Two injured in south Tacoma home invasion, rolling gun battle

One person has been shot and deputies are searching for suspects in a home invasion robbery involving the owner of a marijuana dispensary in South Tacoma that culminated with a “rolling gun battle” Tuesday afternoon.

Pierce County Sheriff’s Detective Ed Troyer says two armed, masked men forced their way into a home in the 8300 block of 19th Ave Ct E.

The robbers demanded cash and fired off a couple of rounds and tied up the homeowner. When his girlfriend showed up, she was bound, as well and both were assaulted, according to Troyer.

A friend of the victim, who was outside at the time, got in his car and chased the gunmen as they fled, sparking what Troyer called a “rolling gun battle” that went on for several blocks. Dozens of rounds were fired and the friend was hit by multiple gunshots. He was transported to a hospital as was the homeowner, who was pistol-whipped.

Detectives are searching for a gray or pewter-colored Tahoe or Suburban with bullet holes. One of the robbers could be wounded, based on the number of rounds fired, said Troyer. He added they may be in the Renton or South King County area.

No one has been arrested.

Troyer said they believe this wasn’t a random robbery. The victims are tied to a previous robbery at a dispensary in October.

“It’s going to become a problem. This is a large cash business and wherever cash goes, crime goes,” he said.

Troyer suspects crimes like these will continue until banks are allowed to accept money from marijuana businesses.