There was a Deputy Involved Shooting at 10:37 am at 161st St E and 62nd Ave E. The suspect was taken to the hospital with a gunshot wound. One deputy had minor injuries.
Please see the following information released by the Pierce County Force Investigation Team:
PCFIT STATEMENT:
On May 12, 2022, at 10:21 a.m., a Pierce County Sheriff’s Department deputy observed a vehicle wanted in connection to an armed car-jacking and several armed robberies at Military Rd. E. and Canyon Rd E. The suspect was considered to be armed and dangerous. A traffic stop was initiated in the 15200 block of Canyon Rd E. The suspect vehicle fled at a high rate of speed.
The suspect vehicle was slowed by traffic at 160th St. E. and Canyon Rd. E. The driver of the suspect vehicle rammed civilian vehicles to get through the traffic jam and continued to flee. At 10:35 a.m., a Pierce County Sheriff’s Department sergeant advised South Sound 911 Dispatch there was now probable cause for Vehicular Assault.
At 10:37 a.m., the driver of the suspect vehicle bailed out of the vehicle in the 6200 block of 161 St. E. and jumped on a motorcycle. Seconds later, a Pierce County Sheriff’s Department sergeant advised South Sound 911 Dispatch that shots had been fired.
The 19-year-old suspect sustained one gunshot wound. Medical aid was immediately provided and the suspect was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries.
A female passenger in the suspect vehicle was transported to a local hospital for precautionary treatment.
A Pierce County Sheriff’s Department deputy sustained minor injuries.
A firearm was recovered from the scene.
The Pierce County Force Investigation Team, comprised of members of multiple law enforcement agencies within Pierce County, was called to the scene for the independent investigation. The Pierce County Prosecutor’s Office was advised of the incident and a member of their investigative staff responded to the scene to assist in the investigation.
The involved deputy has been placed on administrative leave in accordance with their department policies.
The investigation is ongoing.