A shooting in Washington has left an armed man dead after he allegedly stabbed another man and his dog, following a question about the victim’s religious beliefs.

The altercation began shortly before 6:30 a.m. on Sunday when a distress call was made to 911. The caller reported being stabbed by an unknown assailant near the S S Quickstop Grocer in Parkland, as detailed by the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office in a social media update.

Upon the arrival of officers, both the injured man and his dog were found in critical condition.

The attack unfolded in Parkland, Washington, on Sunday, January 25, 2026, when an unidentified individual approached the victim near the SS Quick Stop Grocer. After inquiring about the victim’s religion, the attacker proceeded to stab both the man and his dog, according to the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office.

Authorities revealed that the assailant had asked the victim about his faith.

“The victim responded, mentioning his Christian faith, which prompted the attacker to stab both him and his dog,” the police reported.

Before being transported to a hospital, the victim was able to give a description of the male suspect, resulting in police searching the area for several hours. 

Police say the unidentified attacker approached them while armed, leading to a deputy-involved shooting on the 800th block of 112th Street in Parkland, Washington on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026. (Pierce County Sheriff’s Office)

The victim’s dog was subsequently transported to a local animal hospital and was immediately taken into surgery.

Approximately two hours later, a deputy noticed the suspect on the 800th block of 112th Street and pursued him as he fled behind a nearby house. 

The armed suspect then advanced toward deputies, who fired on him, FOX 13 reported. 

The unidentified attacker was transported to a local hospital, where he later died from his injuries after being shot by police in Parkland, Washington on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026, according to FOX 13. (Pierce County Sheriff’s Office)

The suspect was transported to a nearby hospital, where he later died from his injuries, according to the outlet.

The conditions of both the victim and the dog have not been released. 

The Pierce County Sheriff’s Office did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.