Innocent Bystander Killed in Spanaway Shooting

SPANAWAY, WA — A Pierce County woman was killed, caught in the crossfire of a shooting in Spanaway Thursday evening.

According to an update from the Pierce County Sheriff's Department, the shooting took place at 8:50 p.m. outside a gas station at 17400 Pacific Ave S.

Investigators say they believe the shooting had been between two vehicles. One man shot from inside his vehicle at another car, but ended up hitting the woman.

"The woman was an innocent bystander," said Sgt. Darren Moss, public information officer for the Sheriff's Department. "She went into the store to purchase some items, as she was walking out two people were involved in an altercation, they were in vehicles, one shot at the other one and struck our victim."

By the time deputies arrived on scene, both of the vehicles had fled, but the woman remained. First responders with Central Pierce Fire and Rescue rushed the woman to a nearby hospital, but she was pronounced dead shortly after her arrival.

Little else about the shooting has been released, though deputies say they are hoping to find witnesses who may be able to lead them to either of the vehicles or the shooter. Anyone who saw anything or knows more about the incident is asked to report it through Crime Stoppers or by calling 1-800-222-TIPS. Tips can be submitted anonymously.