PUYALLUP, Wash. — An off-duty Federal Way police officer was shot Sunday during a morning run in Puyallup. He was trying to stop a commercial burglary at Jennings Equipment, according to police.
The officer, identified as Donovan Heavener, was shot in the abdomen and taken to the hospital with severe injuries. He underwent surgery and is expected to survive.
Puyallup Police Chief Scott Engle said two male suspects dressed in black clothing fled in two vehicles. The first suspect vehicle is a white or silver 4-door Chevrolet pickup truck with dark windows and wheels, with the tailgate down or missing. A second suspect vehicle is described as a black pickup truck.
The shooting was reported at 7:06 a.m. at 900 River Road.
In a media briefing Sunday morning, Engle said Officer Heavener was out on his regular morning run when he noticed two men trying to pry a door off a business and verbally attempted to stop them. Engle said Officer Heavener did not approach the suspects and attempted to call 911 to report the crime in progress. The officer was shot while he stood on the sidewalk.
"It is a matter of time before we locate the suspects," Engle said.
Nearby residents and business owners are asked to check their surveillance cameras for footage of the suspects and vehicles.
Engle said the suspects did not gain access to Jennings Equipment, where the attempted burglary occurred.
Puyallup police tweeted Sunday, "Our thoughts and prayers are with the off-duty officer and his family at this time."
"It's unfortunate that we are seeing violent crime affect our communities," Engle said. "No community wants to have this happen ... And frankly, it's just completely unacceptable. And our job is to find justice for the victim."
"We'll find you," he continued.
The Puyallup Police Investigative Services Unit is leading the investigation.
Anyone with information should call the Puyallup police tip line at 253-770-3343 or email tips@puyallupwa.gov.