Murder Suspect Shot Dead by Police at Lucky Eagle Casino

The Lucky Eagle Casino in Washington State has temporarily closed its doors following a fatal shooting incident involving a tribal police officer and a murder suspect.

The casino, located in Rochester, Washington, became the scene of a critical police operation two weeks ago when Darren Evans, a 33-year-old man from Yelm, Washington, was shot by an unnamed Chehalis tribal police officer seeking to take him into custody.

The confrontation occurred after authorities were tipped off that Evans, who was wanted in connection with a 2022 murder case, was gambling in the casino.

As officers approached him inside the gaming area, the situation escalated, leading to the officer discharging his weapon and fatally wounding Evans.

The specifics of the encounter, including whether Evans was armed or posed an immediate threat to the officer or others, have not been disclosed.

Witnesses at the scene were terrified, caught off guard by the out-of-the-blue violence that unfolded.

One witness, Dee Thomas, captured the incident on video and recounted the harrowing moments to KOMO, a Washington State radio station.

Thomas described seeing Evans running, possibly towards an exit, before being shot by the officer in the middle of the casino floor.

Following the shooting, officers on site attempted to save Evans’ life, but he succumbed to his injuries in a few short minutes.

The aftermath of the incident prompted an immediate closure of the Lucky Eagle Casino as investigations commenced.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs, the FBI, and the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office are jointly investigating the circumstances of the shooting, with a particular focus on whether the use of deadly force by the tribal officer was justified.

Officers are generally permitted to fire their weapons if they or others are in imminent danger of deadly physical force.