PIERCE COUNTY, Wash. — A suspect is dead following a police chase that started in Tacoma and ended in Puyallup on Saturday afternoon, the Pierce County Force Investigation Team (PCFIT) tells KIRO 7 News.
Around noon, the suspect allegedly stole a white sedan in an armed carjacking on Pacific Ave in Tacoma.
Tacoma Police then responded to a multi-car crash at 56th Street and Pacific Avenue, and witnesses said they saw the suspect speeding and running a red light.
“I heard a big boom so once I heard the big boom, I saw where it was and then I was like ‘oh no, it’s going to hit me.’ And then boom, it hit me,” said a victim who wanted to remain anonymous.
The victim we spoke with says the suspect got out of the sedan and carjacked a second driver at knifepoint.
“The person that was driving that vehicle, he was about to call 911. But the guy came up to him with a knife and threatened him to get out of his vehicle and then he took his car,” he said.
Police say the suspect stole a blue Nissan and led police on a chase to Puyallup, according to Lakewood Police Sergeant Charles Porche.
Officers deployed a spike strip at 500 Valley Avenue to stop the car. The suspect then got out, came at officers with a knife, and police fired shots, killing the suspect, PCFIT said.
“He was given commands, he came towards the officers and shots were fired,” said Sgt. Porche.
PCFIT is still investigating the incident.
©2025 Cox Media Group
