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Olympia, Washington – The two men, identified as brothers Andre Thompson, 24, and Bryson Chaplin, 21,  from Olympia, are both at the hospital, where one was in critical condition and the other was described as stable.

At around 1 a.m. local time, employees at a Safeway supermarket in Olympia reported that two men had attempted to steal beer, according to the initial police report. When confronted, the men reportedly threw the items at employees and left the store.

Soon afterwards, an officer not far from the grocery store found two men matching the description of the suspects, the police report said. Minutes later, the officer reported that he had been involved in a shooting. Preliminary reports said both of the young men were shot in the chest.

Initial reports indicate the suspects assaulted the officer with a skateboard before the shooting, Olympia Police Chief Ronnie Roberts told reporters Thursday during a press conference. Chief Deputy Watkins of the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office said there is some evidence that an assault occurred. “What we’re not sure of right now is the extent of the assault,” Watkins said.

Roberts said the officer was equipped with several tools, including a stun gun. He doesn’t appear to have used the stun gun. Roberts also said the Olympia Police Department doesn’t use body cams or dash cams.

Officer Ryan Donald, an officer for 3 years, has been put on administrative leave while the incident is investigated, following Olympia Police Department policy. The Thurston County Critical Incident Team is investigating the shooting. The Critical Incident Team is composed of detectives from five local agencies.

Officer-involved shooting press conference at Olympia City Hall

A group of around 1000 people rallied first at a park, then marched about a mile to the Olympia police headquarters and City Hall. They chanted “Black Lives Matter,” ”No Justice No Peace” and the names of the young men who were shot.

After the main protest had broken up an anarchist march arrived at City Hall, a few Pro-Police officer supporters had remained.

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