Elma, WA – An independent investigation is underway after an Elma police officer fired at an armed 13-year-old during a confrontation last week, authorities announced Wednesday. The shot did not strike the juvenile.
According to the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office, Grays Harbor County deputies were dispatched to a rural Elma residence at about 2:25 p.m. Wednesday, July 29, 2026, following a reported disturbance involving an axe.
A person at the home told dispatchers that the juvenile was allegedly striking doors and walls and had threatened to enter a gun safe and retrieve a firearm. Other occupants were able to leave the residence before deputies arrived, officials said.
Authorities said deputies and Elma officers found the juvenile outside with a compound bow and arrows. During negotiations, the juvenile allegedly pointed the weapon toward responding officers and later fired several arrows at a police drone and in the direction of law enforcement personnel.
An Elma officer fired one round from a department-issued weapon, but the bullet did not hit the juvenile, according to the release. Officers later used less-lethal munitions, prompting the teenager to surrender.
The juvenile was initially evaluated at Summit Pacific Medical Center. After doctors identified a more significant soft-tissue injury, the teenager was transferred to Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital in Tacoma.
Officials said the juvenile remained in police custody during treatment and was released to Grays Harbor County deputies Thursday, July 31. The teenager was booked into juvenile detention on three counts of first-degree assault. The charges are allegations, and the juvenile is presumed innocent unless proved guilty.
Because an officer fired a weapon, the Region 3 Critical Incident Investigation Team, led by the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office, is conducting an independent review.
Anyone with information may call 360-786-5500 or email detectives@co.thurston.wa.us.
