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| Man Killed in Officer-Involved Shooting in Everett, Washington |
Pursuit and Confrontation End in Fatal Shooting
EVERETT, Wash. — A man was fatally shot by law enforcement early Friday morning following a multi‑county pursuit and a crime spree that began with a domestic dispute, authorities confirmed. The incident ended in an officer‑involved shooting on Fleming Street in Everett at about 4:48 a.m. on January 2, 2026, according to the Snohomish County Multiple Agency Response Team.
The suspect, a 38‑year‑old man from Oak Harbor, was located by law enforcement after a series of violent encounters involving several agencies. Deputies and officers from multiple jurisdictions had been in pursuit following reports that the man had shot at police and engaged in other criminal acts, including a reported kidnapping and carjacking.
Crime Spree Begins With Domestic Dispute
Authorities said the sequence of events began shortly after 6 p.m. on January 1 when the Island County Sheriff’s Office and Langley Police Department responded to a domestic dispute in Clinton, near the French Road area. Upon arrival, the suspect allegedly pointed a firearm at officers and fired shots, prompting police to return fire. No one was struck during the initial exchange, but the suspect fled into nearby woods.
The suspect then allegedly committed a kidnapping in Oak Harbor, holding a 64‑year‑old man at gunpoint and forcing him to drive to Burlington before releasing him without serious injury. Law enforcement continued to track the suspect throughout the night.
After receiving an anonymous tip that the suspect was at a residence in Burlington, officers attempted to stop a vehicle believed to be carrying him. During that stop, the suspect allegedly shot the driver, took control of the vehicle and fled, prompting further pursuit.
Fatal Confrontation in Everett
The chase ultimately brought law enforcement across jurisdictional lines into Everett, where officers located the suspect’s vehicle near Fleming Street. According to SMART investigators, officers first attempted to use less lethal methods to apprehend the armed suspect, but were forced to employ lethal force when those efforts were unsuccessful and the suspect continued to pose a threat. The suspect was struck and pronounced dead at the scene.
Officials confirmed that no law enforcement officers were injured during the incident. The Snohomish County Medical Examiner’s Office will determine the official cause and manner of death, and no outstanding suspects are believed to be at large.
Investigation and Public Safety
The Snohomish County Multiple Agency Response Team is leading the ongoing investigation, which includes reviewing body‑worn camera footage, interviewing witnesses, and examining physical evidence related to the domestic dispute, pursuit and final confrontation that spanned multiple jurisdictions.
Authorities stressed that there is no known continuing threat to public safety resulting from the incident. Residents in Everett and surrounding areas were advised that the event was isolated and that local law enforcement agencies remain actively engaged in community safety efforts.
The investigation is expected to take additional time as forensic analyses continue and officials work to compile a complete timeline of events. Law enforcement officials also encouraged anyone with relevant information to contact investigators as they build a full account of what occurred.
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