police arrested two boys suspected of stealing a woman’s car at gunpoint Tuesday afternoon near a big-box retailer in Spanaway. A second armed carjacking was reported later in the evening.
Pierce County Sheriff’s Department said the teenagers, ages 16 and 14, were arrested overnight and booked into Remann Hall for investigation of robbery and assault.
Sheriff’s department spokesperson Sgt. Darren Moss said Lakewood police arrested the juveniles for investigation of another matter, but he said they were suspected in Tuesday’s armed carjackings as well. Deputies believe three people were involved in the carjackings, and a third person has not been located.
A woman called 911 about 2:55 p.m. Tuesday to report that her vehicle had been stolen from a Walmart at 20307 Mountain Highway East, deputies said. She told deputies three people pointed guns at her and struck her with a firearm before taking the vehicle and fleeing.
As deputies arrived on the scene, more 911 calls came in reporting that six to eight gunshots were heard on 14th Avenue and 203rd Street East. Deputies said the armed carjackers fled in that direction. Deputies arrived in the area and found the victim’s car crashed into a tree.
People nearby told deputies three males in dark clothing ran from the vehicle and started shooting at several people. Deputies said one of the males pointed a gun at a woman who was walking down the road as they ran.
Police dogs searched the area for the carjackers, but deputies were unable to locate them.
Around 5:45 p.m., another 911 caller reported his vehicle had been stolen at gunpoint from the Walmart parking lot. The caller said a male pointed a gun at him and demanded his keys. Deputies said surveillance footage showed three males get into the vehicle and leave the area.
Officers from Lakewood Police Department located the stolen vehicle overnight and arrested the two suspects.
This story was originally published December 15, 2021 at 1:27 PM.
