Multiple sources have reported that Washington State authorities are carrying out a manhunt for 2 suspects alleged of shooting an off-duty officer Donavan Heavener. The officer was shot when he was out for a jog and attempted to intervene in a burglary on Sunday morning. Puyallup Police Chief Scott Engle said a 27-years old veteran of the nearby Federal Way Police Department, was on a morning run when he came across 2 men trying to break into a lawn equipment store in Puyallup. The two suspects had a verbal confrontation with Heavener and shot him in the abdomen as they fled the scene. Engle said he was transported to a local hospital with very serious injuries but is expected to survive.
It is noteworthy that detectives believe suspects used a silver 2005 Chevrolet Silverado truck, stolen from a nearby neighborhood. The Puyallup Police Department located the truck on Monday evening after releasing new photos of the vehicle. Another black 2003-2007 Chevrolet Silverado truck was also used during the attempted burglary. Police have not identified the suspects, who they describe as 2 Hispanic males wearing all black. Heavener was a school resource officer for several years and now works in the Federal Way Police Department’s administrative division.
Police Chief Andy Hwang issued a press statement and said, “Officer Heavener is also the State Director for the Washington Law Enforcement Torch Run and oversees more than 2,000 officers who participate in the event, bringing public awareness and raising nearly half a million dollars a year for this worthy cause”. Hwang added, “Officer Heavener is a valued member of our agency and is truly making a positive difference in the lives of people with intellectual disabilities”.