Stabbing suspect dies following officer-involved shooting in Parkland

Pierce County deputies said a stabbing suspect died following an officer-involved shooting Sunday morning in Parkland.

It happened two hours after the suspect allegedly stabbed another man and his dog.

Just before 6:30 a.m Sunday, the 54-year-old victim said he was standing outside the S.S. Quick Stop Grocery at 112th and Park Avenue South in Parkland. He reported to deputies that the suspect came up to him and asked what religion he was.

Victim said suspect stabbed him after finding out he was Christian

According to investigators, the victim mentioned he was Christian, and that’s when the suspect stabbed both him and his dog.

The man stabbed was able to dial 911 on his phone, and deputies arrived at the scene minutes later.

Medics transported the victim to the hospital, where he is in serious condition. The man’s dog was also taken to a veterinarian for medical treatment for stab wounds. The dog had to undergo emergency surgery.

Before the victim was transported to a hospital, he was able to give deputies a description of the suspect. They searched the area around the store, using K-9 units.

About two hours later, a deputy doing an area check spotted the man about three blocks from the store, near Yakima Avenue South and 112th Street South.

Shots fired after officers followed suspect

Deputies said the man took off behind a nearby home. Officers followed him and, soon after, reported to dispatchers that shots were fired.

Medics transported the suspect to a hospital, where he later died. No officers were hurt.

Several deputies were involved in a confrontation with the suspect.

The Pierce County Force Investigation Team is working to determine the details that led to the shooting.

“It’s always important to remain transparent to investigate the circumstances that happened and to ensure that everything was lawfully done,” Sergeant Charles Porche, a spokesperson for the Pierce County Force Investigation Team, said.

Porche noted the team was collecting evidence and doing interviews to piece together what happened.

Contributing: James Lynch, KIRO Newsradio