A mass stabbing in the Purdy area of the Key Peninsula turned into a deadly confrontation with law enforcement Tuesday morning, leaving five people dead and a normally quiet community reeling. Deputies were headed to the home to serve a no-contact order when multiple witnesses began calling in, reporting a man attacking people outside the residence.
According to investigators, a Pierce County deputy opened fire on the suspect, killing him at the scene. Four people, including the suspect, were pronounced dead there, and a fifth victim later died at a hospital. The Pierce County Force Investigation Team is now handling the case.
Timeline and response
According to The News Tribune, the first 911 call came in around 8:47 a.m., with a caller reporting that a man had shown up at the home in violation of a no-contact order. Deputies checked and found that the order had not yet been served.
While deputies were on their way, witnesses began reporting that people were being stabbed outside the residence, The News Tribune reports. Radio traffic indicated shots were reported around 9:33 a.m., and police scanner audio captured callers describing someone walking around with a knife shortly before the gunfire.
What authorities say
As reported by FOX 13 Seattle, four people were pronounced dead at the scene, including the 32-year-old suspect. A fifth victim died later after being transported by Gig Harbor Fire & Rescue.
Officials have not yet released the names of the victims or the suspect, and FOX 13 Seattle reports that the scene remained active for hours while investigators worked to document and collect evidence.
Investigation and next steps
The Pierce County Force Investigation Team, the unit that handles officer-involved shootings, is leading the probe. Investigators are expected to review any available recordings, interview witnesses and gather physical evidence as they piece together the sequence of events.
Per The News Tribune, detectives will also examine how the suspect ended up at the home and whether the no-contact order was properly filed or served.
What we still don't know
Authorities have not released the identities of the victims or the deputy involved in the shooting. The Sheriff's Office has asked residents to steer clear of the area while the investigation continues and the scene is fully processed.
FOX 13 Seattle reports that anyone with information is urged to contact the Pierce County Sheriff's Office tip line as detectives work to confirm the precise timeline and search for a motive.
