Lynnwood officer fatally shoots man on Highway 99

LYNNWOOD — A man died after he was shot by police in the middle of Highway 99 on Monday morning.

The stretch of the highway near Costco was closed for investigation but re-opened shortly after 4:30 p.m. as detectives with the Snohomish County Multiple Agency Response Team finished their work at the scene.

Police were called around 9:40 a.m. to Western Carpet Center in the 19200 block of Highway 99. Someone from the store reported that a man had become hostile and aggressive, said Aaron Snell, an Everett police officer and spokesman for SMART.

Three Lynnwood officers arrived minutes later. The man, who was described as white and in his 20s, ran outside. He reportedly began running back and forth across the highway, Snell said.

Police attempted to talk with him. The man was said to possibly have a knife or shank and allegedly advanced toward police, Snell said.

A Lynnwood officer fired multiple shots at 9:48 a.m., Snell said.

Maximo Velazquez was on his way to work when he saw the shooting happen. He counted at least five shots.

Officers attempted CPR and paramedics were called. However, the man died at the scene, Snell said. The Snohomish County Medical Examiner is expected to confirm the man’s identity.

A blade was later recovered in the roadway, Snell said.

SMART detectives plan to speak with witnesses and those who were in Western Carpet Center on Monday morning.

The highway was taped off between 188th Street SW and 196th Street SW. Drivers were encouraged to take alternate routes home Monday evening.

The officer who shot has been placed on administrative duty, which is in accordance with the department’s protocol, Snell said.

The officer has worked for the Lynnwood Police Department for three years.

Meanwhile detectives continue to investigate a Dec. 17 fatal shooting involving a Lynnwood police officer.

In that case, Lynnwood officers were investigating a domestic violence complaint. They tracked the suspect to home on Grand Avenue in Everett. There allegedly was a struggle between police and the suspect, 44. Witnesses reported seeing the suspect grab the officer’s weapon.

Caitlin Tompkins: 425-339-3192; ctompkins@heraldnet.com.