• Video
  • Shop
  • Culture
  • Family
  • Wellness
  • Food
  • Living
  • Style
  • Travel
  • News
  • Book Club
  • Newsletter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • Terms of Use
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Contact Us
  • © 2026 ABC News
  • News

Man armed with multiple guns including rifles takes hostage in Tacoma, Washington

0:53
KCPQ
Man armed with rifles, other guns takes hostage, prompts 2-hour police standoff
Pierce County Sheriff's Office
ByCourtney Han
September 07, 2018, 1:19 PM

A man armed with multiple guns including long rifles and wearing body armor allegedly took a hostage inside an auto repair business, prompting a standoff with police in Tacoma, Washington, according to authorities.

The suspect, whose identity has yet to be released, was shot by a SWAT officer but was uninjured because of his body armor, police said. No hostages or responding officers were injured.

Helicopter video shows the moment when the suspect turned himself in to authorities.

SWAT team responded to armed hostage situation in Tacoma, Wash., Sept.7, 2018.
Pierce County Sheriff's Office

The incident began about 7:40 p.m. Thursday night when the suspect allegedly tried to rob a tire store before fleeing to a nearby auto repair business where he took an employee hostage, police said. Shortly afterward, police, including a SWAT team, arrived on the scene.

PHOTO: Suspect in custody after firing shots at deputies and taking person hostage in an auto repair shop.
Suspect in custody after firing shots at deputies and taking person hostage in an auto repair shop in Tacoma, Wash., Sept. 7, 2018.
Pierce County Sheriff's Office

"The suspect continued to fire numerous shots as he appeared to barricade himself inside the business with the hostage," the Pierce County Sheriff's Department said in a statement. "Our SWAT team attempted to make contact with the suspect and to engage in negotiations, but the suspect continued to fire rounds toward deputies."

An armed suspect in Tacoma, Wash. hostage situation turns himself in to authorities, Sept. 7, 2018.
King County Sheriff Air Support

Around 8 p.m. local time, deputies rescued the hostage, according to the Pierce County Sheriff's Office.

An hour and a half later, the SWAT team exchanged gunfire with the suspect, who later walked out of the business and was arrested.

The standoff lasted about two hours.

Up Next in News—

Gas station clerk speaks out after foiling alleged kidnapping

April 15, 2026

Oklahoma high school principal takes down would-be shooter, hailed as hero

April 15, 2026

Family seeks answers after influencer Ashlee Jenae is found dead on vacation in Tanzania

April 15, 2026

Couple shares warning after nearly losing down payment in mortgage fraud

April 10, 2026

Shop GMA Favorites

ABC will receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Sponsored Content by Taboola

The latest lifestyle and entertainment news and inspiration for how to live your best life - all from Good Morning America.
  • Contests
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Children’s Online Privacy Policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • About Nielsen Measurement
  • Press
  • Feedback
  • Shop FAQs
  • ABC News
  • ABC
  • All Videos
  • All Topics
  • Sitemap

© 2026 ABC News
  • Privacy Policy— 
  • Your US State Privacy Rights— 
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy— 
  • Interest-Based Ads— 
  • Terms of Use— 
  • Do Not Sell My Info— 
  • Contact Us— 

© 2026 ABC News