The Hoquiam Police Department says that 2 are in custody for a road range incident that involved a firearm yesterday, December 29th, 2024. The incident accoured around 2 PM, as the suspects left towards the beaches, later spotted by a Grays Harbor County Deputy returning through Hoquiam.

The Hoquiam Police Department says that a 33-year-old Tacoma man, who was driving a white Mercedes passenger car, had slammed on his brakes, causing westbound vehicle traffic on Emmerson Ave to come to a halt. He was allegedly upset with the driver of the vehicle behind him, a 35-year-old Montesano woman, because she pulled over for an ambulance to pass by. The man was allegedly irate at the Montesano woman and began yelling at her, at one point openly pulling up his shirt to display a firearm. There were three other passengers in the victim of the incidents vehicle, an adult female, and two children ages 6 and 8 years old. In video later provided to the HPD, all of the occupants in the victim vehicle were very shaken based on the man's agitated state and the open display of a firearm.

As this incident unfolded, a 28-year-old Aberdeen man, who was walking in the area, saw the Tacoma man was armed and very threatening to the woman and children. He attempted to de-escalate the hostile male, who turned his aggression toward him. The Aberdeen man believed the hostile man was going to assault the female driver or him, so he used minimal force, causing the Tacoma man to go to the ground while asking other bystanders to call 911. The gun was removed from the Tacoma man and given to his female passenger. The two quickly left the area westbound.

With the assistance of the Grays Harbor County Sheriff's Office, the vehicle and suspects were located as they traveled eastbound on Emerson Avenue several hours later. Both were taken into custody pending further investigation. Once the male suspect was identified, it was discovered the male suspect was prohibited from possessing firearms.

The suspect's vehicle has been secured as officers apply for a search warrant to recover the firearm.

"Although citizen intervention possibly prevented a tragic violent crime in this case, the Hoquiam Police Department does not recommend bystanders insert themselves into these dangerous situations. It is much safer to immediately call 911 and be a good witness."