Your trusted source for local Tacoma, WA news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
The Tacoma City Council has approved a 7% salary increase for high-ranking members of the Tacoma Police Department, including deputy police chiefs, captains, and lieutenants, starting in 2025. This decision, stemming from a collective-bargaining agreement, will cost the city approximately $1.736 million over three years and aims to enhance compensation and support community safety efforts.
Raul Alberto Lozano Lucas, 21, was sentenced to 15 years in prison after pleading guilty to second-degree murder for fatally shooting his uncle, Antonio Lucas Huerta, during a confrontation over the sexual abuse of his sister. The case highlights the tragic impact of family violence and unresolved trauma.
Metro Animal Services has closed its facility due to potential mold discovered under the office floor. In response, 64 animals have been relocated to foster families and partner shelters. The city of Puyallup is coordinating necessary repairs to ensure the building's safety for reoccupation. Adoption and surrender services are currently suspended, but the agency continues to assist with animal-related calls.
A 12-year-old girl was hospitalized with minor injuries after being struck by a vehicle during an attempted car theft in Tacoma. The suspect fled the scene but was later apprehended by police and faces multiple charges, including first-degree robbery.
Big Lots will start going-out-of-business sales at its remaining Washington locations, including Tacoma, due to an unsuccessful buyout deal with Nexus Capital Management. The retailer's reduced presence is linked to inflation and declining consumer spending.
Tacoma Police seized over 7,000 marijuana plants from an illegal cannabis operation on December 11, 2024. Despite being licensed, the operation was found to be selling cannabis products illegally. A 35-year-old licensee was arrested for unlawful possession and manufacturing of a controlled substance.
Pierce County Council member Marty Campbell expressed frustration at the slow progress of the Unified Regional Approach (URA) to address homelessness during a recent meeting. Despite $1 million allocated for consulting firm Uncommon Bridges, implementation is years away, raising concerns about the ongoing homelessness crisis.
Kristen Heber, a 22-year-old woman from Federal Way, has been identified as the victim of a fatal crash in Tacoma. She suffered multiple blunt-force injuries and was initially pronounced dead at the scene but was resuscitated at the hospital before later passing away. The incident is under investigation by local authorities.
Tacoma voters will decide in April on 'Streets Initiative II,' a tax measure aimed at improving the city's infrastructure. If approved, it will raise utility and property taxes to fund essential road maintenance and improvements, with Mayor Victoria Woodards emphasizing its importance for community safety and accessibility.
In Gig Harbor, three elderly women, aged 73 to 80, had their purses stolen in separate incidents within a week, resulting in significant injuries for one victim. The police are investigating the crimes, which occurred in grocery store parking lots, and have released images of suspects using stolen credit cards. Authorities urge residents to remain vigilant and protect their belongings.