A 19-year-old Federal Way resident has died following a police shooting that occurred during a response to a reported mental health crisis on Wednesday afternoon, authorities said.
The incident began at approximately 4:53 p.m. when the individual called 911 reporting that they had a firearm. Officers were dispatched to the Arcadia Townhomes area near Southwest Campus Drive and 17th Avenue Southwest, where they made contact with the armed person.
According to investigators, officers attempted to de-escalate the situation and used less-lethal tactics in an effort to bring the encounter to a peaceful resolution. However, those attempts were unsuccessful.
The victim, identified as Caution Saunders, was shot during the encounter and transported to a nearby hospital in critical condition. He later died from his injuries.
The Valley Independent Investigative Team, which reviews officer-involved shootings, is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Officials said the case remains under active review, and all available body-worn camera footage, witness statements, and physical evidence will be examined as part of the investigation process. Authorities have not released additional details regarding the sequence of events leading up to the shooting, and no further information about the officers involved has been made public at this time.
The incident has drawn attention as part of ongoing discussions around police responses to mental health-related calls and the use of de-escalation tactics in crisis situations. Community members are awaiting further updates as the investigation continues.
Police emphasized that the initial response was prompted by a 911 call reporting a person with a firearm, and officers followed established protocols for responding to high-risk situations involving potential weapons.
Further updates are expected as investigators complete interviews and review all evidence gathered at the scene.
The Valley Independent Investigative Team will release findings once the review is fully completed process concludes.
