State investigators have identified the Puyallup police officer who shot and seriously injured a man during a June 5 domestic-violence call as patrol officer Zion Gregory. The incident began when a woman told 911 her brother was trying to kill her, and officers were sent to the 1600 block of 4th Avenue NW that evening. Police say Gregory, the first officer to arrive, reported shots fired after the man allegedly advanced toward him in the street while armed with a metal baton. The man was taken to a Tacoma hospital, where he remained as investigators continued to gather evidence.
According to The News Tribune, the Washington State Office of Independent Investigations identified the officer Friday and said Gregory is 29 and was hired by the Puyallup Police Department in March 2025. OII communications director Hector Castro told the paper the suspect was still hospitalized and described the case as "still an early stage."
How the encounter unfolded
Local broadcasters reported that deputies and Puyallup officers say Gregory arrived on scene alone and was waiting for backup when the man charged at him with a metal pole and ignored commands, which investigators say prompted the officer to open fire. KIRO 7 reports that deputies indicated the man was shot multiple times and was in critical condition at last check.
Investigations and charges
The Washington State OII is handling the deadly-force review, while the Pierce County Force Investigation Team is probing the underlying criminal incident and the Tacoma Police Department is leading that county-level inquiry, according to The News Tribune. The same report says Tacoma police believe the man is suspected of two counts of first-degree assault, violating a protection order, and other alleged offenses.
State oversight and context
The Office of Independent Investigations expanded into Pierce County on May 1 to take over investigations of fatal police encounters in the region and has emphasized public reporting and timeliness in its rollout. For the agency's announcement and background on the expansion, see the Office of Independent Investigations.
What comes next
Investigators from both state and county teams will review body-worn camera footage, witness statements, and forensic evidence before issuing findings. Any decisions about charges or officer discipline will come after those reviews and potential consultation with prosecutors. The Tacoma Police Department's public materials outline how deadly-force investigations are handled in the county and say updates will be released as the inquiries proceed, according to the Tacoma Police Department.
