A man was fatally shot by an Auburn Police officer during a traffic stop early Wednesday morning, Jan. 15, 2025, in the 100 block of 6th Street SE (map below).

Police said the incident occurred at 1:58 a.m. early Wednesday, when an officer conducted the stop and witnessed an altercation between the male driver and a female passenger.

During the dispute, a firearm was displayed, prompting the officer to discharge his weapon.

The male driver was pronounced dead at the scene.

The officer was not injured in the encounter.

The Valley Independent Investigation Team (VIIT) was notified and is now leading the investigation, with Federal Way serving as the lead agency. The Office of Independent Investigations (OII) declined to respond.

Further details have not yet been released. Authorities encourage anyone with information to contact VIIT as the investigation proceeds.

Scott Schaefer

Founder/Publisher/Editor. Three-time National Emmy Award winning Writer (“Bill Nye the Science Guy”), Director, Producer, Journalist and more...

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