Suspect in Pierce County stabbing arrested after SWAT standoff

Pierce County deputies have arrested a suspect in a stabbing that left a 38-year-old man in critical condition outside a restaurant.

The stabbing happened around 7 p.m. on Sunday, April 26, in the parking lot of La Perla Del Mar Mexican restaurant, located near Steele Street and 112th Street South. Multiple callers reported that a man had been stabbed in the lot.

When deputies arrived, they found the 38-year-old victim suffering from multiple stab wounds. Deputies immediately began administering life-saving medical aid until fire crews arrived and took over. The victim was rushed to the hospital, where he was listed in critical condition and taken straight into emergency surgery.

The man had already fled the scene, but investigators used witness statements and surveillance video to identify him. Over the next several days, deputies conducted surveillance and gathered additional information that led them to a home in the Graham area, where they believed the suspect was staying.

Pierce County stabbing suspect barricades himself

Last night, around 6:30 p.m., deputies moved in to make the arrest. According to the sheriff’s office, the suspect barricaded himself inside the home, triggering an approximately hour-long standoff with the Pierce County SWAT Team.

“SWAT ended up deploying some flash bangs, the suspect came out in a matter of minutes with his hands up, and he was taken into custody peacefully,” Pierce County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Carly Cappetto said.

No additional injuries were reported during the standoff. The suspect is expected to face felony assault-related charges as detectives continue their investigation.

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