A deputy stopped to question Nelson, who had run away upon seeing the patrol car, authorities said. While they were speaking, Nelson allegedly attacked the deputy before getting into the driver's seat of the patrol car. Officials said the deputy jumped onto the running board of the car and tried unsuccessfully to subdue Nelson with a stun gun. The deputy shot Nelson after he struck another vehicle while driving the patrol car.
Victim's Name: Joel Anthony Nelson
Agency Responsible: Thurston County Sheriff's Office
Gender: Male
Age: 29
Race: White
Date of Death: January 5, 2016
County: Thurston
Cause of Death: Gunshot
Official Disposition: Pending investigation/No Known Charges
Criminal Charges: No known charges
Mental Illness: Unknown
Armed: Vehicle
Weapon: vehicle
Threat Level: attack
Fleeing: Foot
Body Camera: No
Washington Post Database ID: 1145
Geography: Urban