x
Breaking News
More () »

Police shoot, kill man in crisis armed with knife on BNSF tracks in Sumner

Police and crisis negotiators worked with the person for two hours before officers used lethal force, the department said.

SUMNER, Wash. — Police shot and killed a man in crisis who was armed with a knife in Sumner on Sunday.

Sumner Police Department officers responded to the scene on the Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad tracks over state Route 410 at 6:34 p.m.

Additional agencies also responded, including Washington State Patrol, Puyallup and Bonney Lake police departments and a civilian crisis responder. The group tried to negotiate with the 35-year-old man and use less than lethal tactics to get the man to drop the knife. Those tactics included a bean bag, a 40mm round and pepper balls, according to the Pierce County Force Investigation Team (PCFIT), which is investigating the shooting.

Sumner, Puyallup and Bonney Lake police officers said over the radio that shots were fired at 8:34 p.m., police said. The man was struck by gunfire.

PCFIT said officers took life-saving measures and called for medical aid. The man died at the scene.

No officers were injured.

All involved officers were place on administrative leave while the investigation is underway.

Traffic Avenue was closed between Thompson Street and Main Street in Sumner while officials investigated.

Before You Leave, Check This Out