On a Wednesday afternoon, the life of Anthony Laviolette, a 27-year-old Caucasian male, came to a tragic end on November 5, 2014, in Yakima, Washington. The events leading to his death began with a police pursuit. Laviolette was driving a stolen vehicle eastbound on State Highway 12 in the Gleed area with a Yakima Sheriff's deputy in pursuit. The chase concluded when Laviolette attempted to make a right turn onto Ackley Road, but instead, drove off the roadway and into a ditch.
Following
the crash, a Yakima County Sheriff's Deputy, identified as Deputy Steadman, approached the disabled vehicle on foot. He issued commands for Laviolette to turn off the engine and exit the vehicle. According to reports, Laviolette did not comply with the deputy's orders and instead attempted to maneuver the car in an apparent effort to escape. It was during this attempt that the vehicle reportedly moved towards Deputy Steadman, striking him. In response to the perceived threat, Deputy Steadman discharged his firearm.
An autopsy later revealed that Anthony Laviolette sustained four gunshot wounds. Two of the wounds were through-and-through injuries to his left arm, another was in his left shoulder, and the fatal wound was to his chest. The bullet to his chest perforated his aorta, causing rapid and massive internal bleeding. Two bullets were recovered during the post-mortem examination.
The Yakima County Coroner's Office investigated the death and officially ruled it a justifiable homicide. No arrests were made in connection with the death of Anthony Laviolette as the shooting was deemed to be in the line of duty.
