It appears a possible suspect in this week’s fatal shooting near Tacoma, Washington’s Emerald Queen Casino & Hotel got into a dispute with the victim just hours before repeatedly firing shots at him, authorities said.
A Tacoma, Wash. police SUV, pictured above. Officers are investigating a shooting near a casino. (Image: Tacoma News Tribune)
The two had an argument somewhere in Tacoma earlier on Monday. At about 8 p.m. on the same day, they met up again near the casino’s parking lot on East 28th Street.
The victim suffered multiple wounds. EMTs attempted to revive him, but he died at the crime scene, according to Tacoma Police Department Sgt. William Muse.
Authorities know the possible suspect’s identity.
They have been cooperative with us and they have retained an attorney,” Muse was quoted by the Seattle TV station KOMO about the suspect.
“And, basically [he] shared how it is that he and the alleged victim got involved in a dispute with one another and basically shared with us his side of what happened.”
Self-Defense Is Possible
It appears the suspect may have fired the shots to defend himself, KOMO further reported. The suspect has been described as cooperating with detectives who are investigating the shooting.
No word on whether the victim also was armed.
Both were in separate cars before the shooting occurred. The would-be shooter may have been following the victim minutes before the shooting, according to Washington State Tacoma News Tribune news outlet.
But so far, the incident didn’t appear to have been caused by road rage, KOMO reported.
Detectives have to determine what the intention of the suspect was in order to see if it was a case of murder, manslaughter, or possibly if it was another crime.
Once detectives compile the evidence, the Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office will review their findings. No charges were filed as of the middle of this week.
Checking Surveillance Cameras
Among possible evidence may be video from casino surveillance cameras. Police didn’t reveal if they have seized a firearm which was used in the shooting.
Police also will likely interview any possible witnesses and casino security guards.
It’s routine procedure for the victim of a deadly shooting to undergo an autopsy. That way, a coroner can determine the case and manner of death.
The suspect wasn’t injured, according to initial news reports.
It has yet to be revealed what the suspect and the victim had been arguing about.
The Emerald Queen Casino & Hotel is located some 31 miles south of Seattle. Emerald Queen Casino has over 2,100 slot machines, 60 table games, and a sportsbook. The Puyallup Tribe of Indians-owned and operated complex also has a hotel tower with 155 guest rooms.
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