A Pierce County Sheriff SWAT team officer was shot and killed in the line-of-duty on Tuesday while running a high-risk search warrant on a "three-strikes" felony assault suspect in Spanaway, Washington.
Dominique Calata, a 35-year-old military veteran, National Guard member, and SWAT team officer was shot and killed by the 40-year-old suspect, who authorities say exited his vehicle and began shooting at deputies during the planned operation.
We are heartbroken to inform our community that Deputy Dom Calata has passed away. Our department members remain grateful for the outpouring of support we have received. Please keep Deputy Calata’s family in your prayers during this difficult time. Memorial service details TBD pic.twitter.com/BKejPI9sgK
— Pierce Co Sheriff (@PierceSheriff) March 16, 2022
The suspect also shot SWAT team commander Sergeant Rich Scaniffe, a 21-year veteran of the Pierce County Sheriff's Department, who is underwent surgery for serious injuries, according to Pierce County Sheriff Ed Troyer.
UPDATE 12:39pm:
— Pierce Co Sheriff (@PierceSheriff) March 15, 2022
2 deputies shot, transported to hospital
Pacific Ave S closed both directions near 19000 blk
Please avoid the area
The suspect was fatally shot by law enforcement officers on scene. Pierce County Prosecutor's Office identified the suspect as 40-year-old Jeremy Dayton. According to Tacoma police spokesperson Wendy Haddow, the suspect had multiple felony convictions and was known to be dangerous.
Haddow said that the South Sound Gang Task Force had requested the assistance of the SWAT team to serve an arrest warrant on the man for second-degree assault.
LATEST FROM SPANAWAY: Two Pierce County Sheriff’s Deputies fighting for their lives after a gun fight with a 40 year old man, wanted for felony assault. Suspect has died but authorities say he has a violent criminal history. @JackieKentNews and I have latest at 6pm @komonews pic.twitter.com/OluN1MgNU0
— Jonathan Choe Journalist KOMO News (@choeshow) March 16, 2022
The task force is comprised of multiple police agencies, the Department of Corrections and the FBI.
Here’s a closer look at the area where PCFIT (Pierce County Force Investigation Team) is investigating a shooting from today in which two Pierce County Deputies were shot during a SWAT operation. The suspect, a 40-year-old man, was shot and killed. @KING5Seattle pic.twitter.com/vCX422nbP3
— Jordan Treece (@JTreece406) March 15, 2022
The shooting occurred in the 19000 block of Pacific Avenue South in Spanaway. The first call for medical assistance came out at about 11:50 AM., but the SWAT team began its operation about 8:30 AM., Haddow said in a press brief. Haddow said that shots were exchanged outside a mobile home, but failed to clarify what led to the shooting.
The two deputies shot in Spanaway are now at St. Joseph’s in Tacoma.
— Cole Miller (@ColeMillerTV) March 16, 2022
Per Sheriff Ed Troyer: one is in “grave condition.” He’s 35 and has been with @PierceSheriff for 7 years. “Somebody who always stepped up…” Other is 45, with dept for 21 years. Told he will recover #KOMONews pic.twitter.com/NfTy7SyRzs
The Pierce County Force Investigation Team (PCFIT) will be handling the investigation.
This is a developing story and will be updated when more information is made available to the public.
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