Suspect dead after officer-involved shooting in Graham-area

A Pierce County Sheriff’s deputy shot and killed a 39-year-old in the Graham area after deputies were fired upon multiple times Sunday night.

Deputies initially responded to multiple 911 calls reporting that a man was firing shots in the 24900 block of 144th Avenue East in the Graham area shortly after 9 p.m. Sunday. It was also reported that the man held a knife to a neighbor’s throat, according to the press release.

After searching the neighborhood and hearing multiple gunshots, deputies were unable to locate the suspect. At 10:37 p.m., deputies reported hearing more shots fired at a nearby residence on 144th Avenue East at 10:37 p.m. They determined the suspect was inside. They safely removed three occupants from the home and were told the male suspect was still armed, according to the release. They reported hearing additional shots from inside the residence.

At 11:35 p.m., the suspect exited the residence and fired multiple shots. A deputy returned fired, and suspect was pronounced deceased at the scene. The man was not identified in the press release.

The Thurston County Critical Incident Investigation Team will investigate the shooting.