LACEY, Wash. — Investigators opened a public tip line Thursday as part of the independent investigation into an hourslong standoff that ended with a fatal police shooting in Lacey, marking the first significant update since the incident drew widespread regional attention.
The Washington State Office of Independent Investigations is leading the inquiry into the officer use of deadly force, which occurred at approximately 5:06 p.m. Jan. 21 at an apartment complex in the 4600 block of 45th Avenue Southeast.
Investigation and tip line
The Lacey Police Department notified OII of the shooting at 5:26 p.m. OII investigators arrived shortly after 6 p.m., deploying about 25 personnel during the initial response.
OII urged anyone with information related to the incident to contact its tip line at 564-263-0280. State law requires OII to treat all submitted information as public record under the Public Records Act.
Hourslong standoff preceded shooting
Lacey police officers responded to the apartment complex after receiving a report of a disturbance. Officers then learned that someone inside one unit had fired shots, which escalated the response and led to an hourslong standoff.
Law enforcement agencies activated a regional SWAT team that included officers from Lacey, Yelm, Olympia and Tumwater, along with deputies from the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office.
Use of deadly force
Police reported that officers made contact with a man inside the apartment during the standoff. At some point, the man exited the unit and allegedly raised a firearm toward officers.
A Lacey police officer then fired multiple rounds, striking the man. SWAT medics immediately attempted lifesaving measures, but the man died at the scene. The involved officer works for the Lacey Police Department.
Scene response and next steps
The Washington State Patrol Crime Scene Response Team processed the scene, and the Thurston County Coroner’s Office responded.
OII plans to release the name of the involved officer in the coming days.
Stay tuned for more PNW Daily coverage on CRIME in the Pacific Northwest.
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