GRAHAM, Wash. — The search for a domestic violence assault suspect is underway in Graham.
At around 12:45 p.m., deputies were called to a home in the 28900 block of Meridian Avenue East and were told that a man assaulted his parents and possibly the neighbors, the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department said.
When deputies arrived, they found the suspect barricaded inside a detached garage.
The man had cut a hole in the wall and pointed what appeared to be a handgun toward officers, law enforcement said. The suspect reportedly began yelling that he was going to “‘blow the place up,’” deputies said.
According to the deputies, while attempting to get the man to surrender, they heard a saw being used.
Authorities said they saw smoke come from the chimney and a rear slider door and then heard a small explosion. The man then fled on a dirt bike into the woods.
As smoke and flames grew, deputies then said they heard ammunition exploding inside of the garage. The owner of the home reportedly told them that there were explosive gases and fireworks inside.
A police K-9 was used to search for the suspect but later found he was given a ride out of the area by his friend after ditching the dirt bike, law enforcement said.
It is not clear yet how the incident started.
The investigation is ongoing.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.