The suspect, who deputies said had multiple felony warrants, allegedly drove at deputies before shots were fired.
MIDLAND, Wash. — Pierce County investigators are searching for a suspect who is accused of fleeing police and trying to get inside people’s homes and cars after a deputy shooting Sunday morning.
A deputy with the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office saw a male slumped over in a vehicle near 72nd Street East and Ninth Avenue Court East in Midland about 2 a.m.
Deputies said the male had multiple felony warrants, including second-degree assault, eluding and escape from community custody.
Deputies positioned their vehicles to keep the male from escaping. He woke up and began ramming vehicles, according to the Pierce County Force Investigation Team (PCFIT), which is investigating the shooting. He allegedly rammed an escape route and drove at a deputy.
Shots were fired, according to PCFIT. No deputies were hit by gunfire.
Investigators said the male continued to flee. His condition is unknown.
Deputies found the suspect’s vehicle several minutes later near 85th Street East and Ninth Avenue East, which is about 1 mile south of where the shooting occurred. The car had crashed, was abandoned and running.
Nearby residents called 911 to report a male who appeared to have blood on him showed up at their property and asked for help. The male also allegedly entered homes and left after being confronted.
Investigators said the male matched the description of the deputies’ suspect. The Pierce County Sheriff’s Office told KING 5 the suspect has been identified as 23-year-old Skyler Cantrell. Cantrell is approximately 5-foot-11-inches tall and weighs around 225 pounds, according to the sheriff’s office.
He was last seen wearing a dark hoodie sweatshirt.
Deputies used drones and a K9 unit to search for the suspect for 3.5 hours and couldn’t find him.
A couple hours after the incident, residents reported seeing the suspect within several blocks of where the car was abandoned, according to Lakewood Police Sgt. Charles Porche, who is the PCFIT spokesperson.
Residents are urged to keep their homes and cars secure, as police said there was evidence the male unlawfully tried to enter people’s property.
Residents should call 911 if they see someone who appears suspicious or may be related to this incident.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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