PHOTOS: Man holding grenade shot and killed by Pierce Co. Sheriff’s deputy, investigation underway

Police are investigating after a man holding a grenade was shot and killed by a deputy in Midland Friday morning.

According to the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department (PCSD), at around 10:30 a.m., deputies were following a man walking on the train tracks near Franklin Pierce High School. Authorities say he had a grenade in his hand.

They were following the man because he had allegedly made threats to shoot up the bar he was just fired from the day before. Deputies had probable cause for felony harassment/threats. 

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Pierce County Sheriff's Office

Deputies say the man pulled the pin of the grenade and kept it in his hand when he was approached by officers. According to the Pierce County Force Investigation Team, deputies tried to use "less lethal projectiles" and at that point, the suspect pulled out a handgun. 

When the suspect allegedly pulled out the handgun, a deputy shot at him.

FOX 13 reporters on scene say Franklin Pierce High School was placed on modified lockdown during the incident.

An explosive response team arrived to render the grenade safe on order for medics to treat the suspect. 

At 12:21 p.m., the PCSD announced that the scene was secure, and the suspect was dead.

The Pierce County Force Investigation Team is currently taking over the scene.

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