Crime & Safety
Man Dies After SR 302 Chase, Shooting Near Gig Harbor
The Pierce County Sheriff's Department said the man fired a shot inside his truck after a chase involving Washington State Patrol.
GIG HARBOR, WA — Pierce County detectives are investigating after a man died following a police chase with Washington State Patrol troopers on State Route 302, according to the sheriff's department.
Investigators said the incident began Thursday night when WSP attempted to pull over a black Ford F-150 that was speeding on Highway 16 in Kitsap County. According to the sheriff's department, the driver initially pulled over, then sped away.
Detectives said the truck crashed and rolled into some bushes on the 15400 block of SR 302, northwest of Gig Harbor, shortly before 11 p.m. After the crash, investigators said the driver fired a shot inside his truck and troopers returned fire. According to the sheriff's department, the suspect died at the scene.
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The Associated Press reports the medical examiner's preliminary ruling determined the man died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
According to WSP, the troopers involved were not injured.
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A section of SR 302 remained closed into Friday morning while forensic investigators processed the scene.
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