Crime & Safety
Thurston County, WA Shooting: Deputy Fires at Armed Suspect
Thurston County, WA – A police pursuit along Interstate 5 in Washington escalated into a deputy involved shooting Sunday morning after authorities say a fleeing suspect displayed a firearm during a co
By Blake Harrison · 2026-11-01T18:39:17.431Z
Thurston County, WA – A police pursuit along Interstate 5 in Washington escalated into a deputy involved shooting Sunday morning after authorities say a fleeing suspect displayed a firearm during a confrontation with law enforcement.
According to the Thurston County Sheriff 's Office, deputies assisted Washington State Patrol troopers around 6:18 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 1, during a pursuit on northbound I 5 near milepost 88. The chase began after the suspect allegedly fired at a pursuing State Patrol vehicle.
I 5 Pursuit Ends After Spike Strips Deployed Authorities reported that deputies successfully deployed spike strips, bringing the suspect's vehicle to a stop along the freeway.
However, the suspect allegedly fled on foot into a nearby fenced area.
When deputies confronted the individual, a Taser was deployed.
During the encounter, authorities say the suspect displayed a firearm, prompting a deputy to discharge their weapon multiple times.
The sheriff's office did not report that the suspect was struck by gunfire.
Suspect Taken Into Custody Near Taco Bell Following the shooting, the suspect continued fleeing toward a nearby Taco Bell, where several deputies confronted the individual.
Authorities deployed another Taser and successfully took the suspect into custody.
The individual was transported to a local hospital for treatment of minor injuries related to the Taser deployment.
No law enforcement personnel were injured during the incident.
Independent Investigation Underway The Thurston County Sheriff's Office confirmed that the Washington State Office of Independent Investigations was notified, along with the Region 3 Critical Incident Investigation Team.
The Region 3 team will conduct an independent investigation into the shooting, and the sheriff's office will not participate in that investigation.
Once completed, the case will be forwarded to the Thurston County Prosecutor's Office for review.
Authorities have not released the suspect's identity or the names of the involved deputies.
The investigation remains ongoing.