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Police and Use of Deadly Force in Tacoma

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Independent Investigations into Use of Deadly Force Incidents

Washington State Law requires any use of deadly force involving a Police Officer to be investigated by an independent agency. In accordance with these standards, the City of Tacoma cannot investigate or interfere with an ongoing investigation or the integrity of an investigation into the use of deadly force by a Tacoma police officer.

 

The Criminal Justice Training Commission established the Law Enforcement Training and Community Safety Act (LETCSA), which provides the criteria of what qualifies as an independent investigation pursuant to the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 139-12.


Investigations in to police use of deadly force can take months to years to complete. Each investigation is unique and may require additional review of evidence or testimony by experts, which results in varying durations of the investigative process. While state law provides for updates to the family of the deceased, it does not provide for the jurisdiction to receive updates during the investigation.

 

Information on this page is limited by Washington State Law. For updates to this page, please subscribe to receive email notifications. For more information on Police Involved Shootings, visit our web page, which is updated quarterly or Tacoma Police Department policy, visit our webpage.

   

Case information is directly available from Pierce County Force Investigation Team (PCFIT) for cases that they are investigating. Please note that all public records requests for copies of PCFIT reports must be submitted through South Sound 911.

 

Administrative Review

The Tacoma Police Department recognizes the need to review thoroughly all applications of deadly force by its Officers. The primary purpose of the Board shall be to review the investigation and determine if the application of deadly force was within Department policy. The Board may also examine significant training and equipment issues. The Board shall report its findings to the Chief of Police. These findings may include recommendations to further investigate certain aspects of the attendant circumstances.

 
The Board consists of six voting members and a non-voting chairperson. The six voting members will consist of two management representatives, two union representatives, and two members of the community.


Current Criminal Investigation of Police Use of Deadly Force:

Cases will be updated upon the conclusion of the investigation and review of findings by the prosecuting authority. 

Case Number 23-220-01576 (8/8/2023 - 9400 blk S D St)

Case Number:
Case Number 23-220-01576

 

Date:
August 8, 2023

 

Location:

9400 block of South D Street

Investigating Authority:
Pierce County Force Investigation Team

Investigation Status:
Open

Officers Involved:
Not Yet Available

 

Press Releases by Investigating Authority:

PCFIT weekly press release updates - Case: 8/8/2023 - 9400 blk S D St

City of Tacoma Issued Press Releases and Statements: 
N/A

Investigation Report:
Not Yet Available

Charging Decisions:
Not Yet Available

Administrative Review:
Not Yet Available


Case Number 23-152-02536 - shots fired, no injuries - 6/1/2023 600 blk N Fife St

Case Number:

Case Number 23-152-02536

 

Date:

June 1, 2023

 

Location:

600 block of North Fife Street

Investigating Authority:

Tacoma Police Department

 

Investigation Status:

Open

Officers Involved:

  • Officer Abdirizak Ahmed, a 32-year-old male who has been with the department for 3 years.
  • Officer Mitchell Beymer, a 31-year-old male, a lateral officer with 2 years of prior law enforcement experience who has been with the department for 1 year.

 

City of Tacoma Issued Press Releases and Statements:

06.01.2023 - Officer Involved Shooting - 600 block of North Fife Street

06.22.2023 - Update to the June 1, 2023, Officer Involved Shooting – 600 block of North Fife Street 

 

Investigation Report:

Not Yet Available

Charging Decisions:

Not Yet Available

Administrative Review:

Not Yet Available

 

Case Number 22-271-02362 - shots fired, no injuries

Case Number:

22-271-02362

 

Date:

September 28, 2022.

 

Location:

800 blk Pacific Ave

 

Investigating Authority:

Tacoma Police Department

 

Investigation Status:

Open

 

Officers Involved:

  • Officer Abdirizak Ahmed, a 31-year-old male who has been with the Tacoma Police Department for two years.
  • Officer Scott Hendershot, a 30-year-old male who has been with the Tacoma Police Department for four years. 

Press Releases by Investigating Authority:

September 29, 2022

 

City of Tacoma Issued Press Releases and Statements:

Investigation Report:

Not Yet Available

Charging Decisions:

Not Yet Available

Administrative Review:

Pending completion of criminal investigation

 

Case Number 22-365-1853 - shots fired, no injuries - 12/31/2022 3800 blk N Pearl St

Case Number:

Case Number 22-365-1853

 

Date:

December 31, 2022

 

Location: 

3800 block of North Pearl Street

Investigating Authority:

Tacoma Police Department

 

Investigation Status:

Open

Officers Involved:

  • Officer Ira Stephens, a 52-year-old male who has been with the Tacoma Police Department for 28 years.

Press Releases by Investigating Authority:

12.31.2022 - Officer Involved Shooting - 3800 block of N. Pearl St.

01.19.2023 - Video Report of Incident 

 

Investigation Report:

Not Yet Available

Charging Decisions:

Not Yet Available

Administrative Review:

Not Yet Available

 

Closed Criminal Investigation of Police Use of Deadly Force:

Cases that have been completed are below.

Case Number 20-246-00398 - Antonio Bradley

Case Number:

20-246-00398

Date:

September 2, 2020

 

Location:

4000 blk S D St

Investigating Authority:

Pierce County Force Investigation Team

Investigation Status:

Open

Officers Involved:

  • Sergeant Brandon Mires, a 37 years old with approximately 12 years on the department.
  • Police Patrol Specialist Sylvester Weaver, a 61 years old with approximately 29 years on the department.
  • Officer Bret Terwilliger, a 37 years old with approximately 13 years on the department. 

Press Releases by Investigating Authority: 

Final Update Pierce County Force Investigation Team Press Release - August 5, 2021

 

City of Tacoma Issued Press Releases and Statements:

None available at this time.

Investigation Report:

South Sound 911 Investigation Report Record

 

Charging Decisions:

Pending Review by Prosecuting Authority

 

Administrative Review:

Pending completion of criminal investigation

Case Number 22-046-01068 - Jeremiah Tusi

Case Number:

22-046-01068

Date:

February 15, 2022

 

Location:

8800 blk S Tacoma Wy

 

Investigating Authority:

Pierce County Force Investigation Team

 

Investigation Status:

Open

 

Officers Involved:

  • Officer Angel Castaneda, 26-year-old with approximately 5 years and 3 months on the department.

 

Press Releases by Investigating Authority:

04.26.2022 - PCFIT Press Release PR 2-25, Final Weekly Update


 
Investigation Report:

 Not Yet Available

 

Charging Decisions:

Not Yet Available

Administrative Review:

Pending completion of criminal investigation

 

Case Number 22-075-01387 - Michael Ray Mercado

Case Number:

22-075-01387

 

Date:

March 16, 2022

 

Location:

4500 blk S Pine St

 

Investigating Authority:

Pierce County Force Investigation Team

 

Investigation Status:

Open

 

Officers Involved:

  • Officer Erika Haberzettl, 48 year old with approximately 20 years on the department
  • Officer Jared Levitt, 32 year old with approximately 4.5 years on the department

 

Press Releases by Investigating Authority:

June 9, 2022

PCFIT PR 3-16

Final Weekly Update

 

City of Tacoma Issued Press Releases and Statements:

March 16, 2022  Officer Involved Shooting – 4500 block of S. Pine St. 

 

 

Investigation Report:

Incident Report

 

Charging Decisions:

Pierce County Prosecutor's Office Charging Decision Letter

 

Administrative Review:

Pending completion of criminal investigation

 

PCFIT PR 3-16
PCFIT PR 3-16
PCFIT PR 3-16

Case Number 22-240-01335 - Peter Tyler Collins

Case Number:

22-240-01335

 

Date:

August 28, 2022

 

Location:

6700 blk S Monroe St

 

Investigating Authority:

Pierce County Force Investigation Team

 

Investigation Status:

Open

 

Officers Involved:

  • Officer Jose Figueras
  • Officer Zachary Hobbs
  • Officer Christopher Munn

Press Releases by Investigating Authority:

January 26, 2023 - Final Weekly Release 

 

City of Tacoma Issued Press Releases and Statements:

 

Investigation Report:

Not Yet Available

 

Charging Decisions:

Not Yet Available

  

Administrative Review:

Pending completion of criminal investigation

Case Number 22-055-02293 - Steven Wohlwend

Case Number:

22-055-02293

 

Date:

February 24, 2022

 

Location:

1100 blk S Dock St

 

Investigating Authority:

Pierce County Force Investigation Team

 

Investigation Status:

Open

 

Officers Involved:

  • Officer Emily Knutsen, a 27-year-old woman who has been with the Tacoma Police Department since 2019 

Press Releases by Investigating Authority:

January 13, 2023 

PC FIT PR 2-25

Final Weekly Update

 

City of Tacoma Issued Press Releases and Statements:

None at this time

 

Investigation Report:

Not Yet Available

 

Charging Decisions:

Not Yet Available

  

Administrative Review:

Pending completion of criminal investigation

PC FIT PR 2-25 
PC FIT PR 2-25 
PC FIT PR 2-25
PC FIT PR 2-25
PC FIT PR 2-25
PC FIT PR 2-25
PC FIT PR 2-25

Case Number 22-364-00286 - Dillion Pugsley

Case Number:

22-364-00286

 

Date:

December 30, 2022

 

Location: 

5700 blk E McKinley Ave

 

Investigating Authority:

Pierce County Force Investigation Team

 

Investigation Status:

Completed 

 

Officers Involved:

  • Officer Lucas Cole, a 37-year-old male who has been with the Tacoma Police Department for 8 months.
  • Officer Truitt Hartle, a 32-year-old male who has been with Tacoma Police for 3 years and 3 months. 
  • Officer Shawn Gustason, a 28-year-old male who has been with the Tacoma Police Department for 4 years and 6 months.

 

Press Releases by Investigating Authority:

PCFIT webpage - scroll to 12/20/2022 - 5700 blk McKinley

 

City of Tacoma Issued Press Releases and Statements:

Officer Involved Shooting – E. 57 St. / McKinley Ave Case Number 22-364-00233 - December 30, 2022

 

Investigation Report:

Not Yet Available

 

Charging Decisions:

Not Yet Available

 

Administrative Review:

Pending completion of criminal investigation

Case Number 24-009-01158 - Rhoda Butler

Case Number:
Case Number 24-009-01158

Date:
January 9, 2024

 

Location:

4000 blk S Bell St

Investigating Authority:
Pierce County Force Investigation Team

Investigation Status:
Open

Officers Involved:

  • Officer Aaron McNeely, a 30-year-old male who has been with the Tacoma Police Department for 8 years.
  • Officer Scott Meffen, a 38-year-old male who has been with the Tacoma Police Department for 8 years. Officer Meffen previously worked for the Gainesville, FL Police Department for 9 years and 8 months.
  • Officer Ryan Warner, a 32-year-old male who has been with the Tacoma Police Department for 5 years.
  • Officer Derek Nielsen, a 50-year-old male who has been with the Tacoma Police Department for 1 year and 8 months. Officer Nielsen previously worked for the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department for 7 years and 9 months.

Press Releases by Investigating Authority:

08.02.2024 - PCFIT Final Weekly Press Release

 

City of Tacoma Issued Press Releases and Statements:

 

Investigation Report:
Not Yet Available

Administrative Review:
Not Yet Available 

Case Number 20-063-02251 - Manuel Ellis

Case Number:

20-063-02251

 

Date:

March 3, 2020

 

Investigating Authority:

Washington State Patrol

 

Investigation Status:

Closed 

Officers Involved:

  • Officer Christopher Burbank, a 34-year-old white male with approximately four and a half years on the department.
  • Officer Matthew Collins, a 37-year-old white male with approximately five years on the department.
  • Officer Masyih Ford, a 29-year-old black male who has been with the department two years and two months.
  • Officer Timothy Rankine, a 31-year-old Asian male who has been with the department 1 year and 10 months.
  • Officer Armando Farinas, 27 year-old male who has been with the department for 3 years and eight months.

Press Releases By Investigating Authority:

Washington State Patrol Independent Investigation Team - July 23, 2020

Washington State Patrol Independent Investigation Team - July 30, 2020

Washington State Patrol Independent Investigation Team - August 6, 2020

Washington State Patrol Independent Investigation Team Seeks Witnesses - August 14, 2020

Washington State Patrol Independent Investigation Team - August 20, 2020

Washington State Patrol Independent Investigation Team - August 27, 2020

Washington State Patrol Independent Investigation Team - September 3, 2020

Washington State Patrol Independent Investigation Team - September 10, 2020

Washington State Patrol Independent Investigation Team - September 17, 2020

Washington State Patrol Independent Investigation Team - September 24, 2020

Washington State Patrol Independent Investigation Team - October 1, 2020

Washington State Patrol Independent Investigation Team - October 8, 2020

Washington State Patrol Independent Investigation Team - October 15, 2020

Washington State Patrol Independent Investigation Team - October 22, 2020

Washington State Patrol Independent Investigation Team - October 29, 2020

Washington State Patrol Independent Investigation Team - November 5, 2020

Washington State Patrol Independent Investigation Team - November 13, 2020

Update on Attorney General’s Office Review of Manuel Ellis’ Death - February 23, 2021

Update on Attorney General’s Office Review of Manuel Ellis’ Death - March 31, 2021

Update on Attorney General's Office Review of Manuel Ellis' Death - May 14, 2021

Attorney General’s Office to announce charging decision in review of Manuel Ellis’ death Thursday - May 25, 2021

AG Ferguson charges three officers in the killing of Manuel Ellis - May 27, 2021

Washington State Patrol Independent Investigation Team - March 11, 2022

Washington State Patrol Independent Investigation Team - March 18, 2022
Washington State Patrol Independent Investigation Team - March 25, 2022
Washington State Patrol Independent Investigation Team - April 1, 2022
Washington State Patrol Independent Investigation Team - September 14, 2023
Washington State Patrol Independent Investigation Team - September 21, 2023
Washington State Patrol Independent Investigation Team: FINAL UPDATE - October 11, 2023


City of Tacoma Issued Press Releases and Statements:

 

Internal Affairs Investigation Records and Findings - Burbank, Collins, and Rankine: 

 

Officer Christopher Burbank:

 

Officer Matthew Collins:

 

Officer Timothy Rankine:

 

Internal Affairs Investigation - Full Report: Burbank, Collins, and Rankine

 

Other Associated Investigation Reports:

South Sound Investigation Report Record

Criminal Investigation Document

Case File - Ford REDACTED

Case File - Farinas REDACTED

 

Charging Decisions:

Officer Christopher Burbank

Officer Matthew Collins

Officer Timothy Rankine

Officer Masyih Ford - No Charges Filed

Officer Armando Farinas - No Charges Filed

 

Administrative Review:

Officer Masyih Ford - Within Policy

Officer Armando Farinas - Within Policy

 

Administrative Investigation Update:

November 16, 2021 - Recording Available
November 9, 2021 - No Update this week 
November 2, 2021 - Administrative Investigation Update 
October 26, 2021 - Administrative Investigation Update
October 19, 2021 - Recording available 
October 12, 2021 - No Update this Week
October 5, 2021 - Administrative Investigation Update
September 28, 2021 - Administrative Investigation Update
September 14, 2021 - Administrative Investigation Update 
August 31, 2021 - Administrative Investigation Update
August 24, 2021 - Administrative Investigation Update
August 17, 2021 - Administrative Investigation Update  
August 10, 2021 - Administrative Investigation Update 
August 3, 2021 - Administrative Investigation Update  
July 27, 2021 - Administrative Investigation Update 
July 20, 2021 - Administrative Investigation Update 
July 13, 2021 - Administrative Investigation Update 
July 6, 2021 - Administrative Investigation Update
June 29, 2021 - Administrative Investigation Update
June 22, 2021 - Administrative Investigation Update
June 15, 2021 - Administrative Investigation Update
June 7, 2021 - Administrative Investigation Update
June 1, 2021 - Administrative Investigation Update

Case Number 21-023-01337

Case Number:

21-023-01337

 

Date:

January 23, 2021

 

Investigating Authority:

Pierce County Force Investigation Team

 

Investigation Status:

Closed

 

Officers Involved:

  • Officer Khanh Phan, a 58-year-old male with 29.5 years on the department.

 

Press Releases by Investigating Authority:

Final Update PCFIT Press Release for TPD vs Pedestrian 8-19-2021 

PCFIT Press Release for TPD vs Pedestrian 8-13-2021

PCFIT Press Release for TPD vs Pedestrian 8-6-2021  

PCFIT Press Release for TPD vs Pedestrian 7-29-2021  

PCFIT Press Release for TPD vs Pedestrian 7-22-2021    

PCFIT Press Release for TPD vs Pedestrian 7-15-2021   

PCFIT Press Release for TPD vs Pedestrian 7-7-2021   

PCFIT Press Release for TPD vs Pedestrian 7-1-2021  

PCFIT Press Release for TPD vs Pedestrian 6-24-2021 

PCFIT Press Release for TPD vs Pedestrian 6-18-2021

PCFIT Press Release for TPD vs Pedestrian 6-11-2021

PCFIT Press Release for TPD vs Pedestrian 6-4-2021

PCFIT Press Release for TPD vs Pedestrian 5-28-2021

PCFIT Press Release for TPD vs Pedestrian 5-20-2021

PCFIT Press Release for TPD vs Pedestrian 5-13-2021

PCFIT Press Release for TPD vs Pedestrian 5-6-2021

PCFIT Press Release for TPD vs Pedestrian 4-27-2021

PCFIT Press Release for TPD vs Pedestrian 4-16-2021 

PCFIT Press Release for TPD vs Pedestrian 4-2-2021

PCFIT Press Release for TPD vs Pedestrian 3-25-2021

PCFIT Press Release for TPD vs Pedestrian 3-19-2021

PCFIT Press Release for TPD vs Pedestrian 3-10-2021

PCFIT Press Release for TPD vs Pedestrian 3-5-2021

PCFIT Press Release for TPD vs Pedestrian 2-26-2021 

PCFIT Press Release for TPD vs Pedestrian 2-19-2021

PCFIT Press Release for TPD vs Pedestrian 2-16-2021 

PCFIT Press Release for TPD vs Pedestrian 2-5-2021 

PCFIT TPD Vehicle vs Pedestrian Press Release 1-24-2021

 

 

City of Tacoma Issued Press Releases and Statements:

Investigation Report:

South Sound 911 Investigation Report Record


Charging Decisions:

No Criminal Charges Filed

 

Administrative Review:

Administratively Closed

Case Number 20-226-00088

Case Number:

20-226-00088
 

Date:

August 13, 2020

 

Investigating Authority:

Lakewood Police Department and Washington State Patrol

 

Investigation Status:

Closed

 

Officers Involved:

  • Officer Nathan Reetz, 34 year old with approximately two and a half years on the department.  

Press Releases by Investigating Authority:

Lakewood Police Press Release - August 13, 2020

Lakewood Police Press Release - August 20, 2020

Lakewood Police Press Release - August 27, 2020

Lakewood Police Press Release - September 3, 2020

Lakewood Police Press Release - September 10, 2020

Lakewood Police Press Release - September 17, 2020

Lakewood Police Press Release - September 24, 2020

Lakewood Police Press Release - October 1, 2020

Lakewood Police Press Release - October 9, 2020

Lakewood Police Press Release - October 15, 2020

Lakewood Police Press Release - October 22, 2020

Lakewood Police Press Release - October 29, 2020

Lakewood Police Press Release - November 4, 2020

Lakewood Police Press Release - November 10, 2020

Lakewood Police Press Release - November 19, 2020

Lakewood Police Press Release - November 25, 2020

Lakewood Police Press Release - December 4, 2020

Lakewood Police Press Release - December 10, 2020

Lakewood Police Press Release - December 17, 2020

Lakewood Police Press Release - December 24, 2020

Lakewood Police Press Release - December 31, 2020

Lakewood Police Press Release - January 7, 2021

Lakewood Police Press Release - January 14, 2021

Lakewood Police Press Release - January 21, 2021

Lakewood Police Press Release - January 28, 2021

Lakewood Police Press Release - February 4, 2021

Lakewood Police Press Release - February 11, 2021

Lakewood Police Press Release - February 18, 2021

Lakewood Police Press Release - February 25, 2021

Lakewood Police Press Release - March 4, 2021

Lakewood Police Press Release - March 11, 2021

Lakewood Police Press Release - March 18, 2021

Lakewood Police Press Release - March 25, 2021

Lakewood Police Press Release - April 1, 2021

Lakewood Police Press Release - April 8, 2021

Lakewood Police Press Release - April 15, 2021

Lakewood Police Press Release - April 22, 2021

Lakewood Police Press Release - April 29, 2021

Lakewood Police Press Release - May 6, 2021

Lakewood Police Press Release - May 13, 2021

Lakewood Police Press Release - May 20, 2021

Lakewood Police Press Release - May 27, 2021

Lakewood Police Press Release - June 3, 2021

Lakewood Police Press Release - June 10, 2021

Lakewood Police Press Release - June 17, 2021

Lakewood Police Press Release - June 24, 2021

Lakewood Police Press Release - July 1, 2021

Lakewood Police Press Release - July 8, 2021

Lakewood Police Press Release - July 15, 2021

Lakewood Police Press Release - July 22, 2021

Lakewood Police Press Release - July 29, 2021

Final Update Lakewood Police Press Release - August 5, 2021


City of Tacoma Issued Press Releases and Statements:

None available at this time.

 

Investigation Report:

South Sound 911 Investigation Report Record  

 

Charging Decisions:

Pierce County Prosecuting Decision

 

Administrative Review:

Within Policy

Case Number 19-194-00316 - Willem Van Spronsen

Case Number:

19-194-00316

 

Date:

July 13, 2019

 

Investigating Authority:

Tacoma Police Department

 

Investigation Status:

Closed

 

Officers Involved:

  • Officer C. Martin
  • Officer E. Allman
  • Officer J. Correa 
  • Officer W. Gustason

 

Press Releases by Investigating Authority:

None available at this time.

 

City of Tacoma Issued Press Releases and Statements:

A Statement From Mayor Victoria Woodards on Recent Decisions by Pierce County Prosecutor’s Office - August 19, 2020

 

Investigation Report:

South Sound 911 Investigation Report Record

 

Charging Decisions:

Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney Decision

 

Administrative Review:

Deadly Force Review Board Determination: Within Policy

Case Number 19-251-00213 - Bennie Branch

Case Number:

19-251-00213

 

Date:

Sept. 8, 2019

 

Investigating Authority:

Pierce County Sheriff's Office

 

Investigation Status:

Closed

 

Officers Involved:

  • Officer Ryan Bradley, a 33-year-old white male with approximately four years on the department.

 

Press Releases by Investigating Authority:

None available at this time.

 

City of Tacoma Issued Press Releases and Statements:

Police News Release: Update on Officer Involved Shooting - Sept. 13, 2019

A Statement From Mayor Victoria Woodards on Recent Decisions by Pierce County Prosecutor’s Office - August 19, 2020

 

Investigation Report:

South Sound 911 Investigation Report Record
 

Charging Decisions:

Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney Decision 

 

Administrative Review:

Deadly Force Review Board Determination: Within Policy

 

Case Number 19-183-02031

Case Number:

19-183-02031

 

Date:

July 2, 2019

 

Investigation Status: 

Closed

 

Officers Involved:

  • Officer Komarovsky

Press Releases by Investigating Authority:

None available at this time.

City of Tacoma Issued Press Releases and Statements:

None available at this time.

 

Investigation Report:

South Sound 911 Investigation Report Record
 

Charging Decisions:

No Criminal Charges Filed

 

Administrative Review:

Deadly Force Review Board Determination: Within Policy

 



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