SUQUAMISH, Wash. - Police in Kitsap County are investigating an officer involved shooting in Suquamish.
Suquamish Police say the incident happened around 9:30 p.m. Saturday on the Suquamish reservation. Officers responded to a report of a disturbance on Newton Street with multiple shots fired.
When officers arrived and contacted people outside the house, one man ran to his vehicle and drove into two officers, injuring both of them.
Both officers fired at the driver, who was hit by gunfire. A female passenger in the car was also injured.
The suspects fled the scene, went to a nearby residence to get help from friends, and got into a different vehicle to seek medical aid. When they realized they needed immediate medical assistance, they drove to the Suquamish Police Department to get help.
The male suspect was airlifted to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle for treatment of gunshot wounds. The female was taken to Harrison Hospital in Bremerton with non-life threatening injuries.
Paramedics took both officers to Harrison Hospital where they were treated for non-life threatening injuries.
The Kitsap County Sheriff's Office says the male suspect is a 34-year-old "career criminal" with an extensive history of drug dealing, with 9 prior felony convictions for burglary, drug dealing and possession of drugs, as well as assault and intimidating witnesses. He also has 12 prior misdemeanor convictions for multiple crimes, including displaying weapons with intent to intimidate. He currently had a Felony "No Bail" "Caution" warrant for his arrest, for escape from the Washington State Department of Corrections on "community custody" for Drug Charges.
Suquamish Police Chief Mike Lasnier said in a press release that the officers "had a duty and obligation to respond and act, and they did so with a great deal of courage and professionalism."
"Anyone who attacks and attempts to murder police officers, whether with a gun, a knife, or the car used in this incident, should expect that any officer will respond in the same manner," he said.
After recovering from their injuries, the officers will be on administrative duties. Both officers are veterans of the department.
The Kitsap County Sheriff's Office and the Washington State Patrol are investigating.
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