Pierce County Council to conduct investigation into sheriff who called police on Black delivery driver

A recent report revealed that Pierce County Sheriff Ed Troyer called the police on a Black newspaper delivery driver in late January. Amid calls from some for Troyer’s resignation, Pierce County councilmembers are looking to gather more information about the incident, and how they might be able to legally respond.

Conflicting accounts after sheriff calls police on Black delivery driver

On Tuesday afternoon, at the conclusion of its study session, Pierce County Council Chair Derek Young directed the council staff to begin the process of finding someone to conduct an independent investigation into the recently reported events involving Sheriff Troyer.

“A timeline as to when that investigation could begin is dependent on the proposal brought back to Council, and the proposed scope of work involved,” reads a release from the council office. “As this process moves forward, Council is committed to keeping the public informed and will provide regular updates.”

Troyer previously described the incident in a statement to KIRO Radio, noting that it was around 2 a.m. on the night in question when he saw a car going in and out of a neighbor’s driveway with its headlights off.

He then confronted the driver, identified as 24-year-old Sedrick Altheimer, before Troyer made a call to dispatch that had an estimated 42 units from around the region headed toward the scene. Troyer claimed in the call that Altheimer threatened to kill him, although a statement taken by a Tacoma police officer at the scene says that the Pierce County sheriff later advised him he was “never threatened.”

While the Tacoma Police Department stands by that account, Troyer has since said that the officer’s report was “wrong,” maintaining that Altheimer had indeed threatened him.

Shortly after the initial report came out last week, County Council Chair Derek Young stopped short of openly condemning Troyer for the incident, but also noted that he was “concerned about what occurred, and is eager to learn more about the circumstances of that night.”

Last Friday, the Washington Black Lives Matter Alliance called for Troyer to be immediately suspended with a “thorough and transparent investigation” into the incident. Then, on Tuesday, the 27th and 29th Legislative District Democrats of Tacoma unanimously passed a joint resolution calling on Troyer to resign.

Last night the 27th and 29th LD Democrats voted unanimously to demand the resignation of @PierceSheriff Ed Troyer and pledged to support the countywide recall effort if he doesn't resign. Here's our joint statement about it. #Tacoma pic.twitter.com/w0ZksZtDf0

— 27th District Democrats (@27thDems) March 23, 2021

Meanwhile, Pierce County Councilmembers — whose power to oversee the sheriff is limited by the county charter — spoke to legal counsel on Monday “to learn what options are available.”

Ed Troyer: Pierce County not in defunding police mode

Councilmembers “asked preliminary questions” to better understand how they’d be able to respond, including “matters that could involve potential litigation.” That said, Young also indicated that there’s still more information needed before the council will consider any formal action.

“After speaking with legal counsel, the Council had more questions that need to be answered,” Young said in a written release on Monday. “Once we know more, we will have a better understanding of how best to proceed based on what is allowed under the Pierce County Charter.”

Troyer has stated he has no intention to voluntarily step down, but did release a statement after hearing of the council’s plans:

I have recently learned that the Pierce County Council will be seeking an independent investigation into the events that occurred in my neighborhood on January 27. I greatly appreciate the Council’s quick and thorough handling of this matter and I look forward to the findings of this investigation.

This is a time when transparency, facts, and communication are paramount. As your elected Sheriff I am fully committed to building trust with the community and I welcome this inquiry.

The Council will receive full cooperation from me and from my department as their investigation takes place.

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