MYNORTHWEST NEWS

Pierce County prosecutor rules Tacoma cop acted in self-defense in ‘violent mob’ incident

Jul 14, 2022, 5:18 PM | Updated: 5:23 pm

Tacoma Police Officer Khanh Phan (KIRO 7) Footage of the officer running over at least one persons while trying to escape the violent mob

Last year, video circulated of a Tacoma Police Department officer appearing to run over a group of individuals at a drag race on Pacific Avenue in Tacoma. Thursday, Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney Mary E. Robnett cleared the officer, Khanh Phan, of any potential charges, determining through independent investigation that those actions were in self-defense.

The incident involved over 100 spectators who grouped themselves around a Tacoma police vehicle. While surrounded, Phan was hit with a bottle of an unidentified liquid, which the officer claims was a molotov cocktail. Fearing for his life, Phan drove through the crowd, potentially running over one of the bystanders, according to Robnett. 

Tacoma police chief addresses crime surge with new strategic plan

“People are entitled to act on appearances in defending themselves, even if it might appear afterward that they are mistaken. [His] belief that he was in actual danger is amply supported by the evidence, and therefore reasonable,” Robnett said. 

The prosecuting attorney points out that, generally, a slow-moving vehicle is not considered potentially lethal force. However, an independent investigation, conducted by officers from Puyallup, Milton, and Boney Lake, was carried out to assist in the determination of charges against Phan. 

In summarizing the decision to not pursue charges, Robnett points out that the individuals whom Phan struck positioned themselves in front of his vehicle, calling the bystanders a “violent mob” with expressed intention to harm the responding Tacoma police officers. 

MyNorthwest News

Image: Brightly colored eggs are set on a table on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington,...

Ted Buehner

Expect good Easter weekend weather for egg hunts, chilly evening Mariners games

Both Saturday and Sunday of Easter weekend will feature temperatures warming to around 60 degrees across much of Western Washington.

6 hours ago

Taylor Swift performs onstage during the Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour at Lumen Field on July 22, 20...

Micki Gamez, KIRO Newsradio and Bill Kaczaraba, MyNorthwest

Seattle tourism dollars break records following All-Star Week, Taylor Swift

It was a record-setting year for dollars flowing into Seattle from tourists.

7 hours ago

Image: A bridge in Carnation....

Julia Dallas

Carnation frustrated with Seattle again after 8th false emergency alarm induces widespread panic

Carnation citizens have faced a series of panic-inducing alarms after SPU's system for the Tolt Dam falsely sounded eight times.

8 hours ago

Grocery store shopper...

Bill Kaczaraba

Ways to deal with Seattle grocery store sticker shock

Seattle grocery store sticker shock continues to play havoc on locals, but there are ways to counter high prices.

8 hours ago

belltown hellcat social media...

Frank Sumrall

Infamous ‘Belltown Hellcat’ social media influencer charged with reckless driving

The social media influencer has been accused of driving 107 miles per hour through Belltown in a Dodge Hellcat.

10 hours ago

KIRO Newsradio gracie awards...

MyNorthwest Staff

KIRO Newsradio anchors receive Gracie Awards for outstanding work

Heather Bosch and Lisa Brooks, anchors at KIRO Newsradio, have been honored by the Alliance for Women in Media with prestigious Gracie Awards.

13 hours ago

Pierce County prosecutor rules Tacoma cop acted in self-defense in ‘violent mob’ incident