Police

Homicide Investigation – 1100 Block of South I Street

Tacoma, WA – At approximately 4:49 a.m. on February 4, 2026, Tacoma Police officers responded to the 1100 block of South I Street for a report of shots fired. Upon arrival, officers located a victim with apparent gunshot wounds. ...Officers immediately began lifesaving measures until Tacoma Fire Department personnel arrived and transported the victim to a local hospital. A short time later, the victim was pronounced deceased at the hospital.

Detectives and Crime Scene Technicians are actively investigating this incident as a homicide. Anyone with information related to this case is asked to call 911.

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It’s official! Chief Patti Jackson has been confirmed as our new Police Chief! Her leadership emphasizes community and trust, and we’re excited for this next chapter where together, we will build safer, stronger Tacoma.

Homicide Investigation – 1200 Block of South I Street

Tacoma, WA – At approximately 9:40 AM on February 1, 2026, Tacoma Police responded to an address in the 1200 block of S I street for a report of an unresponsive male. Officers arrived on scene and located a male victim. Tacoma Fire... Department personnel arrived and pronounced the victim deceased at the scene.

Detectives and Crime Scene Technicians are actively investigating this incident as a homicide. Anyone with information related to this case is asked to call 911.
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ON THIS DAY

On this day in 1985, officers responded to the 1000 block of N. Prospect St., where a man attacked his wife and slashed his 12-year-old stepson in the head with a knife. The boy fled to a neighbor’s house while the man fatally shot his wife. He then walked to the neighbor’s... house and shot a 23-year-old woman as she hid in a bathroom with the boy. Officers Craig Nollmeyer and William Taylor arrived and positioned themselves at the corner of N. 11th and Prospect. In the meantime, the man moved to the alley behind his house. Observing Officer Nollmeyer on foot, the man raised his .44 magnum revolver and pulled the trigger, but the weapon did not fire. Hearing the gun click, Officer Nollmeyer apparently thought it was out of bullets, but the next round fired, striking the 33-year-old officer in the head and killing him instantly. Officer Taylor and other officers returned fire and struck the man four times. The man survived and was later convicted of murder.

Officer Craig Nollmeyer: End of Watch, January 24, 1985

Gone But Not Forgotten

ON THIS DAY

On this day in 1957, Sergeant L. Ben Overdahl was off-duty, in plain clothes, having a cup of coffee at a restaurant in the 1100 block of South K Street. An employee of the restaurant requested his assistance in dealing with a drunk man who was bothering customers. Sgt. ...Overdahl was unable to quiet the man, so he placed him under arrest and led the man outside to a nearby call box. A struggle ensued, and Sgt. Overdahl collapsed from a heart attack. As the drunk fled, a taxi driver provided aid to the officer, but the 26-year veteran of the Tacoma Police Department was pronounced dead on arrival at St. Joseph’s Hospital.

Sergeant L. Ben Overdahl: End of Watch, January 22, 1957

Gone But Not Forgotten

Tacoma Police Arrest Suspect in Series of Robberies Targeting Elderly Women

Tacoma, Wash. – The Tacoma Police Department arrested an adult male following an extensive investigation into a series of robberies targeting elderly women.

Tacoma Police arrested the suspect after ...receiving multiple reports from elderly women who were approached and robbed of cash and purses. Once detectives identified a possible suspect, they intensified investigative efforts, including surveillance, and developed probable cause for an arrest.

On January 16, 2026, detectives, along with the Tacoma Police Special Investigations Unit, followed the suspect to the area of 121st Street and Meridian, where he parked in the lot of a Cash America business. As officers moved in, the suspect put on a balaclava and armed himself with a firearm, appearing to prepare to continue his crime spree.

Officers surrounded the suspect, who attempted to flee by ramming police vehicles with the stolen vehicle he was driving. Officers acted quickly and safely took the suspect into custody.

The adult male was booked into the Pierce County Jail and charged with 47 total counts, including:
• Four counts of Robbery in the Second Degree
• Six counts of Malicious Mischief in the Third Degree
• Twenty-five counts of Identity Theft in the Second Degree
• Two counts of Attempting to Elude a Pursuing Police Vehicle
• Two counts of Assault in the Second Degree
• Two counts of Reckless Driving
• Unlawful Possession of a Firearm 1st Degree
• Possession of a Stolen Firearm
• Unlawful Possession of a Stolen Vehicle
• Theft in the Third Degree
• Resisting Arrest
• Making or Possessing Motor Vehicle Theft Tools

Additional charges remain under investigation.

During the investigation, unclaimed property believed to be connected to these crimes was recovered. Anyone who believes they may be a victim, or who can identify property taken during a crime, is encouraged to contact the Tacoma Police Department at 253 830 6576. Detectives are working to reunite recovered property with its rightful owners.

Safety Reminder:
The Tacoma Police Department encourages community members, especially older adults, to remain aware of their surroundings and trust their instincts. If approached by someone who makes you feel uncomfortable or attempts to distract, pressure, or isolate you, seek help immediately. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash, keep purses and wallets secure, and consider traveling with a companion when possible.

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