Family of unarmed man killed by Lakewood police skeptical of department’s investigation

LAKEWOOD, Wash. -- Three weeks after Lakewood Police officers shot and killed an unarmed man hiding in a local lumberyard, the department is offering an explanation for what happened.

Officers thought the man pointed a gun at them, the department said, but the black object turned out to be a cell phone.

The two officers involved in the shooting are back on patrol while the department continues their investigation, but the family of the late Daniel Covarrubias said they’re skeptical of the department’s findings.

“I want justice,” said Lanna, Daniel’s sister, “I want justice for Daniel.”

Daniel’s family and a handful of demonstrators held signs outside the Lakewood Police Department, while inside the interim police chief defended his officers’ actions.

“I’m definitely sorry for their loss,” said Mike Zaro. “I will say that the officers were put into that position by Daniel Covarrubias and his actions.”

Police said employees at a Lakewood lumberyard called 911 after seeing someone running through the property.

Officers arrived and that’s when they say they found Covarrubias hiding on top of a pile of lumber.

Zaro said Covarrubias ignored repeated verbal commands and then pointed a “dark object” repeatedly at the responding officers.

“Then he comes back up a second time and then the officers begin firing,” said Zaro.

Daniel’s mother doesn’t believe her son would act aggressively toward police.

“I don’t believe that,” said Marilyn Covarrubias. “I know in my heart I don’t believe that.”

Police said Covarrubias had been released from a local hospital after experiencing hallucinations the morning prior to the shooting. Investigators said medical records show Daniel hadn’t eaten for three days and may have been high on methamphetamine.

Zaro said the shooting happened in a matter of only six seconds – and the officers had no other option but to defend themselves.

“When you talk about using less lethal means, that is never a response for a lethal threat or what is believed to be a lethal threat,” he said. “As far as cover goes, they simply didn’t have time to take any cover.”

Police are still wrapping up their investigation and will hand off the findings to the prosecutor’s office to determine if any criminal charges could be filed. That process could take several weeks.

Covarrubias’ family doesn’t buy the police department’s timeline of events, and  they’ve hired an attorney to conduct their own investigation.