Details were just released in regards to the officer-involved shooting on State Street in Aberdeen where a person wanted on multiple felony warrants had fled and then pulled a gun on officers.  The details come from Aberdeen Police Chief Steve Shumate in the following Press Release. 

On September 9, 2019 at approximately 11:55 am, an officer with the Aberdeen Police Department observed a 41 year old Aberdeen man walking in the area of Broadway and Heron Streets (Aberdeen).  The man was well know to police and being sought for various felony warrants.

As the officer approached the man, the man told the officer several times that he was not going back to prison.  The man started to reach for something in his pants pocket as the officer ordered him to stop.  The man then fled on foot southwest toward State Street. 

Another Aberdeen Officer was nearby and gave chase on foot.  As the suspect neared the East and West State Street area, the suspect pulled a gun on the pursuing officer.  The officer had ordered the man to drop the gun before the suspect was shot multiple times.  The suspect later died at the hospital from his injuries.

The suspect was a convicted felon with multiple warrants for his arrest.  Various warrants were issued on 08/28/2019 for Obstructing Police, Attempting to Elude a Police Vehicle, and Violation of the Uniform Controlled Substance Act – Possession of Methamphetamine. 

The Regional 3 Critical Incident Investigation Team (CIIT) with detectives from Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason and Thurston County Sheriff’s Offices were called in to investigate.  They are being assisted by the Washington State Patrol.  The CIIT has extensive experience with investigating officer-involved shootings or deadly force incidents.

The involved officer has been placed on paid administrative leave pending the Investigation.