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Starbucks store closes for a day to honor slain Wash. officer

Dan Rocha, a Starbucks regular, was fatally shot in the store’s parking lot in March while responding to a suspicious person call

everett police dan rocha starbucks

Everett Police Department

By Suzie Ziegler

EVERETT, Wash. — On March 25, Everett police officer Dan Rocha was shot and killed in a Starbuck’s parking lot while investigating a suspicious person call. On Sunday, the coffee shop closed for a day to honor the slain officer on National Peace Officer Memorial Day, Everett Police said in a Facebook post.

Rocha was part of their Starbucks family, police said.

“This was his Starbucks; he knew the partners beyond just their names, knowing their lives, sharing in their successes,” the department wrote. “In return, they knew Dan’s go-to order, his smile and how he was always his authentic self.”

Staff invited Everett officers to celebrate Rocha’s memory and revealed a plaque dedicating the store in Rocha’s name.

Police said Everett had just had his coffee when he was fatally shot in the parking lot. James Rotter, 50, was taken into custody and charged with first-degree murder, unlawful possession of a firearm and possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, KIRO 7 reported.

RELATED: ‘This seat is taken’: Subway restaurant makes special tribute to slain LEO

https://www.facebook.com/EverettPoliceWA/posts/379491284223007

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