Man Killed In Apparent Road Rage Shooting Near Lakewood

LAKEWOOD, WA — A 48-year-old man was shot and killed after an apparent road rage incident north of Steilacoom Wednesday night. The Pierce County Sheriff's Department said the shooting happened along the 10300 block of Chambers Creek Road West shortly after 5 p.m. The road was closed for several hours, between Steilacoom and University Place, while an investigation continued.

According to the sheriff's department, witnesses reported a pickup truck driving recklessly near the wastewater treatment facility, passing several vehicles before suddenly stopping in the middle of the road. Witnesses said the driver got out of his truck holding a gun, and another man — a passenger from a different truck — left his vehicle, and the two men exchanged words. Deputies said the second man shot the driver of the truck, who died at the scene.

Detectives said the second man stayed at the scene and cooperated with law enforcement. No arrests have been made, but an investigation into the incident is ongoing. The sheriff's department said rumors posted on social media Wednesday night regarding one of the men were incorrect.

"Several individuals and groups have posted on social media that the shooter was an off-duty firefighter. This is FALSE information. An off-duty firefighter was driving on Chambers Creek Road at the time of the shooting and provided CPR to the victim. Please be careful when listening to scanners and sharing information!"

Wednesday's shooting death follows a homicide in Tacoma Tuesday, which was the city's second of the year.