#1 Drive-By-Shooting in University Place
On July 3 at approximately 1:10 a.m., University Place deputies responded to reports of a Dodge Charger occupied by multiple individuals who were firing gunshots from the vehicle at the Duo Apartments. When a deputy arrived and was speaking with the victim, he witnessed additional shots being fired from the Charger. The deputy attempted to stop the vehicle, which led to a pursuit. The Charger reached speeds exceeding 100 mph and was able to evade deputies. A short time later, the vehicle was located by the Tacoma Police Department near Titlow Beach. Tacoma officers detained three occupants and turned them over to our deputies. A 19-year-old male, a 21-year-old male, and a 22-year-old male were all taken into custody. The 19-year-old is being booked on two counts of drive-by shooting and one count of possession of a stolen firearm. The 21-year-old is being booked on one count of drive-by shooting. The 22-year-old is being booked on one count of drive-by shooting and one count of possessing explosive devices after deputies located illegal fireworks and two improvised explosive devices, commonly referred to as “tennis ball bombs,” among his personal belongings. There have been no reported victims or property damage.
#2 Threats with Homemade Explosive
On July 4 at approximately 12:15 a.m., the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office Hazardous Device Squad assisted the Puyallup Police Department with the execution of a search warrant after a homeowner allegedly displayed a homemade explosive device and threatened others with it. During the search, the Hazardous Device Squad located a homemade pipe bomb inside the garage. The device was determined to be extremely dangerous and was safely transported approximately one block away to a secure location, where Bomb Squad technicians safely detonated it and disposed of it. The 48-year-old male was taken into custody and is expected to face multiple felony charges, as well as possible federal charges related to the explosive device.
#3 Ninja Guy Arrested
On July 4 around 2:30pm, deputies responded to complains of a man practicing martial arts with a weapon in his hand at a gas station off Mountain Hwy in Spanaway. The man was scaring customers as they came into the store. When deputies arrived, the man was seen with a metal object in his hand doing ninja kicks and punches outside the front door as people were trying to walk by. The metal object ended up being a metal tutor for smoking drugs. The 53-year-old male was taken into custody after a short struggle for possession of a controlled substance, resisting arrest and disorderly conduct.
#4 Two Boat Fires on Lake Tapps
On July 5 at approximately 3:30 p.m., fire crews reported that two boats had caught fire on Lake Tapps before sinking, creating a significant environmental hazard. The Pierce County Metro Dive Team was requested to assist with the recovery effort. Divers successfully removed both boats from the water to help prevent further environmental impact. The cause of the fire remains under investigation and will be determined by the Fire Marshal.