Everett Police Officer Dan Rocha Killed In Line Of Duty – Suspect In Custody

Today a Police Officer in Everett, Washington was killed in the line of duty. This is a developing story which we will update frequently tonight.

Update #1 7:45PM: Here is the press release about the officer sent out by Everett Police Friday evening.

– It is with great sorrow that we inform our community that Officer Dan Rocha was killed today in the line of duty. Officer Rocha, 41, had lived in Everett for over a decade and served with the Everett Police Department since 2017. He first worked in parking enforcement and in 2018 became a fully commissioned police officer.

He served the City of Everett as a patrol officer in North Everett for most of his career and was well respected by both the community and his fellow officers. His loss will forever leave a void in our agency and our community. Officer Rocha is survived by his wife, two sons and large extended family. Please keep them in your thoughts during this extremely difficult time.

The investigation surrounding Officer Rocha’s death is being conducted by the Snohomish County Multiple Agency Response Team and all questions should be directed to their PIO.

Our department and all its members are appreciative for the support that our community and fellow law enforcement agencies have shown us during this time. Details about the memorial service will be provided soon.
 

Update #2: 8:00 PM: Here is the initial statement from the Snohomish County Multiple Agency Response Team investigating the murder of Officer Rocha:

Detectives with the Snohomish County Multiple Agency Response Team (SMART) are investigating a shooting incident resulting in one officer being killed in Everett.

At around 2 p.m., an Everett Police Officer contacted an adult male in the Starbucks parking lot located at 1010 North Broadway. An altercation occurred in the parking lot involving the suspect, a 50-year-old man, and an officer with Everett Police Department. The suspect fired a gun multiple times, fatally striking the officer. The suspect fled the scene in a dark blue Mini Cooper.

Everett Police officers located the suspect vehicle and initiated a pursuit. The pursuit ended in a multi-vehicle collision near 35th and Rucker. The suspect was taken into custody without incident.

The suspect was transported to the hospital for a medical evaluation following the collision. When he is released from the hospital, he will be booked into the Snohomish County Jail.

The deceased officer has been identified as 41-year-old Dan Rocha. Follow-up information related to the officer will be handled by the Everett Police Department.

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The investigation is being conducted by the Snohomish County Multiple Agency Response Team (SMART). SMART is a team of investigators, evidence technicians, records specialist, and public information officers from various Snohomish County law enforcement agencies and Washington State Patrol, who respond to, and investigate, police use of force incidents. There are civilian community members that also serve on the SMART team per the Law Enforcement Training and Community Safety Act (LETSCA). When the SMART investigation is complete, results will be forwarded to the Snohomish County Prosecutor’s Office for review.

Update #3: 8:15 PM: Statement from Everett Mayor Cassie Franklin.

I am devastated by the loss of Officer Dan Rocha, a valued member of our Everett Police Department who was killed today in the line of duty. My heart goes out to his family and loved ones, as well as our entire Everett Police Department grieving this senseless loss. Our police officers bravely put themselves in harm’s way to keep every one of us safe. When one of our heroes falls, it causes a ripple of grief felt by our entire community. We are heartbroken, and honor Officer Rocha’s memory, legacy, and ultimate sacrifice in service to our City.

MyEverettNews.com will provide updates as they become available.