Overview
- Pierce County deputies say a 54-year-old man reported being asked his religion and, after saying he was Christian, was stabbed along with his dog near the S S Quickstop early Jan. 25.
- After a search of more than two hours, deputies encountered a man matching the description who advanced while armed with multiple knives, and multiple deputies opened fire; the suspect later died at a hospital.
- The Pierce County Force Investigation Team is leading the officer-involved shooting review as detectives collect evidence and seek witnesses.
- Local outlets identified the victim as Eddie Nitschke, who left the hospital, and reported his dog underwent surgery and was later released.
- Authorities have not identified the suspect or determined a motive, and no hate-crime classification has been announced despite some media characterizations.