UPDATE: A Tacoma man shot and killed by Federal Way police Tuesday night had three outstanding warrants for larceny and a DUI, according to the King County Sheriff’s Office.
The Medical Examiner has not identified the 23-year-old man, who was allegedly driving a stolen Ford F250 pickup truck when he led police on a short pursuit and tried to run one officer over.
The officer opened fire and struck the suspect, who later died at a hospital.
PREVIOUS POST: A 23-year-old man who was shot Tuesday night by a Federal Way police officer when he allegedly tried to run over the officer has died of his injuries.
The man, who’s last known address was in Tacoma, died at Harborview Medical Center late Tuesday, the Federal Way Police Department reported. The man’s name has not been released.
Meanwhile, the Federal Way officer who shot the man has been placed on paid administrative leave, which is standard procedure after officer-involved shooting. The officer has been with the Federal Way Police Department for seven years.
The shooting occurred shortly after 5 p.m. Tuesday.
A man called police after seeing his stolen Ford F250 pickup truck parked at Wal-Mart, 34500 16th Ave. S. The truck’s plates appeared to have been switched, police reported.
Officers found the white truck in the parking lot but no one was inside so they waited until a man entered the vehicle, said police spokeswoman Cathy Schrock.
After the suspect refused to pull over for police, the officers began following the stolen truck at slow speeds. It took two PIT maneuvers before the truck was disabled at South 360th Street and 22nd Avenue South, Schrock said.
An officer got out of his patrol car and approached the suspect. The suspect drove the vehicle at the officer, who fired his weapon several times.
The man was hit and injured. He was taken from the truck and transported to Harborview, where he died. The officer was not injured.
The King County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the deadly officer-involved shooting.
Im sorry, but this jerk got what was coming to him. I do not feel sorry for him.. Way to go city of Federal Way for stepping up and taking charge!
× Flag comment
longco44- its pretty sad without KNOWING all the details. You are saying “way to go” before the investigation has even been conducted. How do you know without the investigation results that this young man drove towards the officer? My thoughts and prayers are with the 23year old family.
× Flag comment
I have to side with the cops, good looking out for man who saw his car. and the jerk tried to run over the cop, what did you want him to do ask how are you doing before shooting?
× Flag comment
Never shoot at a car when they are running you down. Move out of the way.
The driver was just scared as any 23 year old would be.
It was just a truck. Now a life . A life for a truck does not equal.
× Flag comment
Suicide by cop.
× Flag comment
guidocarmasi — EXACTLY!!! Why would you risk your life for a truck that wasn’t yours anyway?
× Flag comment
Stealing a truck = BAD, running from police when they catch you = REALLY BAD, trying to run the policemen over = I will defend myself and now there is one less punk on the street or overcrowding the criminal justice system.
× Flag comment
Three days, three people killed by cops. These cops are out of control. The people on this board saying ‘way to go’ are the same sorts of uneducated rubes who hang around the tea party demanding legislation that is either hypocritical or runs counter to their own interest.
× Flag comment
el loco says it’s the pigs that are out of control and were rubes? Here is a simple solution? Don’t break the law and risk me and families lives, when you do and get caught pull over and put your keys, guns and weapons down, then you may get a chance to plead your case? You forget that this area has lost alot of good law enforcement people recently to these scum bags your defending. You have a choice to be arrested if you choose to do bad things or be tough and risk further complicating the situation
× Flag comment
I’m glad the cops are finally doing something about these dirt-bags that are making things hard on other people.
× Flag comment
@elpolloloco- I would have to completely AGREE with you! All these people are saying “way to go” but I CAN PROMISE you that these are the same people that would say “oh not my kid, they would never do that”. I promise you that thier tune would COMPLETELY change if one of this were to happen to one of thier family members or friends. And WHO IS TO SAY the officer is telling the truth about this? As many officers who have been caught lying lately why would you automatically side with the officer until you KNOW the full story. Again, no matter what this kid lost his life and I’m NOT defending his actions of what he did. BUT the officer shot at him “several” times. WHy did the officer NOT try and shoot out his tires to disable the truck? Why automatically resort to shooter directly at him?
× Flag comment
WTF — Why? Because you and I get to look back at the situation with all the time in the world to calmly decide the least aggressive action that will effectively bring the matter under control. We get the benefit of knowing afterward that none of the cops involved were injured.
You and I weren’t standing there with a enormous truck headed right for us wondering “Why won’t this guy stop? We’ve got him cornered, there’s no way out. Who is he? Why is he so desperate to not get caught for stealing a car? What else did he do? Is he wanted already? Is he dangerous? Is he armed? Is he high? Is he mentally ill? Will he really run me down over this truck? Will I ever see my kids again”
As the facts unfold, I’m sure there will be plenty of Monday-morning armchair quarterbacks to tell the cops exactly what they should have done.
× Flag comment
yea, we all know that an F250 comes to a screetching halt when it gets it’s tires shot out? what could have that crazy law enforcement officer been thinking? certainly not about survival from a madman with no respect for his right to live to see another day
× Flag comment
One good thing, one less “CRUD” that has to be cleaned up from Western Washington.
× Flag comment
If a car appears that it may run me over regardless of speed or intent….am I allowed to pull my pistol and shoot the driver to “defend” myself?
Plus the charges you can receive for moving a vehicle towards an officer even if he stepped infront of said vehicle are crazy. Attempted murder on an officer of the law? WTF?
× Flag comment
Read the below listed Law.
RCW 9A.16.040
Justifiable homicide or use of deadly force by public officer, peace officer, person aiding.
× Flag comment
glaucon — yes, you may save your own life if you need to. Kind of a silly question.
× Flag comment
Cops lie ALL THE TIME. They lie over big issues (at felony trials), over small issues (in their traffic citation narratives), and by omission (how many of those standing around on the video of the SPD stomping the innocent kid’s head in mentioned it to internal affairs?–ZERO). They feel they are above the law. For crying out loud, they just tazed a guy to death DURING AN EVICTION. People need to wake up.
× Flag comment
The article says “the truck was disabled”. Then it says “The suspect drove the vehicle at the officer, who fired his weapon several times.” As I scratch my head and wonder how the suspect drove the vehicle if it was disabled, I’m also wondering if the Federal Way police have met their quota this month for killed suspects. Whatever happened to “innocent until proven guilty”? This is not Iraq and we shouldn’t have to suffer under a police state where the police shoot to kill and then make up excuses. It also looks like the Seattle police are on their way to meeting their quota for “kills” this year.
× Flag comment
“People need to wake up.”
Really??? I read the paper all the time and it seems like the only people this happens to are BRAIN DEAD.
× Flag comment
@wtf That was a great idea you have. So why don’t you have one of your friends drive a vehicle doesn’t matter what kind towards you and you shoot out the tires? Then if your able let me know how it worked out for you.
× Flag comment
As I read these comments, I realize how divided people really are. This was my friend who had died, and I’m not trying to stick up for him, I am actually really mad that he did this. He was being stupid, and dumb…….but I also feel like there could have been other ways to disable the vehicle and/or him, instead of shooting him point blank, several times. Your right, he could’ve been shot in the arm, the tires, many things, but who would’ve know if then the cop could’ve been hit, or seriously injured. Like I said, Im not trying to take sides, I just wish that there was a different way we could’ve gone about this. He wasn’t a bad person, yes, he made stupid choices that will effect us all, for many years to come.
× Flag comment
My only question is why they allowed him to get into the truck Why didn’t they stop him when he opened the door?
× Flag comment
I agree, alot of things would’ve been different, for both worlds, thank you for your input smolderc
× Flag comment
wtf thank you.And I’m sorry for your loss and for the family’s loss. People don’t understand that just because somebody does something stupid it doesn’t mean they don’t have a lot of good qualities they just made a wrong turn. And sadly in this case he doesn’t get to change.
× Flag comment
@ reaper your mind is so gone there is no need to reply to you.
× Flag comment
Im from washington, like I said, if he didnt do what he had done, than you and I wouldn’t be argueing about this right now. Im agreeing with both sides, maybe you should go back to school and learn how to read, than you would know that from my last blogs. THANKS!
× Flag comment
WTF — I’m truly sorry that your friend died. Even with a sad heart you’ve got to understand he was holding the cards the whole time. He could have stopped this incident at any time, but chose not to. You can be sad, but how can you blame the cops for reacting as they did in the heat of the moment with chaos and an unpredictable perp? How can you ask a law-abiding (don’t even start, polloloco) police officer to risk his own life in this situation?
× Flag comment
Forgiveness is between him and God. Its our job to arrange the meeting !
Thank You FWPD !
× Flag comment
Thank you Ronniew, I dont blame the cop at all, he had to do what he thought was the best for him and everyone else, Im just saying that there could’ve been different ways to handle the situation, and if my friend didnt do what he did in the first place, then he would still be here today, but like I said, he made a stupid choice, that I really wish he would’ve thought twice or three times about, before leaping in there. Im sorry for the conflict, but everyone needs to have their own thoughts on this situation. Thanks again
× Flag comment
I am shocked at everyone saying “scumbag” “dirtbag” “he deserved it” etc. He was a human being, that means he had a mother and a father… I guarantee at least one person cared about him.
I personally have a sister who makes stupid decisions, things you same people would probably call her a ‘dirtbag’ over, and I do not like, support, or justify her actions, but if you called her that to my face I would slap you, and you would deserve it. Who are you to judge? As a previous poster said, if this were your child, you’d be singing a different tune.
Other than that, I can’t comment as to whether or not the cop should have shot, there’s never a right answer in these situations, and hind sight is always 20/20.
× Flag comment
He got what he deserves ,instead of sitting in a tax payer funded jail and awaiting court so he can try to lie his way out of a jail sentence.I feel bad about the damage to the F150 and the fence.He should make restitution before his funeral.One less car thief in the world.
× Flag comment
I’m certain he did not deserve this ending, but he did ask for it by refusing to apprehended by the officers on site including the one who fired in an attempt to save his own life. My family and i will talk about this tonight and they will understand that if you choose to resist and harm an officer who is trying to arrest you for breaking the law it may cost you your life…
× Flag comment
armourall — you’re right. Even Ted Bundy had a mother who loved him. I’m not sad for this guy, but I am sad for those who loved him and will miss him. What parent cuddles their baby and envisions his future life of crime? None, of course. This has to be absolutely horrible for his friends and family.
HOWEVER, we can’t let criminals run the show out of deference to mama’s broken dreams.
× Flag comment
I’m not saying that criminals should get away with anything, I’m just saying have a little respect for those who read this article because they knew the guy.
Go ahead and say that the cop took appropriate actions, that’s not rude, because the fact is he could have pulled over at any time and avoided being shot and killed. But please try and be somewhat humane and avoid calling him names, and saying he deserved it.
× Flag comment
armourall — this is a discussion forum where people are entitled to share their opinions. If you are reading the article because you knew the guy you can simply stop reading when you are done with the article. If your heart is heavy and you don’t want to hear others’ opinions and outrage regarding this guy’s dangerous, disrespectful behavior don’t read the comments afterward.
I’m not the only one royally pi$$ed that there seems to be a whole new crop of 20-somethings that would much rather kill a cop than get caught stealing. I’m not the only one who thinks this is from going soft on criminal behavior for too long. Newsflash — thieves ARE dirtbags, even if mama loves them.
× Flag comment
I will bet anyone the sum of $1000.00 that this man never steals another truck, uses an illegal drug, runs from the police, receives another warrant, or creates another victim. I also know for a fact this young officer would give six months pay to not have been in that situation. Why, when a robber shoots and kills someone on the street or in a convenience store it hardly makes the paper, and when an officer defends his life people and attorneys come out of the woodwork yelling foul? Do you know what started this incident? A victim of a stolen vehicle went to the police for help. Where is the outrage for that victim? This was not a robbery gone badly or a drug deal gone badly; this was a police officer, a man, doing what was right. The felon was given numerous opportunities to surrender and did not. I don’t understand why we tolerated the caviler actions of a drug addicted felon. This guy takes a vehicle from a family, puts “cold” license plates on it, and drives it as if it were his own. Following his shopping at the Wal-Mart police try to stop him and he does what all good felons do, places the public in danger by eluding capture. He is pitted with a police car TWICE during his attempt to flee and then tries to run a police officer over and everyone cries about the poor young man. My thoughts and prayers are with the officer and his family. The bad guy could have given the truck back and taken his probation, it was his choice to run and it was fatal.
× Flag comment
I feel this really could have been avoided. Why didn’t the police arrest him when they observed him getting into this “stolen” vehicle, which is now turned out to be their justification for shooting him?Before it even got onto pubic roads? If he was trying to allude I’m pretty sure that the “chase” would have been faster the 25 miles per hour? I know he didn’t steal the truck, he bought it off of Craigs List 2 weeks prior with a bill of sale?!I know he wasn’t dumb enough to steal a truck then drive it around, come on! He had no idea why the police were chasing him down and ramming him until they made him crash disabeling the truck per their own statement. If anyone watches the video its obvious that the truck never moved.Within minutes of the police “disabeling the truck” he was dead!! Gunshot straight through his head (6-10 shots fired). WOW! He was a good person! And I’m sure he was scared to death. Thanks FWPD!.
51457316
Flag this comment
× Flag comment
wow, Im doing research as a law student for a criminal law class and it is so crazy how there are so many people out there with no heart. Yes everyone has their own opinions and that is the point of this site but why get so emotionally involved to where there is name calling and all that. Stick to the facts! If there is a video then watch it before you open your mouth. It makes you sound racist and inherently evil. thats almost a crime in itself….Like you would commit murder for something so small and avoidable. This all could have been avoided. The officer is on paid administrative leave which is standard proceedure. But it is also standard proceedure to handle situations like this in another manner. Some of you sound really dumb. I hope you do not have kids and if you do then pray for them yourself… Someone made a comment that you would be singing another tune if it was your kid, No, What if it was you, and you were riding shotgun in a perfectly legal car and the police rolled up on you, started ramming the vehicle you are in and your life starts to flash before your eyes. Your wife or husband or whoever is the driver is shot and killed, then you are shot!!! Seems like you would still be cheering “he got what he deserved, or scumbag” God will have his revenge… Thats all that we can believe and if you do not know him you better get on it..let me guess you have another answer to that too, like we evolved!!!!!!! crazy.. Open your eyes and stop being hypocrites… There are always people in the court system that do not need to be there because they are innocent and we have rights that are supposed to aid us. But some dont make it to even see a “judge” the police are not higher than a judge. A police officer’s job is to help keep a community free of crime and assist people in knowing the law, a judge applies the law and if he cant than a defendant has the right to have a higher court apply it. Yes there are criminals and we are not just paying taxes for the jails, that has been a choice of the people for many years because it is unlawful to kill another. But the police are mad because they are being tested by society right now and there is another way to handle this like death sentences for serious crime punishments. A sin is a sin, a murder is a murder no matter how u see it, unless accidental. No sin is supposed to be greater than another!!! lying, stealing, murder, but our society and justice system thinks different so we must obey the law of the land…. We only are granted one life, pass around some love and kindness, people do things for reasons only they would know but some make it to where it is too late to ask…When something like this happens, state your opinion but make sure you are not caught in this situation after you speak with a foolish tongue. May the Lord bless you with all sincerity..
× Flag comment