Update:
The Washington State Patrol (WSP) has placed Trooper John A. Pierce on administrative assignment after he discharged his weapon on Saturday July 8, 2017. This paid administrative assignment is standard procedure during investigations that involve the use of a firearm while on-duty. The 39-year-old Trooper has nearly 18 years with the agency.
The multi-agency Thurston County Critical Incident Investigation Team is conducting an investigation into the circumstances of the shooting which resulted in the death of a male driver who had called 911 to report he was distraught, suicidal, and had a knife. The incident occurred about 6:48 a.m. on the inside shoulder of southbound I-5 at milepost 110 in Lacey.
The male driver was identified as Michael Anthony Rude, 22, of Kent. Rude was a reservist in the Washington National Guard, according to the News Tribune.
The investigation is expected to take several weeks as investigators gather and review evidence, process forensics, and conduct interviews. Olympia Police Department (OPD) remains the lead law enforcement agency for the shooting investigation and the OPD PIO can be reached at 360-753-8410.
Original story:
At 6:48 a.m., Saturday, July 8, 2017 the Washington State Patrol was involved in an officer involved shooting this morning along southbound I-5 in Lacey. Troopers stopped the male driver of a black Dodge Charger at milepost 110 at Carpenter Road. The individual exited vehicle and advanced at troopers with a knife. A trooper discharged his weapon, striking the subject. The troopers immediately rendered first aid until medical personnel arrived. The subject died at the scene.
The incident began at 6:13 a.m. when the subject called 911 while he was driving along State Route 167 in King County. He told a dispatcher that he was distraught, suicidal and had a knife. He also indicated that he wanted to attack any police officer who pulled him over, that he was driving unsafely and at a high-rate of-speed.
The multi-agency Thurston County Critical Incident Investigation Team will handle the investigation with Olympia Police Department taking the lead. Several lanes of southbound I-5 were closed at milepost 110 while detectives completed their on-scene investigation into the incident.
The male trooper involved in the shooting is an 18 year veteran of the Washington State Patrol and has been placed on paid administrative leave as per normal procedure.
All media questions regarding the shooting investigation will be handled by the Olympia Police Department.
[Source: Washington State Patrol and the News Tribune]
