Dates: 1980-March 25, 2022
The Tragedy:
Police Officer Dan Rocha lost his life on March 25, 2022, while investigating a suspicious individual in the early afternoon in Washington. Officer Rocha was responding to several citizen reports calling in about the man acting suspiciously. Rocha witnessed this suspect transferring guns between two vehicles before he made contact with the man. Upon confrontation, he discovered the suspect had a warrant out for his arrest and was also a convicted felon. While Rocha was attempting to arrest the man, a struggle ensued, resulting in Rocha being fatally shot.
Responding officers pursued the suspect for approximately two miles, eventually apprehending him after a multiple vehicle collision.
Officer Rocha had worked for the Everett Police Department for four years. He is survived by his wife and two sons.
More info:
king5 : Bodycam footage of encounter leading up to incident
The Service:
Officer Rocha was honored at the Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett following a procession that started at the Everett Mall and included close to 500 vehicles. Law enforcement officers from across the state and the country came to pay their respect to the fallen officer.
An Everett resident watching the procession shared her thoughts, “These officers and our fallen officers, these people are out there every day for us. I love them so much. They’re here any time we call, right away. I just feel sorry for them, these people, that protect us.”
Officer Rocha’s father, Michael Henry, spoke at the service, “My first reaction when I heard about Dan was that he was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Upon further reflection, I knew that Dan would say he was in the perfect place at the perfect time to do what he does: serve and protect and make a better world for his kids.”
The service concluded with buglers performing taps and a presentation of a flag to Rocha’s family.
More info:
kiro7 : Dan Rocha honored at memorial
king5 : Community honor fallen Everett officer
The Justice:
The suspect who killed Officer Rocha was identified as 51-year-old Richard Rotter who had 13 felony convictions dating to 1985, along with 43 misdemeanor convictions.
In 2023, the suspect was found guilty of aggravated first-degree murder, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamines, fentanyl and heroin, and attempting to elude law enforcement. He was sentenced to life in prison without parole.
Deputy prosecutor Craig Matheson said in court, “It is hard to imagine somebody that deserves the life sentence more than the defendant.”
More info:
kiro7 : Man convicted and sentence to life in prison
seattletimes : Man sentenced to life in prison
The Delivery:
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