Deputies search for suspect in deadly road rage shooting in Spanaway
Jan 31, 2026, 10:18 AM
Investigators say this vehicle crashed into a tree on Military Rd. S. in Spanaway Friday night, after its driver was shot in an apparent road-rage attack. (Photo: Pierce County Sheriff's Office)
(Photo: Pierce County Sheriff's Office)
The Pierce County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a shooting death that likely was the result of road rage.
The homicide took place on Military Rd. East near 160th Street East.
“This was caused from a road-rage incident that began on 22nd Ave. and Military Road E. and it’s left a 21-year-old deceased,” said Pierce County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Carly Cappetto, in a statement released on video.
Responding deputies arrived at around 10:15 p.m. after getting a report of a vehicle collision with a tree.
Deputies cordoned off the crash site as detectives started processing evidence. (Photo: Pierce County Sheriff’s Office)
They found the crash scene, on Military Rd. E. near 160th St. E., where the front end of a car had slammed into a tree.
Inside the vehicle was a 21-year-old male driver.
Investigators say he had been shot.
Deputies and other people who happened to be in the area pulled the victim from the car and attempted life-saving measures.
Pierce County medics soon arrived and pronounced the man dead.
The white hatchback crashed into a tree after someone shot the 21-year-old driver. (Photo: Pierce County Sheriff’s Office)
Now authorities are searching for a 2nd driver.
Detectives and forensic specialists arrived on the scene and started processing evidence.
The sheriff’s department has not identified or arrested any suspects.
“Please call the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office if you have any information regarding this incident,” Cappetto said.
