From Chief Brad Moericke:
Today, the Sumner Police arrested a 32-year-old transient male suspected of delivering fentanyl to a 15-year-old male and his 16-year-old girlfriend in Sumner on February 1, 2022. The 15-year-old male subsequently died hours later as a direct result of an overdose using the deadly drug in a parking lot of a popular Sumner restaurant within 1,000’ of a school. Based on witness statements, video evidence, autopsy reports, and cell phone records, Sumner Police with the assistance of members from the Seattle DEA field office were able to identify the suspect that delivered the narcotics that resulted in this tragic loss of life. A warrant was issued for his arrest and today the suspect was located and arrested on that warrant in Puyallup by Sumner and DEA detectives. The suspect was booked into the Pierce County Jail on charges of Controlled Substance Homicide and Unlawful Delivery of a Controlled Substance to a Minor.
While the legislature currently debates the future of drug possession laws for adults in Washington, there can be little debate and absolutely no tolerance when it comes to persons dealing dangerous narcotic drugs to the youth in our communities. We hope this arrest brings some closure to the victim’s family and sends a strong message to those that deal drugs and prey on addiction.
