Police & Fire

Gig Harbor Now reporters stay alert to crimes and emergencies and relay information that allows readers to understand and react to incidents.

Investigators identify deputy who shot suspect in Wauna stabbings

Mar 30, 2026 | By: Vince Dice

The Pierce County Force Investigation Team identified Deputy Carl Shanks, 57, as the officer who fatally shot Aleksandr Shablykin in February.

Gig Harbor Police Blotter | During collision investigation, driver had a drink

Mar 26, 2026 | By: Vince Dice

The officer couldn’t believe his eyes when the driver took a swig of cider during an investigation of a collision in Gig Harbor North.

Family of woman killed in Wauna stabbing fault failures of mental health care system

Mar 19, 2026 | By: Conor Wilson

Aleksandr Shablykin struggled with bipolar disorder and stopped taking his medication before he killed his mother and three other women in Wauna last month.

Charter Review Commission considering proposal to make sheriff appointed (again)

Mar 16, 2026 | By: Vince Dice

Pierce County voters elected the sheriff from the county’s founding in 1852 until 1980. That’s when a new Home Rule Charter — passed in the wake of a scandal involving the elected sheriff — made the post appointed. In 2006, voters approved a charter amendment that made the sheriff elected again. Now, some members of the Pierce County Charter

State board investigating seven cases involving Sheriff Keith Swank

Mar 09, 2026 | By: Carolyn Bick

Swank called the cases before the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission a ‘complete witch hunt.’

Pierce County Council approves public safety sales tax after hours of discussion

Mar 04, 2026 | By: Carolyn Bick

The 0.1% sales tax levy will go into effect on July 1, with proceeds going toward the sheriff’s office, jail and other public safety purposes.

City arts commissioners, local volunteer among those killed in Key Peninsula stabbing

Mar 02, 2026 | By: Vince Dice

City arts commissioners Stephanie Killilea and Joanne Brandani and community volunteer Louise Talley were among those who died on Feb. 24 near Lake Kathryn.

Here’s how Gig Harbor Fire is covering the city while Kimball Drive’s Station 51 is being rebuilt

Mar 02, 2026 | By: Suzanne Roig

While a new Station 51 is under construction, Gig Harbor Fire crews are covering the city from its other stations.

Victim in stabbing near Wauna had protection order against her son

Feb 26, 2026 | By: Vince Dice

In her application for a protection order, the 52-year-old woman said believed he was a god and previously had threatened family members with a knife.