Crime
Mass Shooting at Juvenile Party in Tacoma Leaves Two Dead, Several Injured
TACOMA, WA – A tragic mass shooting erupted at a juvenile house party early Saturday morning, leaving two people dead and four others injured, authorities confirmed.
On Saturday, March 29th, at approximately 12:24 a.m., deputies responded to reports of a large gathering in the 17800 block of 25th Avenue Court East.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene, with 30-40 juveniles running and screaming in the street. Multiple 911 callers reported that a physical altercation had broken out just before gunfire erupted.
As deputies arrived, they encountered vehicles attempting to flee while others became stuck in the neighborhood’s congested streets.
Upon reaching the scene, deputies discovered a male victim lying in the street and immediately began life-saving measures, but he was tragically pronounced deceased at the scene.
Authorities later confirmed that five additional victims had self-transported to local hospitals for treatment. One of the hospitalized victims later succumbed to his injuries.
The remaining four victims sustained serious gunshot wounds but are expected to survive.
The youngest victim is a 16-year-old male, while the others range in age from 17 to 21.
Authorities have confirmed that one male juvenile is in custody in connection with the shooting.
The crime scene remains active and secured, with detectives and forensic teams processing evidence.
Investigators have recovered multiple shell casings scattered throughout the street, and two firearms have been located.
Nearby homes and vehicles sustained gunfire damage, prompting deputies to conduct welfare checks in the surrounding area.
No additional victims have been located.
A large portion of the neighborhood remains blocked off, and 25th Avenue Court East is currently closed. Authorities urge residents to avoid the area while the investigation continues.
Officials emphasized the dangers of large, unsupervised gatherings, stating that this incident serves as a grim reminder of how quickly a celebration can turn into tragedy.
“Our deputies and first responders have endured an incredibly difficult 24 hours, and we strongly urge the community to take steps to prevent further senseless violence,” authorities stated.
Anyone with information related to this shooting is urged to contact law enforcement. Anonymous tips can be submitted through local authorities or Crime Stoppers.
Christian County, Mo. — Authorities have identified the suspect accused of fatally shooting a deputy with the Christian County Sheriff’s Office during a traffic stop as Richard Bird.
At the time the Blue Alert was issued, the suspect had not yet been taken into custody.
According to law enforcement officials, the deputy initiated a traffic stop involving a 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck along State Highway 160 near Highlandville.
During the stop, the suspect allegedly opened fire, fatally wounding the deputy before fleeing the scene.
The suspect was reported to have traveled southbound on Highway 160 following the shooting.
Authorities described the suspect vehicle as a black 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck equipped with a silver brush guard, black body trim, tinted rear windows, and a three-ball trailer hitch. The vehicle was bearing Missouri license plate 9MG-X36.
A statewide Blue Alert was issued to notify the public and assist in locating the suspect.
Law enforcement officials urged residents not to approach the vehicle or suspect if located, but instead to immediately call 911 and provide detailed information while remaining at a safe distance.
Christian County is situated south of Springfield and north of Branson, an area that sees significant travel due to its proximity to the Ozarks.
Multiple agencies across the region coordinated efforts in response to the alert.
Authorities have not yet released further details regarding the circumstances surrounding the shooting or the status of the investigation.
Law enforcement officials expressed their condolences to the deputy’s family, colleagues, and the community as they continue to pursue justice in the case.