Holly MatkinSpanaway, WA – Two Pierce County sheriff’s deputies remain hospitalized after being shot by a suspect during a small-scale SWAT operation in Spanaway on Tuesday.
Pierce County Sheriff’s Department (PCSD) Deputy Dominique “Dom” Calata was listed in critical condition late Tuesday night, the sheriff’s department said in a press release.
Pierce County Sheriff Ed Troyer said Deputy Calata, 35, was “gravely injured” in the attack and that the agency is “prepared for the worst,” KCPQ reported.
Deputy Calata, a U.S. Army veteran who has served in the National Guard for the past seven years, is married and has a four-year-old child, according to KING.
He joined the PCSD nearly seven years ago, has been a member of the SWAT team for four years, and is assigned to patrol with the Edgewood Police Department, the PCSD said.
Sheriff Troyer said Deputy Calata is someone who “always stepped up and took care of business,” KING reported.
“He’s a local person who has done nothing but public service his whole entire life,” the sheriff added. “He is a big-hearted, great guy [who] got into this job for the right reasons.”
The second wounded deputy has been identified as 45-year-old PCSD Sergeant Rich Scaniffe.
He underwent surgery Tuesday and was listed in stable condition.
Sgt. Scaniffe, commander of the SWAT team, has been with the PCSD for 21 years, the sheriff’s department said.
He has served on the SWAT team for 14 years, and is assigned to the PCSD’s Mountain Detachment.
The sergeant is married and has a young daughter.
Sgt. Scaniffe is expected to recover, but will have a long road ahead of him, according to KING.
Two deputies injured in Spanaway shooting identified
Full story: https://t.co/YlQCn42t0J pic.twitter.com/zQBh1CCSSv
— Pierce Co Sheriff (@PierceSheriff) March 16, 2022
The shooting occurred at the Rainier Villa mobile home park located near 190th St. Ct. South and Pacific Avenue South at approximately 12 p.m., KCPQ reported.
Sheriff Troyer said the team was executing a high-risk warrant on 40-year-old Jeremy Dayton, a “three-strikes” suspect wanted for felony assault with a firearm, when Dayton got out of a vehicle and opened fire on them.
Deputies returned fire, killing the convicted felon, KCPQ reported.
Sgt. Scaniffe and Deputy Calata were rushed to St. Joseph Medical Center for treatment.
Two Pierce County Sheriff’s deputies shot and rushed to the hosptial. Personally witnessed around 20 police cruisers speeding by either to scene or to get to injured deputies to rush them to hospital. Nerve wracking to witness the chaos #FOX13Seattle pic.twitter.com/m1xMPptxlz
— Hana Kim (@hanamkim) March 15, 2022
“Our department members are appreciative and thankful for the support our community has shown us during this difficult time,” the PCSD said in the press release.
The Pierce County Force Investigation Team is handling the ongoing investigation into the incident.
Sandy Malone