SEATTLE — Authorities say a man who fatally shot a Tacoma police officer Wednesday impersonated a law enforcement officer about two weeks prior at the Tacoma Mall.
The News Tribune reported Bruce R. Johnson was spotted walking through the mall Nov. 15 carrying what looked to be a soft rifle case over his shoulder, wearing handcuffs on his belt and a hat reading “Sheriff’s.”
Authorities say security officers confronted Johnson and called Tacoma police. Police later sent out a bulletin to law enforcement agencies in Pierce County, notifying them that Johnson had been impersonating an officer.
Police say Officer Reginald “Jake” Gutierrez was fatally shot by Johnson when Gutierrez and his partner went into the house to investigate a domestic violence call. Officials say Johnson was killed early Thursday by a sheriff’s sniper during a standoff.
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