Crime & Safety
Spanaway Walmart Robber Died By Suicide
Two deputies responded to the report of an armed robbery around 2 a.m. Monday.
SPANAWAY, WA - An armed robber who died early Monday morning during a confrontation with deputies died by suicide, according to the Pierce County Medical Examiner. The man apparently shot himself after fleeing the Walmart along SR 7 in Spanaway.
According to police, the deputies went to the Walmart at 20307 Mountain Hwy East around 2 a.m. As they approached the store, they saw a man dressed in camouflage running from the scene. The deputies opened fire, and the suspect, a man in his 30s from Graham, was found dead in the bushes nearby.
The suspect apparently refused to show the officers his hands while running toward them. Police said that the suspect was found with a handgun and cash.
Find out what's happening in Puyallupfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Last Thursday, deputies shot a suspect during a standoff at a car dealership in Parkland - about 5 miles north of the Spanaway Walmart. That suspect was not injured, however, because he was wearing body armor.
Suspect is unidentified white male believed to be in his 30's, wearing camouflage shirt, armed with a handgun. Suspect reportedly robbed cashiers & walked around store. Deputy arrived as suspect was exiting west side doors, suspect refused to show hands & runs toward deputy.
— Pierce Co Sheriff (@PierceSheriff) September 10, 2018
Image courtesy Pierce County Sheriff's Office
Find out what's happening in Puyallupfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.