On the evening of August 25, 2024, 33-year-old Jose Antonio Lemus Castillo of Tacoma was shot during a prolonged exchange of gunfire in Lakewood. The shooting occurred about 7:30 p.m. near 33rd Avenue South and 82nd Street South, beside a mobile home park. Police say two vehicles fired at each other and more than 60 rounds were recovered at the scene.

A white 2003 Toyota Sienna van with extensive bullet damage crashed into a guardrail. Officers found three people with gunshot wounds inside and on the ground; Jose Antonio Lemus Castillo was transported to a hospital and later died of gunshot wounds to the torso, according to the Pierce County Medical Examiner, which ruled his death a homicide. Two other victims suffered non-life-threatening injuries. The second vehicle, described as a dark-colored truck, fled and had not been identified.

Investigators described the shooting as an isolated incident and opened a probe into who was responsible. If anyone witnessed the exchange of gunfire or saw the vehicles involved that evening, please share what was seen with investigators.