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Investigators: Deputy killed was essentially ambushed by gunman

FREDERICKSON, Wash. — Law enforcement sources close to the investigation tell KIRO 7 they have new information into a gun battle that killed Pierce County Sheriff's Deputy Daniel McCartney.

McCartney, a father of three, was shot and killed while responding to a call of an armed, drug-related robbery near Spanaway in the Frederickson area -- near Tacoma -- in early January.

There are a total of four suspects in the investigation. Three were arrested, as one person died at the scene.

According to sources, it was Frank Pawul, not deceased suspect Henry Carden, who fired the shot that killed McCartney. Scroll down for more information.

Key developments:
  • Deputy Daniel McCartney was the first to arrive at a home in Frederickson.
  • He saw a suspect fleeing the home and ran after him.
  • Shots were fired and the deputy was shot. He later died at the hospital.
  • One suspect died on scene.
  • The second suspect is Frank Pawul. He was on the run for hours until his arrest. He's charged with first-degree murder.
  • The third suspect is accused getaway driver Brenda Troyer. She is charged with first-degree murder.
  • A third suspect, 29-year-old Samantha Dawn Jones, was booked into the Pierce County jail on Tuesday.
  • McCartney, 34, was a married father of 3.
Investigators: Deputy essentially ambushed by gunman

Law enforcement sources close to the investigation told KIRO 7 Friday it was Frank Pawul, not deceased suspect Henry Carden, who fired the fatal shot that killed Pierce County Sheriff's Deputy Daniel McCartney.

The sources, who would only speak anonymously, said the 34-year-old McCartney was essentially ambushed by Pawul and died from a gunshot wound that shattered his spine.

McCartney and Carden got into a gun battle according to investigators, with the deputy striking the body armor Carden was wearing five times. The 35-year-old Carden fell, then shot himself in the head.

Investigators first thought Carden may have fired the fatal round that killed McCartney during that brief gun battle, but sources now say it was Pawul, who emerged seconds after Carden died, shooting the deputy and killing him instantly.

Pawul then ran from the scene and was arrested hours later when a state trooper spotted him leaving a containment area established during the hunt for a second suspect.

A re-arraignment for Pawul is scheduled for Tuesday Feb. 6 in Pierce County Superior Court.

KIRO 7 contacted Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney Mark Lindquist’s office to ask about any new charges but were told through a spokesman the office would have no comment until Tuesday’s court appearance.

Deputy first to arrive at robbery scene

Deputies were called to the area of 45th Avenue Court East and 200th Street East for an attempted drug-related armed robbery at a home at 11:30 p.m. on Jan. 7.

Four adults and two children, ages 2 and 3, live in the mobile home near 200th Street East and 45th Avenue Court East. The home had no beds and was filthy, according to investigators.

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In the past two years, deputies responded to 18 prior calls there.

The residents were inside the home at the time of the incident and screaming could be heard in the background, police said.

When the first deputy arrived within six minutes, a suspect fled and the deputy ran after him. Police said they believe there was a gun battle and the deputy was hit.

He was taken to an area hospital in critical condition where he later died.

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A gun that was found is believed to be the one used to shoot the deputy.

A suspect in the armed robbery was found dead at the scene. The second suspect was arrested hours later.

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Pierce County Sheriff's Department spokesman Ed Troyer said the site of the robbery was a "known house" to the sheriff's department and that a warrant would be obtained to search the premises.

About the suspects

Four people are suspected of being involved in the home invasion on Sunday. One suspect, 35-year-old Henry Michael Carden, was found dead at the scene.

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Three other suspects were arrested.

A manhunt was underway for hours for Frank William Pawul. He was arrested and is now charged with first-degree murder.

Pawul, 32, has a criminal record that includes identity theft, residential burglary and drug possession.

Police arrested a third suspect in mid-January regarding about rendering assistance in connection with the incident.

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Brenda Troyer, 52, is accused of driving two male suspects to the home. She is charged with first-degree murder, but she pleaded not guilty. According to authorities, she was supposed to be their getaway driver but abandoned them when she heard police sirens.

On Tuesday, authorities told KIRO 7 that a third suspect, 29-year-old Samantha Dawn Jones, was booked into the Pierce County jail on Jan. 23. She was arrested at a house in Roy by SWAT. According to authorities, "she was involved with planning to the end."

The investigation continues.

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About the fallen deputy

The deputy was identified as Daniel McCartney, 34. He was a Navy veteran who previously worked  for the Hoquiam Police Department for six years. He was from Yelm and had been on the force for three years. He was a married father of three boys, ages 4, 6 and 9 years old.

He was an active member of his Crossfit gym in Yelm.

Today we lost a Hero, Son, Father, Husband, Veteran and Police Officer.

Daniel McCartney was an amazing human! At CrossFit Yelm you couldn't ask for a better athlete or coach. Our hearts are breaking with all of you during this time.

Officers lined up at St. Joseph's Hospital in Tacoma as the officer's body was loaded into a vehicle. A procession of police vehicles followed his body to the Pierce County Medical Examiner's Office.

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The sheriff's department has set up a Legacy Fund for the deputy's family. Donations can be taken at any Tapco Credit Union.  You can also donate online here. All of the money collected will go to the deputy's wife and three sons.

Community remembers officer for service

More than 650 emergency vehicles lined up in a procession to take the fallen deputy  to a packed public memorial at Pacific Lutheran University before he was laid to rest last week.

As hundreds of police and fire units lined the 2.5-mile procession route, nearly 1,500 people honored McCartney from the sidewalk. They saluted him, held flags, or silently watched as the procession moved across the Tacoma-area streets, including busy Pacific Avenue.

When the procession neared Pacific Lutheran University, bagpipers solemnly marched under an American flag raised between two firetrucks.

A rider-less horse followed behind them. Empty boots hung reverse in the stirrups from that horse, symbolic of the fallen officer killed in the line of duty –  looking back on those left behind. Moments later, limousines carrying surviving members of McCartney’s family stayed near the hearse.

They rode under the flag together and arrived at the memorial service. Read more about the service here.

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