2 Lacey police officers receive top awards for handling of Horizon Pointe shooting
Dozens of Lacey police officers, staff and others were recognized with awards last week in front of the Lacey City Council.
Among them were two officers — Corporal Miguel Stansberry and Officer Patrick Jo — who received the department’s highest honors, earning the medal of valor and a bravery medal for their roles in responding to a chaotic domestic violence situation in January 2022.
Stansberry received the medal of valor, Jo was given the bravery medal and Thurston 911 dispatcher Fritz Riddle, who assisted both officers that night, earned a chief’s commendation.
Lacey Police Chief Robert Almada said about 8 p.m. Jan. 20, 2022, Stansberry and Jo were dispatched to a report of domestic violence in the Horizon Pointe neighborhood, just south of Capitol City Golf Club off Rainier Road.
A woman reported that she had been assaulted by her husband, so she fled her home with her children and took refuge at a neighbor’s house.
Stansberry and Jo arrived at the family’s residence to find the suspect, who, unbeknownst to them, had already armed himself with a 9 mm pistol, Almada said.
Domestic violence is among the most dangerous situations for police because emotions run high and they can quickly become volatile, Almada said, and that’s how the situation played out. Almada said the suspect quickly became uncooperative, then began to physically resist the officers, and then the situation became physical altercation.
The chief played the audio for The Olympian as the suspect began to scream “No! No! No!” then fired 12-15 rounds at the two officers.
Stansberry and Jo scrambled to take cover, although one round struck Jo’s protective vest. According to Almada, Stansberry eventually “engaged the armed suspect until the incident came to an end.”
“Their courageous actions led to the most favorable outcome possible in this deadly encounter,” Almada said.
The department also awarded one distinguished service medal, two exceptional service awards, employee of the year and volunteer of the year awards, and two CrimeStoppers awards.
There also were 54 commendations, four chief’s awards, three inspirational partnership awards, named for former Lacey police officer Tina Griswold, who died in the line of duty as a Lakewood police officer. Service awards also were bestowed on those officers with 15 or more years of service.
This story was originally published March 17, 2023 at 5:00 AM.
