The manhunt for suspected cop killer Maurice Clemmons led authorities to investigate a couple of houses of interest in Pacific on Monday, according to local officials.
Police acted on leads that placed them in the small city as they continued to pursue the man they believed gunned down four Lakewood police officers as they gathered at a Lakewood coffee shop Sunday morning.
Those killed were identified as Sgt. Mark Renninger, 39, and officers Ronald Owens, 37, Tina Griswold, 40, and Gregory Richards, 42.
Pacific officials said authorities surrounded two houses in Pacific on Monday, homes they believe belonged to friends or “people connected” to Clemmons. One witness said SWAT team members surrounded one house off Milwaukee Boulevard late morning.
Authorities suspect family and friends are aiding Clemmons in his attempt to flee the area.
As of late Monday night, police have surrounded a house in the Renton area as they continue the hunt.
A relative of Clemmons lives at the house and was taken into custody, but authorities still are searching for Clemmons, according a law enforcement officials.
The relative is believed to have helped Clemmons elude capture, the source said.
A murder warrant has been issued for Clemmons, but he remains elusive. Officers surrounded in a Leschi home late Sunday on a tip that Clemmons was there. But when a SWAT team finally went in at early Monday morning, the house was empty.
Clemmons, who has an extensive criminal record, is considered armed and dangerous.
Anyone with information about Clemmons is asked to immediately call 911.