Man Accused Of Killing Pierce Deputy Has Long Criminal History

TACOMA, WA - The suspect in the shooting death of Pierce County deputy Daniel A. McCartney has a long criminal history in the county, according to court records. Frank Pawul, 32, is facing multiple charges, including first-degree murder, for his alleged role in McCartney's death.

According to Pierce County court records, Pawul was involved in these criminal incidents:

• In spring 2014, Pawul pleaded guilty to charges of identity theft, possession of stolen property, possession of drugs, and possessing car theft tools. Police tracked down Pawul after he allegedly used a stolen credit card to buy coffee and other items at a Big Foot Java in Puyallup. The truck he was driving also contained drugs and stolen property and shaved keys used to break into cars, according to court records.
• In August 2013, Pawul was accused of selling percocet, a prescription painkiller. A Pierce County deputy arrested Pawul after witnessing what he described as a drug deal. According to court records, Pawul was trying to sell pills in the parking lot of a gas station.
• In May 2013, Pawul and three others were accused of burglarizing a home in Tacoma. Pierce County deputies interrupted the burglary. Pawul told police he was inside the home because someone had told him their grandparents needed help moving.
• In 2007, Pawul was accused of burglarizing Barney's Corner, a gas station near Eatonville. Pawul allegedly made off with beer, cigarettes, beef jerky, and chewing tobacco. According to court records, Pawul allegedly stole keys to the gas station from an employee.

Pawul was arrested Monday morning by a Washington State Patrol trooper. At the time of the arrest, Pawul was not a suspect in McCartney's death. However, he gave the trooper a false name and was arrested for obstructing police. He was later found to have several outstanding warrants out of Mason County.

McCartney, a father of three, was shot late Sunday night while pursuing two suspects who ran from the scene of a burglary in Frederickson. McCartney, 34, died later during surgery at St. Joseph's Hospital in Tacoma. A second suspect also died during the pursuit. Investigators are exploring the possibility that McCartney was involved in a gun battle with the two suspects.

Pawul is expected to make an initial appearance in court Tuesday.

Image courtesy Pierce County Sheriff's Office