PIERCE COUNTY, Wash. — The Pierce County Sheriff's Department was involved in a fatal shooting on Monday afternoon.
According to the sheriff's department, the incident happened in the 26000 block of 70th Avenue East in Graham just before 3 p.m.
The shooting happened after deputies tried to pull over a "suspect of interest" and they fled, according to the department's spokesperson, Carly Cappetto. Officials attempted to stop the suspect using tire deflation devices. However, the suspect did not stop and allegedly hit a deputy with their vehicle in the process. That deputy suffered minor injuries.
According to the sheriff's department, the suspect continued to drive away and led law enforcement on a chase for approximately 2 miles.
The suspect then got out of the car and started to run to a house nearby, which was when he was shot and killed. Life-saving measures were performed, but the victim died at the scene. It is unclear who fired the fatal shot.
A woman who lives nearby could hear gunfire from her home.
"That was… alarming," said the neighbor, who preferred not to be named. "There was a police chase on Mountain Highway... it did sound like there was return fire, or from two different people.”
When deputies caught up with the man minutes later, he got out and ran toward someone’s home, according to Cappetto.
"We have a second crime scene here, where the second round of shots were fired," said Cappetto. "And then the suspect was pronounced deceased.”
Deputies are hoping for the public's cooperation as they investigate the scene where the pursuit ended.
"This road could be shut down for several hours depending on how long it takes them to wrap up this investigation," said Cappetto.
The man was declared dead at the scene. When asked why the man was a "suspect of interest," Cappetto said they cannot disclose this because they are still investigating. We also asked who fired the fatal shot, whether it was the suspect or a deputy. Deputies were not willing to disclose that answer either due to their ongoing investigation.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.