A suspect in the death of Everett police officer Dan Rocha was arrested near the scene of a three-vehicle crash at 35th Street and Rucker Avenue in Everett about 2:15 p.m. Friday, shortly after the shooting in the city’s north end. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)

A suspect in the death of Everett police officer Dan Rocha was arrested near the scene of a three-vehicle crash at 35th Street and Rucker Avenue in Everett about 2:15 p.m. Friday, shortly after the shooting in the city’s north end. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)

Everett officer, 41, killed in shooting near EvCC; suspect arrested

Officer Dan Rocha had served since 2017. He leaves behind a wife and sons. A suspect was arrested after a pursuit and crash.

EVERETT — An Everett police officer was shot to death in the line of duty Friday afternoon near Everett Community College.

Police identified the fallen officer as Dan Rocha, 41, who had served the city since 2017.

A suspect, 50, was arrested within minutes of the shooting, following a three-vehicle crash 2½ miles south, police said.

Rocha had contacted a man around 2 p.m. due to “suspicious activity” in a Starbucks parking lot at 1010 N. Broadway, said Courtney O’Keefe, a spokesperson for the Snohomish County Multiple Agency Response Team. There was an altercation, and the man opened fire, fatally striking the officer, O’Keefe said.

George LaBauve, 24, who lives in a nearby apartment, heard multiple gunshots. He looked outside and saw a uniformed officer’s body on the ground. The shooter tucked away a gun, got in a blue Mini Cooper and took off, running over the officer and tearing off the back bumper of the car, LaBauve said. The car drove fast, turned west on 10th Street, blew through an intersection, then turned left on Lombard Avenue.

The scene of the shooting was across the street from the community college.

Snohomish County sheriff’s deputies covered the downed officer’s body in a yellow sheet around 2:30 p.m. in the parking lot.

Everett Police Officer Dan Rocha seen Friday morning during a stop in the 2600 block of Rucker Avenue. (Sue Misao / The Herald)

Everett Police Officer Dan Rocha seen Friday morning during a stop in the 2600 block of Rucker Avenue. (Sue Misao / The Herald)

Everett police initiated a pursuit. The suspect reportedly was involved in a three-vehicle crash with a white van and another blue car at 35th Street and Rucker Avenue.

The van rolled onto its side. The Mini Cooper and the other car stayed upright, though both had damage to their front ends. Both vehicles appeared totaled. There were no injuries from the crash, O’Keefe said.

Police took a suspect into custody at the crash scene, Everett officer Kerby Duncan said.

Officers and sheriff’s deputies blocked streets at both locations, in a massive law enforcement response.

Everett police released a statement Friday evening about Rocha, who had been an Everett resident for more than a decade:

“He served the City of Everett as a patrol officer in North Everett for most of his career and was well respected by both the community and his fellow officers. His loss will forever leave a void in our agency and our community. Officer Rocha is survived by his wife and two sons. Please keep his family in your thoughts during this extremely difficult time.”

He began serving the city as a parking enforcement officer in 2017, then became a fully commissioned officer in 2018.

“Our department members are appreciative for the support that our community and fellow law enforcement agencies have shown us during this time,” the statement continued.

Officer Dan Rocha. (Everett Police Department)

Officer Dan Rocha. (Everett Police Department)

The Snohomish County Multiple Agency Response Team, a cadre of detectives who investigate law enforcement use of force, also responded to the scenes. They will lead an investigation into what happened.

Detectives were active at the scene into the evening, and they expected to remain active there into the morning.

As the situation unfolded, Everett Community College went into a brief lockdown: “This is not a drill. Lock doors. Close blinds and turn out lights. Seek shelter. Avoid being seen and heard. If you are off-campus, do not come to campus.”

Across the street, WSU Everett was evacuated and closed.

The name of the suspect had not been released. He did not suffer any serious injuries, according to SMART. He was taken to the hospital, but was expected to be released and booked into the Snohomish County Jail, O’Keefe said.

Everett Mayor Cassie Franklin released a statement Friday evening.

“I am devastated by the loss of Officer Dan Rocha, a valued member of our Everett Police Department who was killed today in the line of duty. My heart goes out to his family and loved ones, as well as our entire Everett Police Department grieving this senseless loss. Our police officers bravely put themselves in harm’s way to keep every one of us safe. When one of our heroes falls, it causes a ripple of grief felt by our entire community. We are heartbroken, and honor Officer Rocha’s memory, legacy, and ultimate sacrifice in service to our City.”

Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers also released a statement.

“Our hearts ache for the family, friends, and colleagues of the fallen officer,” it read. “On behalf of Snohomish County, we offer our deepest condolences to the entire community shaken by this loss of life and those police officers who will be out keeping our community safe, even under the shadow of this tragedy. We will provide any support the City of Everett needs and call on everyone to take a moment to honor the people who are here to serve and protect.”

A police motorcade to transport officer Rocha’s body was expected to pass through the city late Friday night or early Saturday. According to Everett police, details about a memorial service will be announced later.

Ellen Dennis: 425-339-3486; edennis@heraldnet.com; Twitter: @reporterellen.

Jake Goldstein-Street: 425-339-3439; jake.goldstein-street@heraldnet.com. Twitter: @GoldsteinStreet.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Customers enter and exit the Costco on Dec. 2, 2022, in Lake Stevens. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Costco stores could be impacted by looming truck driver strike threat

Truck drivers who deliver groceries and produce to Costco warehouses… Continue reading

Two Washington State ferries pass along the route between Mukilteo and Clinton as scuba divers swim near the shore Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in Mukilteo, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Ferry system increases ridership by a half million in 2024

Edmonds-Kingston route remains second-busiest route in the system.

Alina Langbehn, 6, center, and Vera A., 6, right, sit on a swing together at Drew Nielsen Neighborhood Park after school on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett council votes to renovate Drew Nielsen Park

Construction on the $345,000 upgrade could start as early as this fall.

Northshore School District bus driver Stewart O’Leary pictured next to his buses shattered drivers side windshield on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025 in Bothell, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘Put me in, coach’: Bus driver back at work after struck by metal bar

Stewart O’Leary, a Northshore employee, has received national attention for his composure during a frightening bus trip.

Lynnwood councilor Joshua Binda speaks during a Lynnwood City Council meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Does the Lynnwood Council VP live in Lynnwood? It’s hard to say.

Josh Binda’s residency has been called into question following an eviction and FEC filings listing an Everett address. He insists he lives in Lynnwood.

Robin Cain with 50 of her marathon medals hanging on a display board she made with her father on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Running a marathon is hard. She ran one in every state.

Robin Cain, of Lake Stevens, is one of only a few thousand people to ever achieve the feat.

People line up to grab food at the Everett Recovery Cafe on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Coffee, meals and compassion are free at the Everett Recovery Cafe

The free, membership-based day center offers free coffee and meals and more importantly, camaraderie and recovery support.

The Everett Wastewater Treatment Plant along the Snohomish River on Thursday, June 16, 2022 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett water, sewer rates could jump 43% by 2028

The rate hikes would pay for improvements to the city’s sewer infrastructure.

The bond funded new track and field at Northshore Middle School on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024 in Bothell, Washington. (Courtesy of Northshore School District)
Northshore School District bond improvements underway

The $425 million bond is funding new track and field complexes, playgrounds and phase one of two school replacements.

An American Robin picks a berry from a holly tree on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Calling all birders for the annual Great Backyard Bird Count

The Audubon Society will hold its 28th annual Great Backyard… Continue reading

A view of one of the potential locations of the new Aquasox stadium on Monday, Feb. 26, 2024 in Everett, Washington. The site sits between Hewitt Avenue, Broadway, Pacific Avenue and the railroad. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Initial prep work for AquaSox stadium to start, with $200k price tag

The temporary agreement allows some surveying and design work as the city negotiates contracts with designers and builders.

Aaron Kennedy / The Herald
The Joann Fabric and Crafts store at 7601 Evergreen Way, Everett, is one of three stores in Snohomish County that will close as part of the retailer’s larger plan to shutter more than half of its stores nationwide.
Joann store closure plan includes Everett, Arlington, Lynnwood locations

The retail giant filed a motion in court to close approximately 500 stores in the U.S.

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.