Mar 4, 2016 - Native Woman Killed by Police in Tacoma, WA

Just before mid-night on January 28th, a Tacoma police officer shot and killed Puyallup tribal member Jacqueline Salyers.

Tacoma Police Department spokesperson Loretta Cool stated that officers were in the area searching for a Kenneth Wright Jr, who was wanted for outstanding warrants involving first degree-robbery, unlawful possession of a firearm and delivery of a controlled substance. She states that two officers recognized Wright as a passenger of a parked vehicle, exited their vehicle and approached the parked car. What followed is a matter of dispute.

Cool states, “The driver (later identified as Jacqueline Salyers) stepped on the gas, and accelerated toward the officers. One of the officers fired at and hit the driver.”

According to family spokesperson James Rideout, witness on the scene offered a different version of events stating that the officers approached the vehicle from behind then began to shoot. The witnesses state they never heard the officers identify themselves prior to the shooting.

Puyallup community rallies for justice. Photo from Justice for Jackie Facebook page.

The family has held vigils and community gatherings in the aftermath and continue to question the Tacoma police departments version of events.

Jacqueline Salyers family has started a Facebook page Justice For Jackiewhere more information can be found.