2 Clerks Shot In 2 Days In Pierce County, Suspect On The Run

MIDLAND, WA — Pierce County detectives believe the same man who shot a clerk during a robbery in Tacoma Wednesday struck again in Midland Thursday morning. Deputies were called to a Chevron at 104th Street East and Portland Avenue just before 6 a.m.

Detectives learned a masked man with purple gloves had entered the store and demanded cash from the clerk. He shot the clerk and fled the store. Investigators said the clerk was hospitalized with life-threatening injuries. The Pierce County Sheriff's Department released video and audio Thursday night, hoping it might help someone recognize the suspect.

The Pierce County Sheriff's Department said a large response assembled at the scene Thursday morning, and a K9 unit assisted in the search, but the man was not found. Detectives believe he left in a vehicle parked nearby. They are asking any businesses or homes in the area with surveillance cameras to check for activity between 5:30 a.m. and 6 a.m.

Thursday's shooting follows a robbery and shooting at a Tacoma 7-Eleven on Wednesday when a clerk was shot after handing money over to the suspect. The victim, in that case, was expected to survive. Surveillance images from both crimes show the shooter dressed identically.

Witnesses described the suspect as at least 6 feet tall with a slender build. In both instances, he was wearing a black ski mask, hooded jacket, dark blue sweats and purple gloves.