Justin L. Moegling Obituary, Death – Authorities have released the identity of the man who was shot and killed by law enforcement during a traffic stop in Poulsbo, Washington, last week. The Kitsap County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed that the deceased was 41-year-old Justin L. Moegling, a resident of Bremerton.
Moegling died from multiple gunshot wounds, including fatal injuries to the head, according to the official report. The medical examiner noted that his body also sustained additional significant gunshot injuries, though it did not specify how many times he was struck or from what distance.
The shooting occurred on the evening of May 7, around 9 p.m., during a joint law enforcement operation involving the Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) and the Poulsbo Police Department. The incident took place in the area of Nordic Cove Lane and Viking Way. According to preliminary information released by law enforcement, Moegling was pulled over but failed to comply with officers’ commands and instead fled, triggering a pursuit.
When officers attempted to stop and arrest him, Moegling allegedly threatened them and attempted to stab them, leading to the use of deadly force. Authorities have not released specific details about why Moegling was initially being pursued or whether he was suspected of any criminal activity before the stop.
The aftermath of the incident led to a major road closure in the southern part of Poulsbo. Viking Way remained closed for more than 12 hours while investigators processed the scene. The shooting has prompted a formal investigation by the Washington State Office of Independent Investigations (OII), which is now the designated agency for handling officer-involved shootings in Washington. The OII has taken over the role previously held by the Kitsap Critical Incident Response Team.
Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Kevin McCarty stated that further transparency efforts will be made public, including the release of officers’ body camera footage. The video, he noted, is expected to be published on the department’s social media channels by Wednesday afternoon. This move follows increasing calls for transparency in law enforcement, particularly in cases involving the use of deadly force.
In response to Moegling’s death, community organizations have begun to mobilize. The Kitsap Equity, Race and Community Engagement Coalition (ERACE) issued a statement expressing concern over what it views as a pattern of excessive use of force by local police. The group has called for transparency in the investigation and a compassionate approach to both the victim and broader community concerns.
Kitsap ERACE also announced plans to attend and speak at the Poulsbo City Council meeting on Wednesday evening, which will be held at City Hall at 5:30 p.m. In their statement, the group referenced previous incidents of police violence in Poulsbo, including the 2019 shooting of Stonechild Chiefstick by local police during the city’s Third of July fireworks celebration at Waterfront Park—a case that drew widespread attention and community outcry.
The organization pointed to what it sees as an increased police presence in the city, noting a rise in unmarked police vehicles and what it described as “an escalation of policing.” The group’s message emphasized the need for transparency, accountability, and respect for residents, particularly communities that may feel targeted or vulnerable due to past interactions with law enforcement.
“We acknowledge the historical and current police violence and rising threats to community safety in our current political moment,” the statement read. Kitsap ERACE reiterated its call for public officials to ensure that investigations into incidents involving deadly force are not only independent but fully transparent and open to public scrutiny.
Although the Washington State Office of Independent Investigations has not released a timeline for its findings, the community is already demanding answers about what led to the fatal shooting of Justin Moegling. The office is expected to conduct interviews, review body camera footage, analyze forensic evidence, and provide a full report on the actions of law enforcement officers that evening.
Until then, both city leaders and the public are left to grapple with the latest in a series of controversial incidents involving law enforcement in the region. Calls for reform, enhanced training, and stronger oversight of police use-of-force policies continue to grow, particularly in light of national conversations around policing standards and community trust.
Moegling’s family has not released a public statement at this time, and no details have been shared regarding memorial services or funeral arrangements. As the investigation moves forward, his death remains a focal point for both law enforcement scrutiny and community advocacy in Poulsbo and beyond.
