Man armed with running chainsaw fatally shot by deputies

PIERCE COUNTY, Wash. — A man armed with a chainsaw was shot and killed after investigators say he charged toward Pierce County sheriff’s deputies early Tuesday morning.

Deputies were called to a home in the 9000 block of 262nd Street East in Graham about 7 a.m. A couple living at the home had called 911 saying their son was outside banging on the door. Investigators said the 36-year-old man was the subject of a restraining order after assaulting his father about a week ago.

Pierce County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Det. Sgt. Gary Sanders said the two had locked the door to their home, armed themselves and called for help.

When deputies arrived, Sanders said the man picked up a chainsaw and confronted them. Neighbor Margaret Sutton said she heard shouting, then a chainsaw.

“It started up and then it idled,” said Sutton. “And then, rnnnn, rnnnn, rnnn, it went louder. The screaming and the yelling and the revving of the chainsaw and then seven shots. Then total silence.”

Sanders said the man had told his family he would not let deputies arrest him and may have intentionally forced them to shoot him.

“He came out, had the chainsaw, they tazed him, he fell on the ground, got back up, Sanders said.  “He started running at the deputies, and that point, multiple deputies shot.”

The man’s identity was not immediately released. Sanders said he had a history of mental health issues and drug related arrests.

Cox Media Group