BREMERTON, Wash. — A 38-year-old Bremerton man died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound Monday night after an armed standoff with law enforcement in unincorporated Kitsap County, according to the Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO).
Deputies responded around 8:45 p.m. Monday to a home on NW Wildcat Lake Road after a 40-year-old woman called 911, reporting that the man had assaulted her and was placing weapons throughout the residence.
Investigators say the man had returned to the home in violation of a protection order. After calling 911, the woman was able to leave the residence without further injury.
According to the sheriff’s office, the man was believed to be under the influence of methamphetamine and had made statements about engaging in a shootout with law enforcement and committing “suicide by cop.”
Authorities said the woman had allowed the suspect to return to the home several days earlier despite the no-contact order.
The KCSO says a SWAT team responded after obtaining a search warrant for the residence.
When SWAT members attempted to contact the suspect, investigators say he fired several rounds that narrowly missed officers. SWAT personnel returned fire, and the man remained inside the home.
Nearby residents were evacuated, and the sheriff’s office says multiple agencies tried to negotiate a peaceful surrender, but the suspect did not respond.
After a PCSO deputy sent a drone inside the home, the suspect was found dead with a firearm in his hand.
The Washington State Office of Independent Investigations will review the incident, as required under state law whenever law enforcement officers use deadly force.
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