Wednesday evening in Spanaway turned violent when a 19-year-old man was shot and rushed to the hospital, where he remains hospitalized in serious condition as detectives work to track down the shooter. The gunfire was reported around 5:15 p.m. in the 25400 block of 35th Avenue East, where witnesses told deputies a red vehicle pulled up, someone inside opened fire and then sped away. A bystander used his belt as a tourniquet, and a responding deputy provided lifesaving first aid before the victim was taken to the hospital.
What Deputies Say Happened
According to a news release from the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office, the shooter arrived in a red vehicle, shot the 19-year-old and then drove off. The release said the vehicle was listed as a recent stolen vehicle and that the suspect or suspects remain outstanding.
Car Found Burned Nearby
About two hours after the shooting, deputies found a vehicle matching the suspect’s car on fire at the intersection of Weiler Road East and 49th Avenue East, where residents had already put out the blaze, according to The News Tribune. Detectives say the suspect or suspects had already sped away and are still being sought as the investigation continues.
Investigation and Local Context
Detectives from the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office are canvassing the area and asking anyone with information or video to come forward. The department’s blotter shows deputies have been handling several serious calls in Spanaway and neighboring neighborhoods this month, underscoring a busy stretch for investigators, per the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office blotter. Anyone with tips can call the sheriff’s non-emergency line at (253) 287-4455 or file a report on Pierce County's website.
How to Help
If you saw something or have video, investigators are asking you to contact detectives or the tip line instead of sharing unverified details on social media. If you believe someone is in immediate danger, call 911.
