Update: State trooper killed; ‘possible suspect’ also dead

4:13 AM: The Washington State Patrol is getting the word out around the region about a truck they’re seeking this morning – as they try to catch the man who shot and killed a state trooper in Kitsap County:

We are looking for a dark green Ford F-350 pick-up. WA license # B60564F.If you see that truck please call 911 immediately.

— Trooper Guy Gill (@wspd1pio) February 23, 2012

The shooting happened around 1 am in the Gorst area, along Highway 16 between Port Orchard and Bremerton. The Kitsap Sun says it was on the eastbound side (map), and since that’s not far from the Southworth side of the ferry run that ends in Fauntleroy, all the more reason to keep a eye out over here (though there’s no run from Southworth between 1:40 am and 4:30 am).

4:41 AM UPDATE: According to tweets from TV crews covering this in Kitsap County, the truck has been found near Port Orchard, but no one was inside.

2:53 PM UPDATE: Regional media, as well as the Kitsap Sun, have been updating this all day, but just in case you happened onto this story first – a man described as a “possible suspect” is dead, after, according to investigators, shooting himself. The murdered trooper is identified as 44-year-old Tony Radulescu.

Condolences February 23, 2012 (9:49 am)

So sad for this troopers loved ones. Such a dangerous job. Unfortunately this person will likely get away with it if there is no dash cam video. Thanks for working to get the word out WSB.

ad February 23, 2012 (10:29 am)

News sites are reporting a man has shot himself as police were moving in on a home.

datamuse February 23, 2012 (11:52 am)

A friend of mine in Port Orchard mentioned that too, ad. Sad business all around.

Mike February 23, 2012 (12:05 pm)

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2017573749_trooper24m.html

WSB February 23, 2012 (12:48 pm)

Thanks, Mike, apologies that I ran behind on updating this story but I know regional media has been all over it. The only reason I put the post up here is that I was still working in middle-of-night when this all unfolded and for at least an hour, they put out the APB all over the region for the truck … the time frame suggested there was at least a slight chance he could have gotten on the ferry and headed this way. – TR

Jiggers February 23, 2012 (1:42 pm)

There is almost no way out of that area. There is the 16,3 and 305 and all would be road blocked. His best bet was to travel down the 3. Ferry’s out of the question. Almost 12 hours have gone by. He could be hunkered down anywhere over there.

WSB February 23, 2012 (2:53 pm)

Definitely once the first hour had passed – especially since the ferries stopped running – it was out of the question. Anyway, the regional media has reported that the possible suspect who shot himself has died. Here’s the Kitsap Sun’s story:
.
http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2012/feb/23/trooper-shot-killed-traffic-stop-near-gorst/
.
TR

MSL February 23, 2012 (7:29 pm)

Apparently the guy was an ex-con who had spoken of killing a cop the next time he got in trouble with the law. Makes me wonder why these people are walking free on our streets if they are a known threat?

Mike February 23, 2012 (11:19 pm)

MSL, because our system caters to lawyers and not logic. Eventually enough officers, innocent kids, etc. will be hurt or killed that people will decide enough is enough. Until then, you’ll get more time for stealing a snickers bar than shooting somebody.

metrognome February 23, 2012 (11:52 pm)

condolences to the trooper’s family and friends and to the community served by Trooper Radulescu; what a tragic situation for someone who dedicated his life to serving and protecting others. Not sorry how it ended, though; I’m just glad another police officer is not bearing the responsibility for ending a life.

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