IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 4, 2020

MEDIA CONTACTS

Wendy Haddow, Tacoma Police Department Public Information Officer, 253-591-5968, whaddow@cityoftacoma.org

Statement from Tacoma Police Chief Don Ramsdell Regarding the Manuel Ellis Case

TACOMA, Wash. – I would like to address the community of Tacoma regarding Manuel Ellis’s death. His passing has brought pain to his family and, on behalf of the entire Tacoma Police Department, I would like to offer my most sincere condolences to his family and friends.

While we wait for the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office to complete its investigation, we have placed the four officers involved in this case on administrative leave. We are committed to the investigative process and the integrity of the findings. We have fully cooperated and have been transparent with the current ongoing, independent investigation and will continue to do so for any additional investigations. Our hope is that any investigations bring with them answers for everyone involved.

I would also like to recognize the compassion and empathy our community has shown during this difficult time. We hear your anger, frustrations and hopes. I want you to know we continue to be committed to engaging with you on topics of safety, community policing and race, so that all people feel safe in Tacoma.

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