Oregon Public Broadcasting

The president of the police officers union in Lakewood, Washington says the suspect in the slayings of four of his comrades should never have been on the street.  

Despite an extensive manhunt, 37-year-old Maurice Clemmons remains at large.  Tom Banse has more reaction from the grieving suburban Tacoma community.

A constant stream of people pass by a memorial next to the Lakewood Police Station.

The four officers ambushed Sunday were among the original members of the fairly new Lakewood, Washington police department. 

Just over 24 hours after the shooting, the entire department filed out onto the steps of the police station. 

They wanted to publicly show their resolve, their grief, and give thanks to the community for its support. 

Police officer and local union president Brian Wurts gave voice to another emotion as well, directed at the killer.

Brian Wurts: "The chief knows I'm not very politically correct, but I have to be to a point.  I can't believe he was out on the street.  If what is true, I think this country needs to get together and figure out why these people are out."

Shooting suspect Maurice Clemmons was released from the Pierce County Jail last week after posting $150,000 bail on a child rape charge. 

He had an outstanding warrant for his arrest from Arkansas and seven other pending felony charges in Washington State.

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The Lakewood police officers guild is collecting donations to support the fallen officers' families