The man then detonated an explosive device and died at the scene, police said.
A 46-year-old man died after detonating an explosive device as officers approached him at a Sumner property following a domestic violence call in Puyallup on Wednesday, police said.
Puyallup police received a 911 call at about 3 p.m. from a 45-year-old woman reporting a domestic violence incident at her apartment. Officers responded, but the male suspect had left before they arrived, according to Puyallup police.
Officers later learned the man might be at a property in the 7300 block of 166th Avenue East in Sumner. Police found him there and spent at least an hour attempting to negotiate with him.
A police K-9 and a drone were brought in to assist. Police said the suspect was outside when the K-9 handler and three other officers approached him.
The man then detonated an explosive device and died at the scene, police said.
Police said the suspect had not said, shown or implied that he had an explosive device before the detonation.
K-9 Dexter was taken to a veterinarian to be checked out. Four officers were near the explosion and are being evaluated, though they did not appear to be injured, police said.
The Pierce County Bomb Squad is searching the property for any additional explosive devices.
Detectives are expected to remain at the scene for several hours as authorities work to ensure the property is safe before beginning their investigation.
