EVERETT—A 38-year-old Oak Harbor man was shot and killed by police early Friday, January 2, 2026, following a high-speed pursuit from Skagit County that began with a domestic dispute in Island County and ended in Snohomish County, authorities said. No officers were injured.
At approximately 4:48 am, Skagit County dispatch advised deputies were in pursuit following shots fired from a vehicle and requested regional assistance. Dispatch broadcasted there was probable cause for DV Assault 1 for the 38-year-old male suspect. He was reported to be armed with a firearm.
The suspect was pursued into the City of Everett, then located around 5 a.m. in the 6100 block of Fleming Street and authorities. Skagit County Sheriff’s Office, Sedro Woolley Police Department, Washington State Patrol, and Arlington Police Department all participated in the vehicle pursuit.
Less lethal means were utilized to attempt to apprehend the armed suspect. During the confrontation, officers fired shots. First responders rendered aid to the 38-year-old male suspect; however he died at the scene. Authorities have not released the suspect’s name nor specified which agencies fired shots.
Identification of the decease, as well as cause and manner of death will be determined by the Snohomish County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Detectives with the Snohomish County Multiple Agency Response Team (SMART) are investigating the use of force incident. There is no threat to public safety authorities said.
The sequence of events started with a domestic dispute in Clinton, Island County, on January 1, at around 6 p.m. where deputies responded to a domestic dispute. The suspect allegedly shot at officers and gunfire was exchanged. The suspect then fled into a nearby wooded area and escaped. No one was injured in the initial shooting.
Around 7 p.m., Oak Harbor police responded to a kidnapping report in the 100 block of Southwest Lansdale Street after the suspect allegedly entered a residence and forced a 64-year-old man to drive him to Burlington. The 64-year-old victim dropped off the suspect and fled the scene unharmed.
Shortly after midnight Friday, Burlington police received an anonymous tip. Officers observed a vehicle leaving around 4:15 a.m. and attempted a stop in the 1200 block of South Anacortes Street.
The suspect, then shot the driver who sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was later treated at Skagit Valley Hospital.
The 38-year-old suspect then fled in the vehicle, leading to the pursuit into Snohomish County, which ended with his death from a shooting exchange with law enforcement.
Author: Mario Lotmore
