‘This family was incredibly lucky’: Bullet rips through Parkland apartment wall, 23-year-old arrested
Sep 2, 2026, 12:38 PM
Pierce County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) deputies responded to a drive-by shooting just after 11:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Lucent Apartments on 17th Ave. S in Parkland.
When deputies arrived, they spoke to a resident who said a bullet had traveled through the wall of their apartment’s kitchen. Four people were inside at the time and were getting ready for bed.
“This family was incredibly lucky,” PCSO Deputy Carly Cappetto said. “A bullet went through their kitchen wall, and if anyone had been standing there, we could be talking about a very different outcome.”
Fortunately, no one was in the kitchen when the shot was fired, and no injuries were reported.
Deputies searched the area and learned that a silver SUV had left the complex before they arrived. Evidence at the scene indicated that shots had been fired from that vehicle.
Deputies locate suspect in Parkland shooting
A short time later, deputies located the suspected SUV at another apartment complex on 19th Ave. S. Spent shell casings were visible inside the vehicle, and deputies established probable cause for an arrest.
Deputies then contacted a 23-year-old male suspect at an apartment in the complex. When he opened the door, he was holding a firearm at his side.
“Our deputies immediately gave clear commands for the suspect to drop the gun,” Cappetto said. “He complied, and they were able to take him into custody safely. Their quick, calm response prevented this from escalating into an officer‑involved shooting.”
As the investigation continued, deputies identified three prior reports of shots fired in the same area on Aug. 7, 13, and 21, in which the same suspect had been identified as a person of interest.
“We know this kind of violence is frightening for residents who just want to feel safe in their homes,” Cappetto said.
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Anyone with information asked to come forward
Those earlier cases remain under investigation, and detectives are working to determine whether they are linked to Tuesday night’s shooting.
“If anyone has video, photos, or information about any of these incidents, we’re asking them to come forward,” Cappetto added. “Even a small detail could help our investigators.”
The 23-year-old suspect was booked into the Pierce County Jail on three counts of drive-by shooting.
The investigation into all of these incidents is active.
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