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Shoplifting suspect killed while fleeing from police in Mount Vernon

MOUNT VERNON, Wash. — A shoplifting suspect has died after being struck by a vehicle while fleeing from police.

Mount Vernon police were called to the Walmart on Freeway Drive after a reported shoplifting just before 8:30 p.m. Wednesday.

A witness saw a man fitting the shoplifter’s description, carrying a plastic bag, near the Burgermeister restaurant just south of the store.

When an officer contacted the suspect, he ran away.

The officer pursued the man and deployed his stun gun as the man began to run across Freeway Drive.

The suspect fell to the ground and was struck by a southbound driver. He died at the scene.

The suspect was later identified as 34-year-old Joseph Dorn.

The Skagit Multiple Agency Response Team is investigating the incident.