Buried cache of explosives discovered in Puyallup

PUYALLUP — Federal investigators have discovered a buried cache of explosives and weapons in Puyallup, and they say it could be tied to to a fugitive and informant shot to death by bounty hunters two years ago.

The News Tribune of Tacoma reported that agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives recovered four improvised explosives, ammunition and guns on Friday, as well as blasting caps and a mortar round.

An ATF spokeswoman told the newspaper that the cache was connected to a man killed by bounty hunters two years ago. That matched the description of Roberto Pupo Roque, who was shot to death in Lakewood in 2008.

Roque had skipped out on a bail bond earlier that year, subsequently robbed the bail bond office, and was released after promising to act as a federal informant. Lakewood police concluded that the bounty hunters shot him in self-defense during a confrontation.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Refugee and Immigrant Services Northwest Senior Associate ESL Instructor James Wilcox, right, works on speaking and writing with Anfal Zaroug, 32, who is accompanied by her daughter Celia Hassen, 6 months, on Friday, Nov. 15, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
What will Trump’s immigration policy mean for Snohomish County?

The president-elect has vowed to ramp up deportations and limit legal immigration.

Water cascades down the Lower Falls near the Woody Trail at Wallace Falls State Park near Gold Bar on Thursday, Sept. 17, 2015. A nearly six mile round-trip to the park's Upper Falls offers hikers an array of vistas on a well maintained trail.
Wallace Falls closed due to bomb cyclone damage

Over 170 trees fell in last month’s storm. The park near Gold Bar is closed until further notice.

Neepaporn “A” Boungjaktha (Snohomish County)
Snohomish County executive director takes new gig with Port of Seattle

Neepaporn “A” Boungjaktha joined the county in 2022. Her last day will be Jan. 2.

People walk into the Everett Library off of Hoyt Avenue on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
How will new Everett library hours affect its programs?

This month, the two branches scaled back their hours in light of budget cuts stemming from a city deficit.

The Evergreen Branch of the Everett Public Library is open and ready for blast off. Dillon Works, of Mukilteo, designed this eye-catching sculpture that greets people along Evergreen Way.   (Dan Bates / The Herald)
Snohomish County awards money to improve warming, cooling centers

The money for HVAC improvements will allow facilities to better serve as temporary shelters for weather-related events.

Marysville
Marysville to hold post-holiday ‘tree-cycling’ event

You can dispose of your tree and holiday packaging Jan. 4.

Marysville
Marysville school board will not vote on closures Monday

A special meeting was tentatively planned to decide on which schools to close in a cost-saving effort.

Edmonds Police Chief Michelle Bennett outside of the Police Department on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It’s the right time’: Edmonds police chief talks retirement, budget woes

Michelle Bennett will retire early next year in a time of uncertainty for the department.

Lynnwood City Council Vice President Julieta Crosby speaks during a Lynnwood City Council meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Lynnwood council VP paid Binda recall leader for campaign help

Julieta Altamirano-Crosby paid $37,000 to Diodato Boucsieguez during her run for a PUD board seat.

Marysville
Motorcyclist killed in Marysville crash identified

Callan Waldal was ejected from his motorcycle after a crash with a car on Dec. 6, police said.

Snohomish County Council listens to George Skiles talk about his findings in an audit of the Snohomish County Executive Office on Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Somers lets Snohomish County budget go through without his signature

The county executive on Friday declined to sign the two-year, $3.22 billion budget passed last month.

Logo for news use featuring the municipality of Mukilteo in Snohomish County, Washington. 220118
Shelter in place lifted after Mukilteo ammonia leak

Multiple fire departments were on scene of the leak at Pacific Seafood on Friday morning.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.