(Editor's note: This is from Lakewood Police regarding a hostage incident tonight)
Lakewood Police Officers were dispatched to the Washington State Employees Credit Union for a report of a man with a gun holding 12 people hostage inside.
Officers were on scene immediately and surrounded the building. A crisis negotiator attempted multiple times to establish communication with the suspect but he would not acknowledge the negotiator.
After approximately 45 minutes the suspect walked into the glass enclosed foyer with the victim and was still visibly armed with the firearm. Fearing for the safety of the hostages, officers shot and disabled the suspect. Officers then closed in on the suspect and secured the premises. The suspect was transported to Tacoma General Hospital in critical condition.
The suspect is a 48-year-old male from Tacoma. He and the primary victim were married for over 15 years and were recently separated with a history of Domestic Violence. Initial indications are that they met at the Credit Union to resolve financial matters and the suspect attacked the victim once inside.
This incident is being investigated by the Lakewood Police Department with assistance from the Cooperative Cities Crime Response Unit, and the Pierce County Prosecutor’s Office.
