Officer-involved shooting: Police seize drugs in vehicle

More details are emerging in a fatal police shooting last week in Federal Way.

Mirror staff reports:

More details are emerging in a fatal police shooting last week in Federal Way.

The Jan. 13 incident took place around 1 p.m. when Federal Way officer Stacy Eckert approached two men in a vehicle outside Starbucks on Dash Point Road. The officer was investigating an apparent drug deal.

Federal Way department reports that passenger Maksim Mayba, 21, was warned by Eckert to comply with orders to stop reaching under his seat, or else he would be shot. That’s when Federal Way police say Eckert shot Mayba after he appeared to reach under the seat again.

The driver of the vehicle, Gregory Barrager, 21, fled the scene. The vehicle and Mayba’s body were found abandoned on 31st Place SW near the Quail Run condominiums.

Auburn police were able to track Barrager to Des Moines, based on information from family and associates. Barrager is a co-registered owner of the black Infiniti sedan involved in the case, according to Auburn police, who report finding black tar heroin, methamphetamine, prescription pills, a scale and hypodermic needles in the vehicle.

Barrager was later arrested for felony eluding and on narcotics related charges, according to Auburn police.

Auburn police are investigating the incident. More details will be reported as they become available. Read the original report and witness testimony here.