Suspected Shoplifter Killed While Fleeing Police Identified

On the evening of March 20^th, an accused shoplifter was fleeing on foot from a Mount Vernon Police Officer in Mount Vernon. The officer deployed
his taser, resulting in the suspect falling to the ground and being struck and killed by a passing vehicle.

The Skagit County Medical Examiner has identified the man as Joseph Dorn. Skagit Breaking has identified him as a local transient, and that the officer
who deployed his taser is on administrative leave, pending investigation.

See below for the full press release from Washington State Patrol.

On March 20, 2019 at approximately 8:25p.m., Mount Vernon Police Department (MVPD) Officers were dispatched to a shoplifter running away from Walmart
on Freeway Drive. A witness was able to provide a clothing description and said the male shoplifter was carrying a plastic bag.

The witness reported last seeing the suspect near Burgermaster, which is just south of Walmart. The first arriving officer contacted a man just south
of Burgermaster that matched the description of the suspect that was reported.

As the officer was contacting the male, the male fled on foot and the officer gave chase. The male began to run across Freeway Drive when the officer
deployed his department issued Taser; causing the male to fall to the ground.

The male was struck by a vehicle that was traveling southbound on Freeway Drive and died at the scene. The involved officer is 37 years old, and has
served with the Mount Vernon Police Department for 4 years. He has been placed on paid administrative leave while the SMART team investigation
continues. SMART team detectives are examining all aspects of this case and are seeking any witnesses that may have information regarding this
case. Please call the tip line at 360-426-1950.