Man Shot and Killed by Police During Attempted Carjacking in Federal Way

Authorities say the suspect had a firearm and tried to commandeer another vehicle before being fatally shot by an officer.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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A man was shot and killed by a police officer in Federal Way, Washington on Friday morning after he allegedly attempted to carjack a driver while armed with a handgun. The incident began when officers responded to reports of a stolen vehicle blocking the road, and the suspect fled on foot and tried to take another car by force before being shot by police.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges police face in responding to violent crimes involving firearms, as well as the need for continued scrutiny and transparency around use of force by law enforcement. The investigation by the Valley Independent Investigation Team will aim to determine if the officer's actions were justified.

The details

According to the Federal Way Police Department, officers were called around 8:45 a.m. to a report of a stolen car sitting in the middle of the road. When they approached the vehicle, the suspect fled on foot and allegedly tried to carjack another driver at gunpoint. An officer then shot the suspect, who was transported to Harborview Medical Center where he later died from his injuries. The officer involved has been placed on administrative leave pending the investigation.

  • The incident occurred on Friday, February 6, 2026 around 8:45 a.m.
  • The suspect died from his injuries at Harborview Medical Center.

The players

Federal Way Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that responded to the incident and was involved in the shooting.

Valley Independent Investigation Team

The team that has taken over the inquiry into the officer's use of force in this incident.

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What’s next

The Valley Independent Investigation Team will continue to investigate the officer's use of force in this incident to determine if it was justified.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the complex and dangerous situations law enforcement officers can face, and the need for rigorous review of any use of lethal force to ensure it is warranted and in compliance with policies and procedures.