Firearms Owners Against Crime
Institute for Legal, Legislative and Educational Action
Institute for Legal, Legislative and Educational Action
SPANAWAY, Wash. — A homeowner opened fire at two suspected burglars Thursday morning in Spanaway, killing one of the men. The second suspect fled and is still at large.
According to Pierce County Sheriff’s Department (PCSD) spokesperson Darren Moss, a homeowner called 911 around 4:20 a.m. to report a home burglary near A Street E and 165th Street E. The homeowner told dispatchers two men had kicked in the back door trying to break into the home, Moss said.
The 31-year-old homeowner told investigators he armed himself and fired shots at the two suspects.
When deputies arrived on the scene, they found a deceased suspect in the front yard of the home. The deceased suspect was identified as a 24-year-old male.
They checked the surrounding area for the second suspect but were unable to locate them.
PCSD detectives are investigating the incident as a homicide, but Moss said it could be determined the homeowner was using self-defense.
As of Thursday afternoon, no arrests had been made in the incident. Once detectives finish their investigation, they will forward the case to the Pierce County Prosecutor's Office.
Moss said the homeowners were not injured.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.