Early Morning Call Results in Multiple Arrests

What started as a routine “drunk and disorderly” call to Tacoma police, turned into much more in the quiet neighborhood of South I Street. While responding to the situation with the drunken woman, who was belligerent, officers heard a handgun being racked and chambered.

Shots were fired nearby, and the policemen took cover, attempting to get the woman under cover as well, but she refused. Back up was called in.

Going in to the Lion’s Den
When 18 officers and a K-9 unit were at the scene, the suspected house was surrounded. Two suspects were arguing on the lawn, complaining to the police. One of the men was TASERed when he appeared ready to run after he eluded arrest. The second was stopped within the house without the use of the TASER. Two more men lay drunk inside the house.

The stash of weapons in the house surprised even the experienced officers. Although it isn’t unusual for people to accumulate a weapons store from numerous sources when engaged in questionable activities, the sheer variety and quantity in this home was unusual. Two assault riffles were taken as well as six other firearms.

In addition to the weapons, there were bags upon bags of ammunition available for each firearm. The potential for mayhem was certainly large, and in fact, the shots heard apparently resulted from one of the men firing a gun on the North side of the house.

Protecting the Men in Blue
Walking into such a situation is akin to walking into a trap for most police officers. Inadequate support and training can make a simple situation dangerous, and a dangerous situation fatal. Fortunately, we have well trained officers who know how to handle a TASER to the best advantage and can take down potentially dangerous people with minimal risks.