Puyallup police say rumors of an active shooter at Bradley Lake Park turned out to be just that: rumors. Officers rushed to the South Hill park on Thursday after reports of shots heard, checked trails and parking lots around the lake, and left after finding no sign that gunfire had actually taken place. Their update on social media quickly tamped down a growing thread of worried neighborhood posts.
In a post on X, Puyallup Police said officers “received a report of shots heard” at Bradley Lake Park and that their investigation “found no evidence to substantiate the claims.” The department spelled it out clearly: “There is no active shooter.” The update did not mention any injuries.
Park and police response
Bradley Lake Park is a 59‑acre city park on South Hill with a 12‑acre lake and walking trails, the City of Puyallup says. The loop trail and ballfields are popular with walkers and families, which means a quick police sweep of the grounds and parking areas tends to get the neighborhood’s attention. Officers checked common gathering spots, then cleared the scene after finishing their inspection.
Why neighbors were alarmed
Residents’ nerves were already frayed earlier this year, when investigators recovered a body from Bradley Lake during a separate investigation, local news reported. KIRO 7 reported that the Pierce County Medical Examiner later identified the person, and the case prompted a temporary closure of the park in February.
How to get updates and report tips
Puyallup Police posted their latest update on X and said they will follow up on any credible tips, so residents should watch the department’s feed for official notices. For non‑emergency reports, the city lists a police dispatch number at 844‑821‑8911. Call 911 if someone is in immediate danger. We will update this story if officials release new information.
