Deputies Shoot Suspect Dead After Stabbing Man and Dog in Parkland Parking Lot
Updated (3 articles)
Stabbing Occurs Early Sunday in Parkland Parking Lot At approximately 6:24 a.m., Eddie Nitschke called 911 reporting that an unknown man had stabbed him and his dog in a convenience‑store parking lot where he and his girlfriend were living in their car [1][2]. The assailant questioned Nitschke about his religion, and after Nitschke answered “Christian,” the attacker lunged with two knives, puncturing Nitschke’s lung and wounding the dog [1][2]. Both victims were transported to hospitals; Nitschke suffered a collapsed lung, a brain blood clot, and was later diagnosed with lung cancer, while the dog required emergency surgery [1][2].
Deputies Locate Armed Suspect and Open Fire Around 8:40 a.m., a deputy on patrol spotted the fleeing suspect in the 800 block of 112th Street South and pursued him into a backyard where he was armed with knives [1][2]. Deputies fired at 8:45–8:47 a.m.; the suspect was pronounced dead after being taken to a local hospital [1][2]. No deputies were injured during the exchange, and authorities have not disclosed a clear motive or prior connection to the area [1].
Man and Dog Suffer Critical Injuries, Dog Sent to Surgery Hospital staff treated Nitschke for a collapsed lung and a brain blood clot, and he later discharged himself against medical advice to check on his dog’s condition [1]. Veterinarians performed emergency surgery on the dog, indicating severe wounds sustained during the attack [2]. The dog’s condition remained critical at the time of reporting, and Nitschke expressed conflicted emotions upon learning the suspect had died [1].
Pierce County Force Investigation Team Leads Probe Amid Neighborhood Violence The Pierce County Force Investigation Team took charge of evidence collection and coordination of the deputy‑involved shooting case [2]. Residents noted the stabbing adds to a recent series of violent incidents in the Parkland neighborhood, heightening community concern [1]. Law enforcement continues to investigate the suspect’s background and any possible links to the area [1][2].
Sources (2 articles)
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[1]
King5: Man and dog stabbed in Parkland parking lot; suspect killed by deputies: details the 911 call, religious questioning, victim injuries, suspect’s death, and situates the attack within a pattern of recent neighborhood violence.
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[2]
King5: Deputy-involved shooting in Parkland ends with suspect dead: emphasizes the timeline of the 911 call, two‑hour K9 search, shooting specifics, and notes the Pierce County Force Investigation Team’s leadership of the investigation.
Timeline
Nov 30, 2025 – Street racers converge at the 108th St S & Park Ave S intersection, drawing over 100 spectators; at least nine shots ring out, piercing a fence, garage and a parked truck and nearly striking a family with a 4‑year‑old child, underscoring how unchecked illegal racing endangers residents. Steven Corning says, “A slightly different trajectory could have injured me, my wife, the dogs, or the child.” [3]
Jan 25, 2026 – At 6:24 a.m., a 54‑year‑old man dials 911 reporting a stabbing near S S Quickstop Grocery; the attacker questions his religion before stabbing the man and his dog, leaving the victim in serious condition and the dog in emergency surgery. Deputies launch a two‑hour K9 search, locate the suspect at 8:40 a.m., and fire at 8:47 a.m.; the armed suspect dies at a hospital. The Pierce County Force Investigation Team leads the case. [2]
Jan 26, 2026 – Before 6:30 a.m., Eddie Nitschke calls 911 from a Parkland convenience‑store parking lot, reporting that an unknown assailant stabbed him and his dog after probing his religion; Nitschke suffers a collapsed lung, a brain blood clot and a lung‑cancer diagnosis, while his dog receives emergency surgery. Deputies spot the fleeing suspect at 8:45 a.m., engage him in a backyard and open fire, pronouncing him dead at a hospital. During police interview Nitschke hears “Code red,” learns the suspect died, and says he feels “both bad and justified.” The attack joins a recent surge of violent incidents in the Parkland neighborhood, heightening community concern. [1]