22-Year-Old James Salanoa Shot and Killed by Pierce County Deputies in Puyallup

Puyallup, Wash. – A 22-year-old man, James Salanoa, was shot and killed by Pierce County deputies on Tuesday night, according to his mother, Faafili Latu. Salanoa, who was a suspected felon and wanted by Tacoma Police, was involved in a recent kidnapping and rape case. Latu revealed that her son had planned to turn himself in to prove his innocence. However, he never did.

The incident unfolded when Tacoma Police responded to a report of a woman being kidnapped at gunpoint from a Chuck E. Cheese restaurant on Tacoma Mall Blvd. She was taken to another location, raped, and then returned to the restaurant. Salanoa was identified as the prime suspect, and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

The sheriff’s department located Salanoa in an SUV on Tuesday and attempted to approach him. However, he fled in the vehicle, leading deputies on a pursuit. Eventually, the car was stopped using spike sticks near the South Hill Mall in Puyallup.

Sgt. Charles Porche with Lakewood Police explained that Salanoa exited the vehicle armed with a weapon. Shots were fired by the deputies, striking and killing him. The details surrounding the shooting are currently under investigation.

Latu expressed shock upon receiving the news about her son’s death. She claimed that she was unaware of his possession of guns and always believed he was a different person than the one accused of such crimes.

In light of the tragedy, Latu voiced concern about the potential for others to resort to violence and crime. She emphasized the importance of parental love and support in preventing such actions.

The two other individuals present in the suspect’s vehicle were detained for questioning, but their connection to Salanoa remains unclear. Fortunately, no deputies were injured during the incident.

The investigation into the shooting near the South Hill Mall is ongoing, and it is yet to be determined if Salanoa fired any shots.