Investigators with the Snohomish County Multiple Agency Response Team, known as SMART, are digging into a shooting that involved at least one Snohomish County Sheriff’s deputy on East Shore Drive in the Martha Lake neighborhood east of Lynnwood. Officials have not said whether anyone was killed, and they are not yet sharing how many deputies or potential victims were involved. To avoid a conflict of interest while the case unfolds, Mukilteo Police, who are part of SMART, will handle public information as detectives sort out what happened.
SMART told KIRO 7 that the incident took place on East Shore Drive in the Martha Lake area and remains an active investigation. According to the station, a SMART representative did not say whether any officers were hurt or how many were on scene.
What SMART Is And How It Works
SMART is a multi-agency team made up of investigators, evidence technicians, records specialists and civilian community members who respond to police use-of-force incidents. The team is activated when a chief of police or a sheriff asks for a consultation, and once its investigation wraps up the findings are sent to the Snohomish County Prosecuting Attorney for review, according to Snohomish County.
Local Context
The county’s SMART unit has been called in on several high-profile incidents in recent years, and its investigations can stay open for weeks while detectives gather evidence and release occasional public updates. Coverage from The Daily Herald shows the team stepping into use-of-force cases that drew extended media attention.
What To Expect Next
For now, investigators are expected to keep collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses, and public details are likely to remain thin during that process. That work can stretch on for weeks. When SMART finishes its review, the case file will go to the Snohomish County Prosecuting Attorney, who will decide whether criminal charges are warranted. Until officials are ready to release more information, Mukilteo Police will continue fielding media questions.
