Controversy Surrounds Tacoma Police Incident: Officer Drives into Crowd

In Tacoma, Washington, an incident involving a police officer driving his vehicle into a crowd is currently under investigation, according to a press release from the Tacoma Police Department. The officer, responding to reports of a disturbance at the intersection of South 9th and Pacific Avenue around 6:20 p.m. on a recent Saturday, found numerous vehicles and approximately 100 people obstructing the intersection.

The police units on the scene began to clear the intersection for safety reasons. However, the crowd reportedly surrounded one of the police vehicles, hitting the vehicle and its windows, despite the activation of its lights and sirens. The officer in the SUV attempted to reverse but was unable due to the crowd.

The statement from the police department indicates that the officer, fearing for his safety, drove forward, striking at least one individual and possibly others in an attempt to extricate himself from the situation. Once the officer reached a safe location, he called for medical aid. The officer's identity has not been disclosed in the police statement.

The Pierce County Force Investigation Team is currently investigating the incident. Tacoma police spokesperson Wendy Haddow stated that the officer feared the crowd would break his vehicle's windows, prompting him to accelerate away from the scene. One person, whose condition remains unknown, was transported to a local hospital following the incident.

This incident has sparked a debate about the officer's decision to drive into the crowd. A video of the incident, which can be viewed below, has been circulating online, prompting viewers to question whether the officer's actions were justified.