A man wanted in connection with two homicides in Pierce County, Washington, was shot and killed by police Wednesday evening after he was tracked down in Seaside, Oregon, according to authorities.
The Pierce County Sheriff’s Office identified the man as 24-year-old Hayes McCloud. Officials said detectives were no longer searching for him following his encounter with Seaside police.
Around 6:45 p.m., residents in Seaside received an emergency alert warning them to avoid the Cove area, with people on Sunset Boulevard told to shelter in place due to police activity in the area.
Less than an hour later, a follow-up alert confirmed the suspect had been located and lifted the shelter-in-place order, though officials asked residents to continue avoiding the Cove while the investigation remained active.
A Pierce County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson later confirmed McCloud had contact with Seaside police, though further details about that encounter were referred to Seaside authorities.
Two Killings in Washington Preceded the Search
Investigators say the case began early Wednesday morning near Puyallup, Washington. Deputies were called to a home in the 12500 block of Woodland Avenue East just before 3 a.m. after reports of a body inside.
Authorities determined signs of violence were present both inside a bedroom and outside the residence. A 35-year-old man, identified by family as Keitwuan White, was found dead inside with multiple fatal injuries.
About 30 minutes later, a second homicide was reported in Tacoma’s Hillsdale neighborhood near East 69th Street and East D Street. Officers found a man dead from apparent gunshot wounds. He was later identified as James Trujillo, whose family members said he was McCloud’s uncle.
Investigators believe the two killings are connected, though a motive had not been released as of Wednesday night.
Before McCloud was located, authorities described him as armed and dangerous and said he was believed to be driving a silver 1996 Toyota 4Runner with Washington plate CWW5132.
Both the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office and Seaside Police Department said additional details about the final encounter in Oregon would be released as the investigation continues. Anyone with information related to either Washington case is asked to contact 911.
This remains a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available from investigators in both Oregon and Washington.
