Officer Harold William Storem

Harold William Storem

Officer Harry Storem and Chief Frank Chadwick were shot and killed while attempting to arrest a bank robbery suspect near Alderton.

Law enforcement officers in the area were given the suspect and vehicle description that had fled after robbing the Orting State Bank at gunpoint. Officer Storem and Chief Chadwick passed the vehicle on Orting-Sumner Highway. They turned around and attempted to pull the driver over. The suspect refused to stop and led the officers on a pursuit before stopping on Riverside East. When the officers approached the suspect, he opened fire on them, striking Officer Storem in the wrist. Chief Chadwick attempted to exit the driver's side of the vehicle but was struck just above the collarbone. As Officer Storem tried to regain control of his weapon after being shot, the suspect shot him in the head.

The suspect was convicted of murder and executed on April 6, 1943.

Officer Storem had served with the Puyallup Police Department for at least three years. He was survived by his wife, two daughters, and three sons.