A Washington man carrying a weapon was fatally shot by police following an attack in which he allegedly stabbed another man and the man’s dog. The assault reportedly occurred shortly after the attacker inquired about the victim’s religious beliefs.

The situation began unfolding around 6:30 a.m. on Sunday. A frantic call to 911 reported a stabbing incident near the S S Quickstop Grocer in Parkland, as detailed by the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office in a social media update.

Upon the officers’ arrival, they found both the victim and his dog in critical condition.

Witnesses recount that the assailant had approached the victim, questioned his religious affiliation, and subsequently launched the violent attack near the SS Quick Stop Grocer in Parkland, Washington, on January 25, 2026. (Source: Pierce County Sheriff’s Office)

Law enforcement officials revealed that the victim claimed the attacker initiated the assault after asking about his religion.

“The victim answered the man and said something about being a Christian, and the man then attacked and stabbed the victim and his dog,” police said. 

Before being transported to a hospital, the victim was able to give a description of the male suspect, resulting in police searching the area for several hours. 

Police say the unidentified attacker approached them while armed, leading to a deputy-involved shooting on the 800th block of 112th Street in Parkland, Washington on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026. (Pierce County Sheriff’s Office)

The victim’s dog was subsequently transported to a local animal hospital and was immediately taken into surgery.

Approximately two hours later, a deputy noticed the suspect on the 800th block of 112th Street and pursued him as he fled behind a nearby house. 

The armed suspect then advanced toward deputies, who fired on him, FOX 13 reported. 

The unidentified attacker was transported to a local hospital, where he later died from his injuries after being shot by police in Parkland, Washington on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026, according to FOX 13. (Pierce County Sheriff’s Office)

The suspect was transported to a nearby hospital, where he later died from his injuries, according to the outlet.

The conditions of both the victim and the dog have not been released. 

The Pierce County Sheriff’s Office did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.