James Salanoa, Suspect in Tacoma Kidnapping and Rape, Shot and Killed by Pierce County Deputies

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PUYALLUP, Wash. – Faafili Latu has confirmed that her son, 22-year-old James Salanoa, was fatally shot by Pierce County deputies on Tuesday night, according to a statement she made during a video conference call on Wednesday.

Salanoa, who was wanted by Tacoma Police for several felonies, including kidnapping and rape, had been on the run from law enforcement.

In a heartbreaking revelation, Latu shared that she had urged her son to turn himself in, but he had expressed his determination to prove his innocence. “I told him to turn himself in,” Latu said. “He said, ‘I will, because I want to prove to the police that I didn’t rape that lady. You know your son is not like that.'” Sadly, Salanoa never surrendered to the authorities.

The incident stemmed from a case that occurred on November 18, where a woman was allegedly kidnapped at gunpoint from a Chuck E. Cheese restaurant on Tacoma Mall Blvd. She was then taken to another location, sexually assaulted, and returned to the restaurant. Salanoa was identified as the prime suspect, and a warrant had been issued for his arrest.

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According to the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department, deputies were conducting an investigation when they located Salanoa in an SUV on Tuesday. However, when they approached him, he fled the scene at high speed. Reports indicate that there were other individuals present in the vehicle as well.

A pursuit ensued, and eventually, the deputies successfully deployed spike strips near the 512 on-ramp by the South Hill Mall in Puyallup, bringing the vehicle to a halt.

Sergeant Charles Porche, from the Lakewood Police, shared details during a press briefing, stating, “That subject exited his vehicle. He was armed with a weapon. Several shots were fired, and he was struck and is deceased.”

Following the tragic shooting, Faafili Latu recounted receiving a devastating phone call from investigators informing her of her son’s fate.

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Latu expressed her shock and disbelief, saying, “When they called, I was shocked. I never knew something like this would happen to my son.”

She added that the man who investigators were searching for in connection with the alleged rape was not the same person she had raised. Latu revealed, “I never knew he had guns. He always told me he was fine.”

In the wake of her son’s death and the revelations about his alleged crimes, Latu expressed concern about the potential for others to resort to violence. She emphasized the importance of parents’ love and support, urging young people to remember that their families care for them, regardless of their circumstances.

The investigation into the events leading to the shooting near the 512 on-ramp by the South Hill Mall is ongoing.

At this time, it remains unclear whether the suspect fired any shots during the confrontation. Fortunately, no deputies were injured during the incident.

The two other individuals who were in the suspect’s vehicle have been detained and are being questioned by authorities. Their relationship to Salanoa has yet to be determined.