Man with gun shot by Federal Way police after attempting 3 carjackings

Suspect transported to Harborview Medical Center.

A man was shot by Federal Way Police on Monday afternoon after he attempted three separate carjackings and pointed a gun at officers.

At about 3:30 p.m. Sept. 20, Federal Way officers responded to reports of an attempted carjacking with a gun at the Elephant Car Wash near Pacific Highway South and S. 316th Street, according to Cmdr. Kurt Schwan of Federal Way Police.

The suspect, described by police as a white man in his 30s, fled south on foot after the failed carjacking, Schwan said.

Officers found the suspect near the Comfort Inn in the 31600 block of Pete von Reichbauer Way. The suspect displayed a gun and continued fleeing south toward The Commons mall, Schwan said.

The suspect crossed S. 320th Street and attempted to car-jack a second vehicle in the Panera Bread parking lot as officers pursued him, Schwan said.

After another failed attempt, the suspect fled back across S. 320th Street to attempt a third carjacking. The occupant of the third vehicle exited and fled on foot, later telling police he feared for his life.

The suspect then turned and pointed his gun at officers, Schwan said, and he was then shot by the officers. A gun was recovered at the scene.

Those officers provided life-saving first aid until medics arrived.

The man was taken to Harborview Medical Center and his condition is unknown. There were no other officers or civilians injured, according to police.

Involved officers will be placed on paid administrative leave, per department protocol and the Valley Independent Investigation Team will conduct the investigation.

S. 320th Street near The Commons mall is closed as officers investigate the incident.