- ARTICLE UPDATE [4:28 p.m., Monday, March 28, 2022] Added statements from County Executive Dave Somers and Edmonds Mayor Mike Nelson.
EDMONDS, Wash., March 28, 2022 – Today, the Edmonds Police Department announces the loss of Officer Tyler Steffins who died on Saturday, March 26, 2022. Officer Steffins was off-duty in Las Vegas, NV when he was attacked by a person unknown to him who was armed with a knife. Officer Steffins was transported to an area hospital but did not survive his injuries. A suspect, Freddy Allen, 58, was taken into custody, and the Las Vegas Metro Police Department has launched a homicide investigation.
With deep sadness, the Edmonds Police Department announces the loss of Officer Tyler Steffins on Saturday, March 26th. More: https://t.co/Vzle9G7B5w pic.twitter.com/pQbPXWHLq9
— Edmonds Police Department (@EdmondsPolice) March 28, 2022
LVMPD investigation of incident leading to Officer Steffins’ death
On March 26, 2022, at approximately 9:39 p.m., Las Vegas Metro PD patrol officers were advised of a stabbing that had occurred on a pedestrian between MGM Grand and New York-New York. As the officers arrived in the area they noticed a male, later identified as 58-year-old Freddy Allen, holding a knife. Allen attempted to run from officers but was apprehended. Medical personnel located and transported the victim, Edmonds Police Officer Tyler Steffins, to UMC Trauma where he was pronounced deceased.
The investigation by the LVMPD Homicide Section indicates that Officer Steffins and Allen had been involved in a verbal altercation over an interaction with a dog the night before. The day of the incident, Allen and the Steffins got into another verbal altercation. As words were being exchanged, Allen stabbed the Officer Steffins one time and fled the area.
Allen then threw the knife into a fountain in front of the Statue of Liberty before being apprehended by patrol officers. The 6-inch blade hunting knife was retrieved by officers.
Allen was transported to the Clark County Detention Center where he was booked for open murder with a deadly weapon. In Nevada, the open murder charge means that a judge or jury will have to decide whether the killing was committed in the first or second degree. In first-degree murder cases for Nevada, courts may impose the death penalty when the aggravating circumstances outweigh all the mitigating circumstances.
Allen is currently being held without bail and a court appearance is scheduled for March 30, 2022.
Edmonds Police Officer Tyler Steffins
Officer Steffins started with the Edmonds Police in August of 2018. He was a veteran of the United States Marine Corps (Corporal, 2007-2011) with recognition for his service during Operation Enduring Freedom. Officer Steffins graduated from the police academy in March of 2019 and was #1 overall in his class. Upon completion of field training, Officer Steffins has served the community as a patrol officer for both day and night shifts. A photo of officer Steffins is attached.
Tyler is survived by his wife, mother, father, brothers, sister, two young children, friends, and loved ones. Edmonds PD will work closely with the family to provide assistance and support during this difficult time.
“This is a tragic loss for our agency when our staff and the entire region is already in a state of mourning for other fallen officers. While we grieve with heavy hearts, our peer support program members are actively engaging with our staff. Tyler was a valued member of our police family whose infectious smile and contagious
laugh endeared him to his peers. We will miss him terribly but cherish the times we had with him. We remain committed to providing quality service to our community even during the most trying of times.” Chief Michelle Bennett.
Statement from Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers
“One of Edmonds finest was taken from our community much too soon. Our prayers and deepest condolences go out to Officer Tyler Steffins family, his colleagues in the Edmonds Police Department, and all who are impacted by this unimaginable tragedy. Our region has seen too much loss of life over the last few weeks, and we must never lose sight of these profound sacrifices. Police officers choose a career in law enforcement because they want to serve the community, even though that service comes with extreme risk. We offer any support Edmonds needs in this time of mourning.”
Statement from Edmonds Mayor Mike Nelson
“We are deeply saddened by the unexpected tragic death of Officer Steffins. My heart goes out to Tyler’s family, his loved ones and our Edmonds Police Department staff who are mourning this tremendous loss.”
Author: Lynnwood Times Staff
