Our APD family extends our condolences to the Kittitas County Sheriff's Department (WA) on the #lineofduty shooting death, yesterday evening, of Deputy Sheriff Ryan Thompson, .

On Tuesday, March 19th at approximately 7:45 pm, Deputy Thompson responded to a traffic complaint involving a road rage incident. When he attempted to stop the involved vehicle the driver fled along the interstate. As the suspect exited the interstate into the city of Kittitas, Deputy Thompson was joined in the pursuit by Kittitas PD Officer Benito Chavez. When the vehicle came to a stop, the driver opened fire on officers. Deputy Thompson was fatally wounded & Officer Chavez suffered serious wounds & was airlifted to a Seattle hospital. The suspect was shot & killed in the shootout.

Deputy Thompson, age 42, began his law enforcement career in 2004 and has been with Kittitas County Sheriff since 2013. He leaves behind his wife Sarah and their 3 children.

We also extend our Best Wishes for a full recovery to Officer Benito Chavez, age 22, whose young wife is pregnant. Officer Chavez was hired in July of 2018 and graduated from the Law Enforcement Academy in January 2019.

Rest in Peace to our brother – Deputy Thompson, dedicated to the community he served.

Around 6:45 pm Monday evening, APD officers located an occupied stolen vehicle parked behind the AM/PM at Katella and State College Blvd. The suspect fled on foot and barricaded himself on the patio of a nearby apartment. The suspect claimed to have a bomb and said he was armed with a handgun.

Extensive evacuations occurred as the APD SWAT Team and the OCSD Bomb Squad responded. The suspect was ultimately taken into custody after less than lethal (beanbag) rounds and a police K9 were deployed.

The suspect had discarded two fake, but very realistic looking handguns and was in possession of two knives. The personnel involved used incredible restraint in protecting the public and arresting a dangerous suspect without any shots being fired.

Way to go!

Ask your traffic questions now and catch Chief Cisneros help Officer Spielman answer them on Ask A Motor Cop this Wednesday at 4PM on Facebook live!