Full Breakdown
Pierce County Deputy Confrontation Sparks Multi-Hour Manhunt for Fugitive Skyler Cantrell
5/4/2026, 1:38:22 PM
Incident Overview
At about 2 a.m. Sunday, Pierce County deputies responded to a man slumped in a vehicle at 72nd St. E and 9th Ave. Ct. E in Tacoma. The man was identified as Skyler Cantrell, 23, with felony warrants. When deputies blocked him, Cantrell awoke, rammed the police cars and drove toward a deputy, prompting officers to fire. No deputy was injured. Cantrell fled; his car later crashed into a home on 85th St. East, still running. A three-hour K9 and drone search found no trace.
Suspect Background
Skyler Cantrell, a 23-year-old white male, 5 ft 11 in, ~225 lb, last seen in a dark hoodie, faces warrants for second-degree assault, eluding police, and escape from community custody. He was convicted of a 2024 drive-by shooting, receiving a one-year prison term and 18 months of community custody. An escape warrant was issued in January after he failed to comply with custody conditions.
Official Statements & Responses
The PCFIT confirmed it is investigating the officer-involved shooting and urged residents to secure homes and vehicles and call 911 with information. The Pierce County Sheriff’s Office named Cantrell the prime suspect, called him dangerous, and said the search continues with K9 units, drones, and public tips. PCFIT took case control per standard protocol.
Criticism & Opposition
Residents were urged to lock doors and vehicles. Jake Gore, a Tacoma resident, said he was awakened at 4 a.m. by his dog Jasper’s barking, then saw deputies searching his yard; residents were urged to lock doors and vehicles. He found blood inside his home, indicating the suspect had entered before fleeing. He expressed relief that he and his pets were unharmed.
Conflicting Details & Gaps
Authorities have not confirmed whether Cantrell was struck by gunfire or injured in the vehicle crash, and the source of the blood reported by residents remains unclear. Cantrell’s current location and condition are unknown, and no arrests have been made. The investigation lacks definitive forensic evidence linking the suspect to the reported injuries.
Verbatim Quotes
"He was able to ram an escape route with his vehicle and drove at a deputy. Shots were reported to have been fired." — Pierce County Sheriff’s Office, news release
"Got woken up at about 4 a.m. to my dog, Jasper here, kind of freaking out, you know, barking quite a bit." — Jake Gore, Tacoma resident
"I noticed the door to the outside, there was quite a bit of blood… it was pretty clear that he had gotten in the house." — Jake Gore, Tacoma resident
"We urge residents to keep doors and vehicles locked and call 911 if you see anything suspicious." — Pierce County Force Investigation Team, official statement
Next Steps
PCFIT will continue the search with additional K9 patrols, aerial drones, and community tip lines. Residents are asked to remain vigilant, keep properties secured, and report any sightings to 911 immediately.
