police-shooting · Yelm, Washington

What happened after a Thurston County deputy shot a man in Yelm?

What happened?

On June 4, 2026, a Thurston County Sheriff's Office deputy shot Joseph Paul Kochanowski in Yelm, Washington, after he allegedly pulled a gun and charged. Kochanowski survived, was arrested for first-degree assault, and as of June 12, 2026, is awaiting formal charges with bail set at $50,000.

Interim public outcome

Last checked: Jun 12, 2026
Sources: The Olympian

Timeline

  1. The incident occurred around 9 a.m. in Yelm, Washington, where a Thurston County Sheriff's Office deputy shot Joseph Paul Kochanowski during a response to a vehicle/trailer fire.

  2. The YouTube clip titled "Deputy Opens Fire After Suspect Pulls Gun" was uploaded by "PoliceActivity."

  3. Joseph Paul Kochanowski was released from the hospital and booked into Thurston County jail on suspicion of first-degree assault.

  4. Kochanowski appeared in Thurston County Superior Court for a preliminary appearance, where Judge Allyson Zipp found probable cause for first-degree assault while armed with a firearm and set bail at $50,000.

  5. As of this date, formal charges against Kochanowski are pending, with prosecutors having until 5 p.m. on June 13, 2026, to file them.

  6. Kochanowski's arraignment is scheduled.

Receipts