Holly MatkinPuyallup, WA – An off-duty Federal Way police officer was shot by a burglary suspect while he was out for a jog Sunday morning, according to police.
The attack occurred outside Jennings Equipment located at River Road and 11th Street NW as Federal Way Police Officer Donovan Heavener was out for a run shortly after 7 a.m., Puyallup Police Chief Scott Engle told KCPQ.
When Officer Heavener spotted two men who were allegedly trying to break into the business, he stopped on the sidewalk and came under fire, KOMO reported.
Police said alleged gunman was inside a white or silver four-door Chevrolet pickup with a temporary tag in the front window, KCPQ reported.
Investigators are also searching for a second vehicle involved in the incident, which they described as a black pickup truck.
“The Puyallup Police Department has determined that our suspects are Hispanic, were speaking Spanish and had been in the area of our city in the area of 8th Ave NW and 13th St NW just prior to the incident,” Chief Engle told KCPQ. “Some citizens observed them there. These subjects appeared to have left that area of that city and then come to the business for the burglary.”
Here are some pics of one of the suspect vehicles from the shooting of an off-duty @FedWayPD officer in Puyallup this AM. If you know anything about this truck call our tipline at 253.770.3343 or email [email protected] pic.twitter.com/5Us0aheDYS
— Puyallup Police (@PuyallupPD) October 31, 2021
Puyallup officers immediately responded to the scene and began delivering lifesaving aid to the severely wounded officer, KCPQ reported.
Officer Heavener was rushed to Tacoma General Hospital and taken into emergency surgery.
“This was a close call but we are extremely pleased to report that Officer Heavener is expected to recover from his injuries,” Federal Way Police Chief Andy Hwang said in a press release Sunday evening.
“On behalf of the Federal Way Police Department, we want to take this opportunity to thank the first responders, the Puyallup Police Department and the Central Pierce Fire & Rescue, as well as the medical professionals at the Tacoma General Hospital for the immediate emergency care, saving Officer Heavener’s life,” Chief Hwang wrote.
He also thanked the Tacoma Police Department for providing security at the hospital.
Officer Heavener joined the Federal Way Police Department (FWPD) as a lateral transfer in August of 1996 and has served as a law enforcement officer for the past 27 years.
In addition to conducting background investigations for new hires for the agency’s Administration Division, he is also the Washington Law Enforcement Torch Run state director.
“Officer Heavener is a valued member of our agency and is truly making a positive difference in the lives of people with intellectual disabilities,” Chief Hwang noted. “The Federal Way Police Department would like to thank all those that have sent kind words, prayers and assistance during this critical time. Thank you for your support for Officer Heavener and his family.”
