Bank robber suspect caught near Soap Lake

Officers fire on suspect, leaving minor head wound

SOAP LAKE — State troopers and Grant County deputies fired on a Federal Way man wanted by the FBI for multiple bank robberies Sunday, striking him once in the head following a 20-minute pursuit through a rural area east of here.

The FBI, after receiving a tip, pinpointed Jeremy David Haffner, 34, and his vehicle in Soap Lake. Law enforcement in the area were advised and a Washington State Patrol trooper spotted Haffner driving a gray colored 1988 Pontiac 6000.

When the trooper's backup arrived, including Soap Lake police and deputies from the Grant County Sheriff's Office, a chase ensued.

Officers failed to stop the Pontiac, after several attempts to spike the tires. The pursuit continued to a vacant lot about eight miles southeast of Soap Lake on Road E. N.E., the state patrol reported.

Haffner, designated as armed and dangerous by the FBI, reportedly pointed a firearm at two sheriff's deputies and a state trooper after stopping his vehicle in the Willow Lake area, according to the state patrol.

Lieutenant Greg Miller, a spokesman for the state patrol in Olympia, said all three officers fired their weapons at Haffner, with one bullet striking the suspect in the head.

Haffner, injured, was able to climb into his vehicle. He surrendered after a brief standoff, the state patrol reported.

Officers later determined Haffner's firearm was a pellet gun, the state patrol stated.

Haffner, suffering a non-life threatening injury, was transported by Medstar to Kadlec Hospital in Richland, where he remains.

Miller said Haffner, wanted for a least four bank robberies in the Seattle area, is going to be released from the hospital today. He'll be transported to Ephrata, where he'll be booked into Grant County Jail.

Chief Deputy John Turley, with the sheriff's office, said the vehicle Haffner was driving was reportedly stolen from Tigard, Ore. The vehicle is being held by law enforcement for investigation of the incident.

Miller said it's not yet clear how many shots were fired by each officer.

For now, investigators know all three officers discharged their weapon and that multiple shots were fired.

The incident remains under investigation.