Deputies search for suspect accused of trying to hit officer with SUV
May 3, 2026, 11:49 AM | Updated: 5:31 pm
An SUV driven by a suspect who allegedly tried to run over a Pierce County sheriff's deputy abandoned the vehicle when it crashed onto this concrete retaining wall. (Photo: Pierce Co. Sheriff's Dept.)
(Photo: Pierce Co. Sheriff's Dept.)
A search is underway for a dangerous, injured suspect accused of trying use an SUV as a deadly weapon.
Police say the man tried to hit a Pierce County deputy with the vehicle when he was awakened in it by officers early Sunday morning.
Authorities say the suspect then broke into several homes and vehicles, frightening residents in south Tacoma, in his attempt to escape.
This is after deputies fired their service weapons at the suspect.
No officers were hurt.
The incident started around 2:00 a.m., when deputies observed a man slumped over the steering wheel of a BMW sport utility vehicle, at the Golden Village Park Homes neighborhood, near E. 72nd and 9th Ave. Ct. E.
The suspect took off from this SUV after it became stuck next to a house in south Tacoma. (Photo: Pierce Co. Sheriff’s Dept.)
They soon were able to identify the man and determined he had warrants for assault, eluding and escape.
Deputies tried blocking him in with vehicles, positioning their patrol cars to try to make it impossible for him to escape.
But when he woke up, they say he rammed their vehicles, moving them just enough to create a pathway to drive away.
Officers say the man also tried to strike one deputy with the BMW he was in.
Deputies fired shots at he sped away.
The suspect escaped even though the vehicle he was driving reportedly had flattened tires.
A department spokesperson, Deputy Carly Cappetto, said the search continues for that suspect.
“We do not have a suspect in custody,” she said. “This is a very active scene and we are encouraging everyone to lock their homes and their vehicles, since there is evidence that shows the suspect is attempting to get into people’s homes and vehicles.”
Later, the S-U-V was found crashed.
The vehicle’s engine was still running.
The driver apparently abandoned it when the SUV became stuck next to a house.
Deputies found the SUV with a front wheel dangling over a concrete retaining wall, about a mile north of the original confrontation with deputies.
The crash took place next to a home near 9th Ave. E. and 85th St. E.
The sheriff’s department believes the man was injured, but it’s unclear whether it was from the officers’ gunfire.
Police mark the area where shell casings fell to the ground, in an officer-involved shooting at Golden Village Park Homes in south Tacoma. (Photo: Pierce Co. Sheriff’s Dept.)
Cappetto says there were several reports from residents in the area of someone injured and bleeding breaking into their homes and vehicles.
Some reported coming face-to-face with the suspect.
“Multiple calls came in from nearby residences stating a man had showed up on their properties, asking for help, and appeared to have blood on him,” Cappetto said. “We’ve had multiple residents report a male with blood, matching a description of our suspect, who had broken into their homes and left after being confronted.”
The sheriff’s department launched a search in the area, using drones and K-9 patrols.
They searched for nearly four hours, but have not located the suspect.
The Pierce County Sheriff’s Office is asking people in the area near 72nd Street and Golden Givens Road to be alert and report anything suspicious.
The incident is now under review by the Pierce County Force Investigation Team, which is standard procedure when officers are involved in a shooting.
