Around 2:30 AM this morning Everett Police responded to reports of a man firing shots near Emerson Elementary school. When making contact with the suspect, attempts to de-escalate the situation didn’t work.
Everett Police deployed a taser on the suspect but he continued to advance. Shots were fired and the man was hit by multiple rounds. Despite being transported to the hospital, the man died from his wounds.
Areas around Emerson Elementary and St Mary Magdelan Parish were closed all day.
Officer shootings are turned over to the SMART team (Snohomish County Multiple Agency Reponse Team).
Emerson Elementary was closed all day and as of 4:30 PM, the streets are still blocked off for the investigation.
UPDATE: The streets opened up around 7 PM.
Here’s the press release from the SMART team:
Detectives with the Snohomish County Multiple Agency Response Team (SMART) are investigating a use of force incident that occurred on Friday, March 20, 2026, at approximately 2:30 a.m., in the 8700 block of 7th Avenue SE.
At approximately 2:30 a.m., an Everett Police officer in the area of Emerson Elementary School reported hearing sounds of gunfire and requested additional assistance. With assistance from Snohomish County deputies and a drone unit, officers located a lone adult male who was reportedly discharging a handgun into the air.
After attempts to negotiate and deescalate, the individual advanced toward officers. Multiple tasers were deployed, and when the individual continued to approach, officers with Everett Police and the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office discharged their firearms.
The individual was transported to a local hospital, where he later died from his injuries. No officer injuries have been reported.
There is no current threat to the public. Officials have been communicating with the Everett School District regarding the incident.
The investigation is ongoing and all weekly updates for this case are posted on the SMART Investigations webpage.
March 20, 2026
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