A Friday morning drive in Federal Way ended in gunfire when police shot and killed a man who officers say tried to carjack a passing driver. Around 8:45 a.m., officers were called to a vehicle blocking the intersection near First Ave S and SW 330th St, where they found a man passed out behind the wheel of what was later confirmed to be a stolen car, according to city officials. He was treated at the scene, taken to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, and later died from his injuries.
Police account
According to FOX 13 Seattle, officers tried to contact the man after learning the vehicle had been reported stolen. Police say he bolted from the car on foot, pulled out a handgun, and tried to carjack another driver nearby. Officers opened fire when he allegedly pointed the gun at them. Medical personnel and officers provided aid at the scene before he was transported to Harborview Medical Center, the outlet reports.
Investigation and officer status
The Valley Independent Investigation Team has taken over the investigation into the officer’s use of force, and the involved officer has been placed on administrative leave in keeping with department policy, the Federal Way Mirror reports. Police have said the vehicle was confirmed stolen and that the suspect was armed at the time of the shooting. Authorities did not release the man’s name on Friday and said more details will be shared as the investigation moves forward.
What comes next
The Valley Independent Investigation Team (VIIT), a multi-agency group that handles officer-involved shootings in south King County, will now sift through evidence, including nearby surveillance and traffic-camera footage, officials told FOX 13 Seattle. The officer’s administrative leave and the independent review are standard procedures while investigators work to piece together exactly what happened, and the city has said it will release additional information when appropriate.
