Police: Man shot dead by Marysville officers while attacking wife with knife

MARYSVILLE – A man who reportedly tried to stab his wife in front of police was shot and killed by those Marysville officers Tuesday night, police said Wednesday.

The victim in the reported domestic dispute called 9-1-1 at about 8 p.m. saying her suicidal husband was armed with a knife and acting erratically.

When the man noticed that a half dozen officers had arrived at the home in the 13100 block of 57th Avenue NE, he tried to stab his wife, police said. Three officers fired, killing the man.

The husband, in his late 30s, has not yet been identified, pending review by the Snohomish County Medical Examiner, who will also determine the cause and manner of death. The three officers involved in the shooting will be placed on administrative leave, per standard policy, police said. The case is being handled by the Snohomish County Multiple Agency Response Team, a multi-agency group that investigates officer-involved shootings.

An on-scene investigation that lasted until morning closed 132nd Street NE between 51st and 67th avenues overnight. The closure created some busing issues and delays for nearby Shoultes Elementary School. The Marysville schools superintendent said the couple’s four children attend Shoultes.

Marysville Crisis Support personnel were on scene first to counsel the officers and later to support the wife and her mother.

A neighbor, who was obviously stunned upon hearing the news, said he knew they were having troubles. “My kids play with his kids,” he said as he walked away.