On Tuesday evening March 24, 2020, a Mason County Deputy was involved in an Officer Involved Shooting (OIS) in the Mason Lake area. During an investigation, our Deputy was on foot when a suspect appears to have tried to run over the Deputy. The Deputy was hit by the vehicle and at some point fired his weapon at the suspect. A short pursuit ensued and ended a few miles down the road. Aid was rendered by the Deputies and EMS but the suspect expired enroute to The Mason General Hospital.

This investigation has been turned over to the Region III Critical Incident Investigation Team (CIIT), member agencies include: Thurston Co. Lewis Co, Grays Harbor Co, Mason Co, Pacific Co. and The Washington State Patrol. Thurston County will be taking the lead for the investigation.

The CIIT Commander for this OIS is Thurston County Sheriff’s Office, Lieutenant Ray Brady. 

Under Sheriff, Brad Johansson says that William E. Mull a missing and endangered person out of Thurston County was located in Amanda Park deceased on Sunday, March 22nd. No foul play is suspected. It appears Mull may have suffered from exposure. The Grays Harbor County Coroner will determine the cause of death. Mull was located in a vacation home in Amanda Park. The family has been notified. Our thoughts and concerns go out to his family and friends during this tragic event.

WITH THE "STAY AT HOME" ORDER, WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM THE POLICE?

It is important to realize the "stay at home" order issued this evening by Governor Inslee is an emergency proclamation designed to limit or reduce the spread of COVID-19.

The stark reality comes not just from the number of cases, but the impact all the cases can have in a short period of time.