Prairie Ridge standoff ends with man dead from self-inflicted gunshot wound

Published 11:08 am Thursday, September 16, 2010

An argument over electronics escalated into an overnight standoff between a citizen and police deputies in Bonney Lake and resulted in the death of a man from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Pierce County Sheriff’s Department spokesman Detective Ed Troyer said police received a call at 11:30 p.m. Wednesday regarding an incident inside a home in the 14000 block of Prairie Ridge Drive.

Alcohol and drugs played a role, Troyer said.

The group of four people argued loudly and threats were made.

“We heard threats of weapons,” he said.

Three people walked from the house and there was never a hostage situation, Troyer said.

Deputies were called and were advised guns were involved.

SWAT team members unsuccessfully attempted to establish contact with the gunman inside the home.

Troyer said shots were fired when a deputy approached the home.

“The guy fired a couple rounds at our deputies,” he said.

The deputy was not injured and called for backup.

Between 3 and 4 a.m. SWAT members looked inside the home and saw the man lying down. Upon entering the home they discovered the man had apparently shot himself.

The investigation is ongoing.