Man dead after shots fired during traffic stop near Puyallup

PIERCE COUNTY, Wash. — A man is dead after gunshots were fired during a traffic stop near Puyallup Sunday night.

According to the Pierce County Force Investigation Team, a Pierce County deputy called in a traffic stop in the 13400 block of Canyon Road East. Moments later, the deputy told South Sound 911 dispatchers that a person in the car had a gun.

At 10:01 p.m., the deputy said shots had been fired.

A man who was a backseat passenger in the car was pronounced dead at the scene.

The deputy, as well as the driver and another passenger in the car, were not hurt. The driver and passenger were released after interviews with investigators.

The Pierce County Force Investigation Team, comprised of members of various law enforcement agencies in Pierce County, was called to the scene for the independent investigation.

The Pierce County Prosecutor’s Office was also notified and an investigator from its staff also responded.

The deputy involved in the traffic stop was put on administrative leave.

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