New report could lead to charges against former Lakewood police chief in 2013 shooting

The Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office (PCPAO) is taking a fresh look at a fatal officer-involved shooting from 2013.

Leonard Thomas, 30, was shot and killed following a four-hour standoff with the Pierce County Metro SWAT Team.

A new report by the Washington Office of Independent Investigations suggested evidence brought up during a 2017 federal wrongful death trial could justify charging former Lakewood Police Chief Mike Zaro with manslaughter, according to The Seattle Times.

Zaro led the SWAT team the day Thomas was killed and went on to become the Lakewood Police Chief.

“When we receive the complete file, we will review it for a charging decision,” Adam Faber, a spokesperson for PCPAO, said.

Old law presents hurdle for charges

Mark Lindquist was the elected prosecutor when the shooting happened. The law was also different back then. In order to charge an officer for killing someone, prosecutors had to prove malicious intent on the part of the officer. That standard changed with the passage of I-940. But the law at the time of the shooting still applies.

“A prosecutor would still need to prove this case beyond a reasonable doubt and prove that the officer had malice. That is a very high hill to climb,” former Pierce County Prosecutor Mark Lindquist said.

Lindquist’s office found the shooting was justified, but in the civil case, Zaro and two other officers were found liable for Thomas’ death. The family was awarded $13 million, including $6.5 million in punitive damages against Zaro and the other officers, The Seattle Times reported.

Pierce County prosecutors are still awaiting the complete file on the case from the Office of Independent Investigations. There has been no word on how long it will take to make a charging decision.

Follow James Lynch on X. Read more of his stories here. Submit news tips here.

Follow @James_KIRORadio