Shots fired at Tacoma Walmart as officer wrestles shoplifting suspect to ground, shooter remains on the loose
Aug 5, 2026, 6:01 AM
The Tacoma Police Department is searching for a driver who fired gunshots during a chaotic arrest at a local Walmart Tuesday night.
A fully uniformed officer was alerted to a teenage shoplifting suspect while working an off-duty security detail. When the officer approached the suspect and tried to stop him, the teenager resisted, leading to the two wrestling on the ground in the Walmart parking lot.
Suddenly, during the scuffle, a car drove past the struggle and fired four rounds into the air before escaping.
“While trying to take the juvenile into custody, a vehicle in the parking lot passed by the officer, shot four rounds into the air, then fled the parking lot,” the Tacoma Police Department told KIRO 7. “It is unknown if the suspect and vehicle are associated, but the vehicle and the occupants are still outstanding.”
The officer safely detained the teenager and booked him into Remann Hall Detention Center. However, the shooter is still on the run.
Walmart closed the store early so a massive team of detectives could search the area.
This is a developing story, check back for updates
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