Person of interest connected to two Pierce County homicides remains on the loose, considered armed and dangerous
Jul 8, 2026, 10:17 AM | Updated: 3:04 pm
A photo of Hayes McCloud, 24, a person of interest connected to two homicides early Wednesday morning, placed over one of the crime scenes. (Photo courtesy of Pierce County Sheriff's Office, KIRO 7)
(Photo courtesy of Pierce County Sheriff's Office, KIRO 7)
The Pierce County Sheriff’s Office released details regarding a person of interest connected to two homicides that occurred at two separate crime scenes Wednesday morning. The suspect remains on the loose, as of this reporting.
Hayes McCloud, 24, has been identified as a person of interest on suspicion of first-degree murder, the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office announced. He is 5 feet, 8 inches tall and weighs approximately 115 pounds. The sheriff’s office believes he is traveling in a silver 1996 Toyota 4Runner (Washington license: CWW5132).
***UPDATE Homicide Case 9:15am 7-8-2026***
Pierce County Sheriff detectives have identified Hayes McCloud as a person of interest in connection to the homicide. We also believe Hayes McCloud is also connected to a second homicide that occurred about 30 minutes later. pic.twitter.com/XjLL70Lx68
— Pierce Co Sheriff (@PierceSheriff) July 8, 2026
According to the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office, the suspect and the two victims killed are related.
McCloud is believed to be armed and dangerous. If seen, police are advising not to approach him and to call 911.
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35-year-old killed early Wednesday morning
At 2:40 a.m. Wednesday, deputies were called to respond to the 12500 block of Woodland Avenue E in Puyallup after receiving reports that a man was found dead in a home. Two homeowners were at the scene when deputies arrived.
“The preliminary investigation indicates there was homicidal violence in a bedroom that eventually led outside the home,” the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office reported. “The 35-year-old male was located inside the home with multiple deadly injuries. We have no suspect in custody at this time.”
Second homicide less than 30 minutes later
Just after 3 a.m., police were called to the 6900 block of E. D Street in Tacoma’s Hillsdale neighborhood after multiple people reported hearing gunfire. When officers arrived, they found an adult man suffering from apparent gunshot wounds.
Officers began lifesaving measures, but the victim was pronounced dead at the scene.
Detectives and crime scene technicians are now investigating the case as a homicide.
This is a developing story, check back for updates
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