Shots fired outside Tacoma Walmart as officer struggles to arrest teen accused of shoplifting

A juvenile shoplifting arrest outside a Tacoma Walmart turned into a shooting scare when someone in a passing vehicle fired multiple shots, according to Tacoma Police Sgt. John Correa.

Correa said an off‑duty Tacoma officer working security at the Walmart on Union Avenue was alerted just after 8 p.m. that a juvenile male had allegedly shoplifted from inside the store and was leaving through the grocery entrance on the north side of the building.

An officer contacted the teen in the parking lot and began escorting him back toward the store’s asset protection office to be trespassed and have paperwork completed.

“Before entering back into the store, the juvenile male resisted the officer and refused to comply with the officer’s commands,” Correa said.

The officer and the suspect fell to the ground as the teen continued to resist. The officer called for backup from Tacoma Police, Pierce County deputies, or any nearby units while holding the teen on the ground.

As the struggle continued, Correa said a vehicle drove past them in the lot.

“A vehicle passing by, which is behind the officer and the subject on the ground, fired four rounds from the rear passenger window,” Correa said.

Detectives yet to confirm if shots fired outside Tacoma Walmart were directed at officer

Surveillance footage reviewed by investigators suggests the shots may have been fired into the air, but detectives have not yet confirmed whether the rounds were aimed at the officer or simply discharged upward. The vehicle then fled the parking lot onto Union Avenue and has not been located.

Responding officers arrived and secured the scene. The Walmart went into lockdown and later closed early because of the incident.

During the arrest, officers discovered a firearm in the juvenile’s waistband. Correa says the teen was booked into Remann Hall on suspicion of unlawful possession of a firearm, shoplifting, and resisting arrest.

No injuries have been reported.

Detectives with the Tacoma Police Department are actively investigating, gathering video, and working to identify the people in the vehicle from which the shots were fired.

Police are asking anyone who witnessed the incident, saw the fleeing vehicle, or anyone who has cellphone video to contact the Tacoma Police Department or call 911.

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