VIDEO: Suspect in WA Deputy’s Murder Was Wearing Body Armor, Shot Himself in Head
Video: Suspect in WA Deputy’s Murder Was Wearing Body Armor, Shot Himself in Head
The suspect who died during a gun battle with a Pierce County, WA, sheriff's deputy earlier this week was wearing body armor and shot himself in the head, officials said Wednesday.

The suspect who died during a gun battle with a Pierce County, WA, sheriff's deputy earlier this week was wearing body armor and shot himself in the head, officials said Wednesday.
Deputy Daniel McCartney, 34, of Yelm, was fatally shot Sunday night while he was investigating a home invasion in Frederickson. One suspect, Henry Carden, was killed at the scene. The other suspect, Frank Pawul, allegedly fled and a manhunt was launched before he was apprehended on felony warrants and eventually booked on suspicion of first-degree murder, reports KCPQ.
The Pierce County Sheriff's Department released many new details of the chaotic scene during a news conference Wednesday afternoon in Tacoma.
Sheriff Paul Pastor and Det. Ed Troyer said they hoped to dispel rumors and clarify details of the murder investigation. They had three main points:
There were multiple shots fired during the gun battle. Evidence shows that one suspect fired the shot that killed McCartney, and that McCartney fired multiple rounds in return. Most struck Carden's body armor, and Carden died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.
The residence in this case is a "trap house." It was known to deputies for drugs and other crime.
McCartney did not violate department policy by pursuing the suspects alone. He acted just as any other deputy would act in that situation.
More Patrol

5.11 Debuts New Load-Bearing Gear at SHOT Show
5.11 launched a variety of new load-bearing gear, ranging from backpacks to chest packs, designed for training, travel, and everyday readiness, this week during SHOT Show 2026.
Read More →
Streamlight Launches the Rechargeable TLR-3X & Other Lights at SHOT Show
Streamlight launched the TLR-3X and TLR-3X USB, two new weapon lights, and an assortment of other new lights during SHOT Show 2026.
Read More →
EOTech & Fast Metal Introduce the EOTech Halen Ballistic Spectacle System
Built on the proven Halen platform, the new EOTech x Fast Metal Halen Ballistic Spectacle System is the only aluminum frame listed on the U.S. Army’s Authorized Protective Eyewear List.
Read More →
2 Florida Officers Shot After Shots-Fired Call
Two officers were shot in Gainesville, Florida, by a man who police say was leaving an area where he had killed a man inside a business. The suspect exited his vehicle in what the chief termed an “ambush-style” attack.
Read More →
Mistaken Identity: Ohio Police Department Harassed After ICE OIS
An Ohio police department has received harassing phone calls and social media messages because it has an officer with the same name as the ICE officer identified in the Minneapolis, Minnesota, officer-involved shooting.
Read More →
Top 10 POLICE Videos of 2025
What were the top videos published by POLICE in 2025? Many covered tactics and officer safety, while others came from booth visits at IACP in Denver, Colorado. In case you missed these, here are the top 10 videos.
Read More →
Flock Safety and Coreforce Partner to Enhance Real-Time Awareness and Operational Efficiency for Law Enforcement
A new integration partnership will enable Flock Safety hotlist alerts and license plate recognition (LPR) searches directly in Coreforce’s Real-Time Crime Center (RTCC) and Digital Evidence Management System (DEMS) platform.
Read More →
Ballistic Armor Co. Secures Strategic Investment to Expand U.S. Production Capabilities
Ballistic Armor Co. secured a new commitment that will accelerate its multi-year transition from a third-party tactical equipment retailer to a premium innovator and U.S. manufacturer of advanced protective systems.
Read More →
Police & Fire Championships Expands Athlete Eligibility
The US Police & Fire Championships is now open to all employees – sworn, civilian, administrative, technical, and support staff – who work directly for an eligible public safety agency.
Read More →Tips for Watching the Hands
How can officers better “watch the hands”? Mike Willis, Law Enforcement National Training and Program Director for the US Deputy Sheriff's Association, shares some tips.
Read More →