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 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)
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.
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