A critical police operation in Chehalis, Washington, ended with the shooting death of a child rape suspect during an attempted arrest. The incident unfolded when Pierce County deputies tried to apprehend the 32-year-old suspect around 10:15 a. m. , but he allegedly reached for a weapon, prompting a detective to fire. After fleeing, the suspect was tracked down by a K9 unit to a different location.

In the ensuing confrontation, a Centralia police officer sustained stab wounds to the head and back, necessitating emergency surgery. The suspect was shot and pronounced dead at the scene. This incident raises significant concerns about officer safety and the challenges law enforcement faces when dealing with violent suspects. The Lewis County Sheriff's Office is asking anyone with additional information to come forward. As the investigation continues, the community remains shocked by the violent turn of events.