Suspect in killing of Mount Vernon taxi driver arrested in Lakewood

MOUNT VERNON, Wash. -- A 29-year-old man was arrested in Lakewood
Tuesday in connection with the shooting death of a taxi driver in Mount Vernon Monday night.

Mount Vernon police identified the suspect as Solomona Fatu Luteru. He was arrested on charges of murder and robbery and booked into the Skagit County Jail, police said.



The taxi driver was found dead behind the wheel of a taxi van late Monday night after an apparent shooting near a gas station.

Police said they were called to the Pacific Pride Fuel Station in Mount Vernon just before 10 p.m. to reports of a loud popping sound.

A witness reportedly told police the van was seen rolling into some shrubs. When officers arrived they found the driver.

Police said a man was seen running from the area, but they were unable to track him down with dogs.

Just a few minutes later, a carjacking was reported in the area and police believe the shooter may be the carjacker.

Mount Vernon police said Lakewood police officers were able to arrest a man in Lakewood Tuesday morning around 8:30 a.m. after they said they tracked the stolen car to a home.

The identity of the slain taxi driver has also yet to be released.