Case number: OII-2025-0002
Olympia, Wash. (May 13, 2025) – The Washington State Office of Independent Investigations (OII) is investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting that occurred in Poulsbo, Washington on Wednesday, May 7.
According to Poulsbo Police Department and Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office, the use of deadly force incident happened about 9:15 p.m. after Poulsbo police officers stopped a car with the assistance of Kitsap County deputies.
The agencies reported that the driver of the car was armed with a large knife and did not follow the directions from officers attempting to arrest him. The agencies reported their officers tried less lethal options but were unable to take the driver into custody. A Poulsbo Police Department officer and a Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office deputy each discharged their firearms at the driver.
The Poulsbo Police Department notified OII of the incident about 9:30 p.m. on May 7, as required by RCW 43.102. The first OII investigators arrived at the scene at 10:34 p.m. on May 7. In total, 15 OII investigators joined the initial response. At 12:39 a.m., OII received notification of another use of deadly force incident in Clark County and sent 3 investigators from the Poulsbo scene to join other investigators on that second response.
The Kitsap County Medical Examiner’s Office will release the name of the deceased once identification is scientifically confirmed. The office is expected to conduct an autopsy on May 13 to determine the cause and manner of death.
An OII family liaison has been assigned to work with the family of the deceased to keep them informed on the status of the investigation.
As of Dec. 1, 2024, OII responds to use of deadly force incidents. To manage its resources, OII is currently responding to use of deadly force incidents in Southwest Washington and the Olympic Peninsula, an area designated by OII as Region 1- West. This region (one of six statewide) includes Thurston, Lewis, Mason, Clark, Clallam, Grays Harbor, Pacific, Jefferson, Kitsap, Skamania, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum counties.
In addition, OII only investigates incidents that result in death. By statute, OII is required to complete its investigations within 120 days. If more time is required, the agency must advise the OII Advisory Board of the reason for the delay.
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The state Legislature created OII in 2021 to conduct independent and unbiased investigations of deadly use of force by law enforcement. It works with an 11-member advisory board that reviews and provides input on agency policies. To view this on the web, visit oii.wa.gov/news-and-updates.
For media inquiries, contact Kimberly Garcia, Media Relations Coordinator, Kimberly.Garcia@oii.wa.gov or (360) 790-1247.