Everett police officer killed in the line of duty identified

EVERETT, Wash. — An Everett police officer was killed in the line of duty during a “significant incident” at a Starbucks in Everett on Friday, according to the Everett Police Department.

Officer Dan Rocha, 41, had lived in Everett for over a decade and had served as an Everett police officer since 2017.

According to Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Courtney O’Keefe, Rocha approached a 50-year-old man who was acting suspiciously in the parking lot of a Starbucks in the 1000 block of Broadway Avenue in Everett at about 2 p.m.

There was an altercation, and Rocha was shot and killed.

O’Keefe said the man fled in a car, running over Rocha’s body.

Everett officers pursued the man until he eventually crashed into a van at 35th and Rucker streets.

Chopper 7 showed the scene at 35th and Rucker streets, where a white van was on its side and a blue car was crushed on the driver’s side.

Witnesses told KIRO 7 that “at least 30 cop cars” were spotted racing north on Broadway.

The man was arrested without incident.

There were no other injuries, according to O’Keefe.

The man was transferred to a local hospital and is expected to be released and charged.

RAW: Three car crash after police pursuit in Everett

According to Everett traffic cameras, a Mini Cooper was involved in the incident.

“I am devastated by the loss of Officer Dan Rocha, a valued member of our Everett Police Department who was killed today in the line of duty,” said Everett Mayor Cassie Franklin. “My heart goes out to his family and loved ones, as well as our entire Everett Police Department grieving this senseless loss.”

Rocha first worked in parking enforcement and became a fully commissioned police officer in 2018.

Rocha is survived by his wife, two sons and his large extended family.

Everett police have parked Rocha’s cruiser at the north precinct as a memorial for him.

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