Driver who led chase into Gig Harbor killed himself after crashing

A 35-year-old man who led police on a high-speed chase down Highway 16 on Thursday night shot himself after crashing near Gig Harbor, but the sound of a gunshot led police to return fire, according to the Pierce County Sheriff's Department.

News media previously reported he was shot and killed by officers.

A Washington State Patrol trooper first tried to pull over Trevor B. Messenger while inside Kitsap County because Messenger was traveling 25 mph over the speed limit, said Pierce County Sheriff’s Department spokesman Sgt. Darren Moss.

Messenger exited onto Highway 302, toward Purdy, then crashed about a half-mile north of the park and ride. His vehicle rolled over a guardrail and came to rest on 66th Avenue NW.

Messenger's vehicle was facing toward troopers when they heard a single gunshot. Believing they were under fire, officers fired back.

“Not knowing what’s going on, hearing a gunshot, you are going to return fire,” Moss said.

Pierce County deputies, called at 8:46 p.m., arrived and, with the other officers, approached the vehicle to find Messenger dead. A Kitsap County sheriff’s deputy was also involved in the chase.

Moss said the Pierce County Medical Examiner ruled that Messenger killed himself with a gun.

One trooper was placed on administrative leave following the incident.