Follow on Facebook at Secure, Washington
SILVERDALE, Wash. — Two juveniles are in police custody following a shooting incident near the Kitsap Mall on Saturday afternoon.
A man reported that he was driving with his son near the mall's south end around 4:45 p.m. when two teenagers walking nearby began shouting profanities at his vehicle.
The man said that after pulling into a parking lot, the teenagers ran toward him, brandished handguns, and began shooting. Fortunately, no shots hit the man, his son, or their vehicle, but bullets did strike two other nearby cars. No injuries were reported.
Several Kitsap County Sheriff's Deputies responded to the scene and apprehended the teens after a foot chase. They were booked on suspicion of first and second-degree assault, unlawful possession of a firearm, and possessing a stolen firearm.
SPANAWAY, Wash. — The Pierce County Sheriff's Office (PCSO) is currently investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred in Spanaway.
The incident took place in the 17000 block of Pacific Avenue South, near State Route 7 and an AutoZone store.
“There was probable cause for felony harassment for that suspect,” PCSO Deputy Carly Cappetto said.
Deputies throughout Spanaway and Pierce County kept a lookout all day for that man and the car he was reportedly driving. A deputy did spot the suspect’s car around 5 p.m. at the intersection of Pacific Avenue South and Mountain Highway East.
Cappetto told KOMO that the deputy attempted a traffic stop, and when the driver failed to stop, deputies started a felony pursuit.
“Multiple attempts had been made to stop the vehicle with stop strips,” Cappetto said.
Eventually, the man wrecked the car on Pacific Avenue South, less than two miles north.
Deputies went to arrest him but Cappetto said he refused to get out of the car.
“It turned into a felony traffic stop where he was not compliant at that point and then officers reported that shots have been fired,” she said.
So, who and how many fired a weapon?
“We don’t know, we don’t know who fired the shots,” Cappetto said.
That will be part of the investigation by the Pierce County Force Investigation Team, along with exactly what happened from the DV call to the shots being fired.
The wreck, shooting, and immediate investigation shut down all directions of travel at 17300 Pacific Avenue South for several hours.
“The suspect was known for a previous history and violence, so you know, we’re not going to take it very lightly. We are going to bring officers to the scene,” Cappetto said.
There is no word on the suspect's condition.
SEATTLE — A grieving Arlington couple is renewing a push to catch a hit-and-run driver weeks after their son was killed in a Seattle crosswalk.
Sue Ward told KOMO News her son Richard John Ward, AKA "Ole," was run over and killed at busy 15th and Market Street in Ballard on Feb. 1 around 1:20 a.m. Witnesses told police the driver fled on Northwest Market Street.
"It tossed my son 75 feet and knocked his shoes off his feet, and he’s on the ground pleading for help," Ward cried. "I’m thankful it was quick for him, but what kind of monster does this?"
Pictures from Ole’s childhood and beyond remain on display in Ward's Arlington home. Ward and her husband, John, described Ole as funny, witty, and loved by many. They said that was apparent, based on the many speeches at his recent memorial.
"He was a hard worker. He was in Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts," Ward explained. "We’ll never have our son again and our daughters will never have a brother again."
As weeks have passed with few answers about who could be responsible for the tragedy, Ward’s family is now partnering with Crime Stoppers to offer a $5,000 reward to anyone who has information about the driver of a black or dark-colored GMC pickup seen on surveillance video.
Ward's family plans to check out the Ballard intersection where they will post more signs, and where other pedestrians say it’s an area that can be dangerous because of construction and speeders.
"I would avoid this [area] if I could," said Steven Cheek as he took his dog for a walk while charging his electric vehicle in the nearby Safeway parking lot.
The Wards explained while it feels like they're trying to catch a ghost, they remain hopeful they may get justice for Ole.
"It may even happen in a year, it may happen six months from now," Ward explained. "I’m fighting for my kid."
Ward plans to talk with lawmakers about updating a 45-year-old law so that hit-and-run offenders can get a minimum sentence. Right now, there's a max of up to 10 years in prison and up to a $20,000 fine.
Anyone with information about the driver that could lead to an arrest and charge is urged to contact Crime Stoppers, and can do so anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS or online at www.P3tips.com.
AUBURN, Wash. — A driver has been arrested for suspected DUI after a 3-vehicle crash on SR 18 last night led to an inferno that tangled traffic for hours.
The Washington State Department of Transportation reported the crash shortly after 7:30 p.m.
The agency reported that three cars were involved in the collision in the eastbound lane of SR 18, just west of W Valley Hwy - MP 2
WSDOT traffic cameras showed at least one car entirely consumed by flame.
Only minor injuries were reported for those involved, and Washington State Patrol said one driver was apprehended for suspected DUI.
All lanes of EB SR 18 and the left lane of WB SR 18 were closed for emergency and fire crews, with drivers advised to find other routes,. The WSP released footage of the process of clearing the road, which involved using a patrol vehicle to forcibly push the burned car out of the way.
The lanes gradually reopened across the next hour until the scene was reported clear at 8:40 p.m.