Five people died following astabbing attack in Key Peninsula, Washington, on Tuesday, 24 February. Among the fatalities is the 32-year-old suspect who was shot and killed by law enforcement.

According to a report by the Pierce County Sheriff's Office, a sheriff's deputy arrived at the scene at around 9:30 a.m. after responding to a call reporting a violation of a no-contact order earlier that morning.

Authorities said that as deputies were headed to the suspect's home to deliver a copy of the no-contact order, witnesses had reported a stabbing outside a home near Gig Harbor, Washington, per aSeattle Timesreport.

Three people were stabbed to death and declared dead on site, while a fourth victim was taken to a nearby hospital but later died, authorities confirmed. The suspect was fatally shot by an officer and was also confirmed dead at the scene.

The report said that 'shots fired' calls came in at 9:33 a.m. Key Peninsula Fire spokesperson Anne Nesbit reported no injuries to the deputies, while the officer who fired at the suspect has been placed on administrative leave. Placing officers on administrative leave is standard procedure whenofficers employ lethal force.

Pierce County Executive Ryan N. Mello said in a statement, 'Five lives were lost today on the Key Peninsula in an act of heartbreaking violence, including the suspect, who was shot by a responding deputy. My heart is with the families who are facing unimaginable loss, and with every neighbor shaken by this tragedy.'

Authorities confirmed verifying the no-contact order was invalid before arriving on site, as the suspect had not yet been served.

Pierce County Force Investigation Team (PCFIT) Public Information Officer Shelbie Boyd said in a statement toKOMO News, 'It was a protection order, so somebody involved in this was known.' Officer Boyd said authorities have yet to determine the relationships of the victims to one another.

MASSIVE TRAGEDY: 5 DEAD in HORRIFIC Key Peninsula Stabbing Rampage – Deputy Fires Shots to Stop Suspect.A 32-year-old man violated a no-contact order, stabbed four people to death outside a home, and was fatally shot by a Pierce County deputy who responded to the scene. A fifth…pic.twitter.com/HiVpdrBIAG

Records from Pierce County court reveal that in May, a woman living at the address was granted a one-year protection order against her son, who reportedly had psychiatric issues and substance dependency. Her 32-year-old son allegedly pushed her in prior instances and threatened her in recent incidents, saying her 'grave has been already dug up,' perAssociated Press.

Source: International Business Times UK