Man Shot by Deputies Identified

The King County Medical Examiner’s Office has identified the man who was shot by sheriff's deputies following a that began in Buckley as Eric Sampson, 19.

Sampson had reportedly been pulled over by a Buckley officer Saturday night for a traffic stop after his vehicle was found to be associated with outstanding warrants. He was compliant until the officer returned to his car to inform him that he'd be placed under arrest for those warrants. He drove off at that point and law enforcement from Enumclaw police and Washington State Patrol continued to pursue him until he entered the Cumberland area -- where sheriff's deputies took over. 

Deputies located him on a road later that night carrying a large machete; he had reportedly walked up to the deputy's car and slashed down the hood of the car with the weapon. He was shot with Tasers first though it did not appear to make good contact. Subsequently, three deputies fired multiple shots, which subdued him.

Rescue efforts by deputies and members of the Maple Valley Fire Department could not keep him alive -- they stopped life-saving efforts shortly after midnight.

The three deputies who fired shots have been placed on administrative leave, which is standard in these situations. According to Sheriff's Sgt. John Urquhart, this is the first suspect shooting that the sheriff's office has been involved in this year.

The official cause of death was multiple gunshot wounds, and the manner of death is homicide, according to the Medical Examiner’s Office. 

The Seattle Times has more information about this case.