- A suspect has been identified following an officer-involved shooting in Pierce County, WA.
- Skyler Cantrell, 23, remains at large as law enforcement across the county conducts an active search.
- Residents near Tacoma and surrounding areas are being urged not to approach Cantrell and to call 911 immediately if he is spotted.
- The sheriff’s office has not yet released full details on the shooting circumstances, saying updates are forthcoming.
PIERCE COUNTY, Washington — Law enforcement in Pierce County is conducting an active manhunt following an officer-involved shooting, and authorities say the suspect has been identified but remains at large.
The Pierce County Sheriff’s Office released an update Sunday afternoon naming the suspect as Skyler Cantrell, 23.
Detectives describe Cantrell as a white male, approximately 5-foot-11 and 225 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a dark hoodie sweatshirt.
What We Know About the Shooting
Officials have confirmed that an officer-involved shooting took place, but the full circumstances leading up to the encounter have not yet been publicly released.
Investigators say the situation remains active. The sheriff’s office has stated that additional details will be provided as the investigation progresses.
It has not been confirmed whether Cantrell is believed to be armed. Despite this, authorities are stressing that the public should exercise extreme caution.
Multi-Agency Search Underway
The search for Cantrell is not limited to a single jurisdiction.
Law enforcement agencies across Pierce County — including those covering areas in and around Tacoma — are actively assisting in the effort to locate him.
Increased law enforcement presence is expected throughout the county as officers work to bring the situation under control.
The scale of the response signals that authorities are treating this as a serious and ongoing public safety matter.
What Residents Are Being Asked to Do
The Pierce County Sheriff’s Office is urging the public to stay alert and to take the following steps seriously:
- Do not approach Skyler Cantrell under any circumstances
- Call 911 immediately if you spot him or believe you have seen him
- Contact the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office with any tips or information related to his whereabouts
Authorities are emphasizing that community cooperation is critical to resolving this situation as quickly and safely as possible.
Stay Safe While the Search Continues
If you live or work in Pierce County — particularly near Tacoma — it is worth being aware of your surroundings while the search is ongoing.
Avoid approaching anyone matching Cantrell’s description. If something feels off, trust your instincts and call 911 rather than attempting to intervene.
The sheriff’s office has made clear that public safety is the top priority, and updates will be shared as more information becomes available from investigators.
This is a developing story. Details may change as the investigation unfolds and law enforcement releases new information.
Are you in Pierce County and following this story? Share what you’re hearing in your community in the comments below — and stay safe out there.
