Witness information still sought
EVERETT — The murder of Everett Police Officer Dan Rocha unfurled March 25 when the suspect fought being detained and pulled a gun.
A detective’s police report outlines Richard James Rotter’s haphazard attempt to escape. The events were captured through witnesses’ cell phone videos.
Rocha responded to the Starbucks parking lot at 10th and Broadway to check out a call of a suspicious man transferring guns from one car to another in the lot.
911 dispatch had advised Rocha that Rottter had outstanding warrants.
Rocha tried to detain him behind Rotter’s vehicle, and the two wrestled. As they fell, Rotter pulled a gun and shot Rocha at least twice. Rotter used his own gun, SMART team investigation spokeswoman Courtney O’Keefe said.
Rotter then got in a blue Mini Cooper, backed over Rocha’s body, and fled the scene, blowing through traffic lights. Calls of “officer down” prompted police to chase the Mini, ultimately ending with a crash 2 1/2 miles south at 35th and Rucker Avenue.
Rotter is being held on $5 million bail for charges of first-degree murder and second-degree unlawful possession of a firearm.
A well-attended public memorial for Officer Rocha took place Monday, April 4 at Angel of the Winds Arena downtown after press time.
Detectives seek additional video from and witnesses to the March 25 incident.
Anyone with home or business surveillance between the 1000 block of N. Broadway and the 3500 block of Rucker Ave is asked to check for activity between 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. on Friday, March 25 involving a dark blue Mini Cooper. Residents are also asked to check for surveillance footage around the shooting scene (1010 N. Broadway) prior to 2 p.m. involving a silver Ford Fusion sedan. Anyone with information is asked to call the Sheriff’s Office Tip Line at 425-388-3845.
