Grays Harbor juvenile arrested after armed stand‑off in Elma, WA

A 13‑year‑old autistic boy in Elma, Washington, engaged in a violent standoff with police after threatening to use an axe and later a bow and arrows. Deputies from Grays Harbor County Sheriff’s Office, Elma Police, and additional agencies responded, negotiating for several minutes while the juvenile fired arrows at officers and a police drone.

The confrontation ended when officers deployed less‑lethal munitions, causing the teen to surrender. He was taken to a hospital with minor injuries, then booked on multiple counts of first‑degree assault. Because an officer discharged a firearm during the incident, the Region 3 Critical Incident Investigation Team, led by the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office, will conduct an independent review.