Wanted Persons Search – Wanted List, Lookup by Name

Wanted Persons are listed in law enforcement databases that track active warrants, arrest orders, and parole violations across different jurisdictions. Records may include names, known aliases, physical descriptions, photographs, alleged offenses, case numbers, issuing agencies, and warrant status. These listings are updated as individuals are arrested, warrants are resolved, or new cases are added. Public access helps residents stay informed while supporting law enforcement efforts.

A wanted person search can be performed using a full name, partial spelling, alias, or case number. Matching records may display photographs, birth dates, identifying details, and the agency responsible for the warrant. Users should verify the latest record status and contact the issuing law enforcement agency if they identify a possible match. Suspected individuals should never be approached directly; relevant information should be shared through official reporting channels.

How to Search Wanted Persons

You can search wanted persons through the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office public records system, which maintains an updated list of active warrants and fugitive notices for the county. The search tool lets you look up a subject by full name, partial name, or known alias, and then returns results that show identifying details, the offense at issue, and the agency that issued the warrant. For related public documentation and local filings, you can consult official inmate database resources. Records on the public list are refreshed by the records division, so a person added yesterday will show the current date and a fresh status. Using the search tool takes only a few minutes, and you do not need to register or share personal data to view the entries.

Official Search Portal: https://www.piercecountywa.gov/127/Contact-Us

Steps to Search

• Open the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office records page in your browser.
• Choose the wanted persons or warrants section from the main menu.
• Type the full name or last name of the subject you want to look up.
• Add a date of birth or alias in the optional filters if you have that data on hand.
• Press the search button to load the matching entries from the database.
• Review the photograph, physical description, and offense listed on each result.
• Record the case number and issuing agency for the entry that matches your search.

Search by Name

Searching by name is the most common method, and it works with a full legal name, a last name alone, or a known alias that the agency has on file. The system checks the search field against the full database, so even a partial spelling can return a match when the record lists a close variant. When two people share a common name, scroll through the results and compare the photographs, birth dates, and physical descriptions side by side. If the search returns no results, the system shows a no-match message, and you can try a different spelling or check the alias list before concluding the subject is not on file.

Search by Case or Reference Number

If you already have a case number or warrant reference, paste that into the reference field to pull the exact record tied to that file. This method removes any guesswork and is the fastest way to confirm the status of a specific warrant. Court clerks, attorneys, and officers often use this approach when verifying a single file rather than browsing the full list. The result shows the full record, the issuing court, the offense description, and any updates added since the original filing. Reference numbers that begin with the court year (for example, 25-CW-1234) are accepted in most search systems.

Information Needed for a Search

Before you start a wanted person lookup, gather as many of the following details as you can to narrow the results and avoid mixing up similarly named subjects:

• Full legal name, with middle name when known
• Known aliases or nicknames listed in past reports
• Date of birth or approximate age range
• Last known city or neighborhood of residence
• Case number, warrant number, or court reference

Even one extra detail, such as a middle initial or a birth year, can reduce the results from a long list down to a single match. The more accurate data you provide, the less time you will spend reviewing entries that do not apply to the person you are researching.

Wanted Person Information

Each entry on the wanted persons list contains a standard set of fields that the agency uses to identify the subject and describe the reason for the listing. The fields are designed to give the public enough detail to recognize the person, with sensitive investigative data kept private. The table below summarizes the data points most commonly shown in a wanted person record.

Wanted Person Search Results

After you run a search, the system returns a list of matching entries along with enough detail for you to confirm the right person. The way you read and verify those results matters, since a simple name match can lead you to the wrong subject when you skip the supporting data. The notes below walk you through the most reliable way to confirm a match and avoid the most common mistakes people make.

Identifying the Correct Person

Start with the photograph, then move to the date of birth, then to the physical description. This top-to-bottom order is the most reliable, because the photo removes most guesswork, and the supporting fields confirm what the photo shows. When the photo is missing or outdated, the date of birth and a unique detail (such as a tattoo or a known scar) will usually settle the question. If you cannot confirm the identity with the data on the screen, do not assume the record applies to the person you are researching; contact the records division instead.

Matching Names and Identifying Details

Two people can share a name, so a name match alone is not enough to confirm a record. Cross-check at least two other data points, such as date of birth and last known city, before treating the entry as a match. A common error is matching on a first and last name when the middle name, age, or location does not line up. A short check of those fields will save you from drawing the wrong conclusion and sharing the wrong details with others.

Reviewing Wanted Status

The wanted status shown on a record reflects the most recent update from the issuing agency, and it is the field you should read first when confirming a match. An active status is the only status that should be treated as a current safety concern, and any other status (pending, served, vacated) means the warrant is no longer being enforced. Statuses change quickly, so the timestamp on the record tells you how fresh the data is, and a record with an old timestamp may have moved to a different status since it was last published.

Checking Record Updates

Records carry a date stamp that shows the last time the file was touched by the records division. New arrests, status changes, and photo updates all bump that date, so a record with a recent stamp is the most accurate version of the file. When you are working from a printed list or a saved copy, check the stamp on the original and pull a fresh copy from the portal before relying on the data. This simple step prevents you from acting on a status that has already changed.

Verifying Available Information

Before you share any details from a wanted person record, run through a quick verification pass: confirm the name, confirm the date of birth, confirm the photograph or physical description, and confirm the status. When all four line up, you can treat the record as a match. If even one field is off, treat the record as a possible match and contact the records division to ask for more help. The agency staff can pull the full file and confirm the match in a single call.

Wanted Person Status

The status field on a wanted person record tells you where the case stands at the moment you view it. Statuses are updated by the records division, and they cover the full life of a warrant from filing to closure. The table below summarizes the statuses most often seen on the Pierce County wanted persons list.

Currently Wanted Persons

Currently wanted subjects are those whose warrants are still active and whose cases are still open. The records division marks these entries with an active status and a current timestamp, and the subjects are the priority of any fugitive apprehension effort. The active list grows when new warrants are signed and shrinks when subjects are taken into custody or when warrants are recalled by a judge. If you are checking on a person you know personally, an active status means you should not attempt contact; instead, pass any data you have to the issuing agency through the proper tip channel.

Recently Added Listings

Recently added listings are warrants that have been entered into the public system within the last few days. These records are the freshest on the page, and they show a recent publication date next to the entry. New entries sometimes have less detail than older ones, since the agency may still be verifying photographs or waiting for updated physical descriptions. When you are looking at a recent listing, check back in a day or two for an updated photo or a more complete description.

Located or Captured Persons

Located or captured subjects are entries that have moved from active to a custody status, and the record will say “located,” “in custody,” or “apprehended.” Once the status changes, the entry stays on the list for a short period so the public can see the outcome, and then the records division moves the file to the closed archive. A located status is not a deletion; the underlying case is still on file with the court, and you can ask the records division for a copy of the closing report when you need it.

Removed Wanted Listings

Removed listings are entries that no longer appear on the public list, either because the subject was arrested, the warrant was vacated, or the case was resolved through other means. Some removed listings are archived and can be requested through the records division, and others are sealed by a court order and cannot be released to the public. The records division can tell you the current state of a removed entry when you have the case number in hand.

Status Updates

Status updates happen on a rolling basis as the records division receives new data from the courts and the field offices. A status can move from active to located in a single day when a tip is confirmed, and the public list usually reflects the change within a few hours. Because the list updates quickly, the timestamp on each record is the most reliable way to judge how fresh the data is. If you are acting on a record, pull a fresh copy from the portal right before you take any action.

Why a Person May Appear on a Wanted List

A person appears on a wanted list when a court has issued a warrant for their arrest, when they have failed to meet a court-ordered obligation, or when they are alleged to have committed a serious criminal offense. The reasons below cover the most common triggers for a wanted listing, and the table that follows maps each reason to the type of case file you would see on the record.

Outstanding Arrest Warrants

An outstanding arrest warrant is the most common reason for a wanted listing, and it is filed when a judge signs an order to take a named subject into custody. The warrant is tied to a criminal complaint or indictment, and it stays active until the subject is arrested, the case is resolved, or a judge vacates the order. Outstanding warrants do not have a fixed expiration date, which means a warrant signed in 2018 can still be active today when the subject has not been served. The records division can confirm whether a warrant is still active when you have the case number on hand.

Failure to Appear in Court

A bench warrant for failure to appear is filed when a subject who is required to be in court does not show up for a hearing. This can happen on a traffic case, a misdemeanor, or a felony, and the warrant is automatic in many courts. A failure-to-appear warrant often leads to additional charges, and the underlying case is placed on hold until the subject is back in court. Clearing a failure-to-appear warrant usually starts with a call to the court clerk to set a new hearing date.

Probation or Parole Violations

A probation or parole violation is filed when a subject who is on supervised release is alleged to have broken a term of that supervision. Common violations include failing a drug test, missing a check-in, traveling without permission, or being arrested on a new charge. A violation does not always lead to a wanted listing, but a serious violation or a new criminal allegation can trigger a warrant for the subject’s return to custody. The Department of Corrections works with local agencies to serve these warrants and to confirm the violation.

Serious Criminal Allegations

Serious criminal allegations, such as felony charges for violent offenses, drug trafficking, or sexual offenses, can lead to a high-priority wanted listing when the subject cannot be located at the time the case is filed. These listings often carry a higher risk warning, and the public list will note that the subject should not be approached. Tips on serious cases are routed to a dedicated investigator or a task force, and the records division can connect you to that line when your tip is time-sensitive.

Other Reasons for Wanted Status

Other reasons for a wanted listing include unpaid fines, child support warrants, and writs of attachment issued by a civil court. Each of these case types has its own record format, and the offense line on the public list will identify the underlying cause. Civil warrants are less common on criminal wanted lists, but they can still lead to an arrest when the subject is stopped for any other reason. The records division can point you to the right clerk’s office when a civil case is part of the inquiry.

Wanted Person Records

Wanted person records are the public files the sheriff’s office maintains on each open warrant. Each record is built from court filings, booking data, and field reports, and it is updated as the case moves through the system. The fields below cover the data points most often seen on a public record, and the description that follows each one explains how the data is collected and used by the agency.

Warrant Information

The warrant block on a record shows the type of warrant (arrest, bench, or fugitive), the date it was signed, the name of the judge who signed it, and the court that issued the order. This block is the legal backbone of the record, since it tells you the authority under which the subject is being sought. A warrant stays valid until it is served or vacated, and the warrant block is the first place to look when confirming that a record is still active. When a warrant is vacated, the records division marks the block with a vacation date and removes the entry from the active list.

Case Information

The case information block lists the case number, the prosecuting agency, the lead attorney on file, and the next scheduled hearing when one is set. This block is the part of the record that ties the warrant back to a specific court file, and it is the data you would need when calling the clerk of court for a status check. Case information also lists the original charge and any amended charges, so the public list always reflects the most current version of the complaint. Reading the case block carefully will save you from quoting an outdated charge to a third party.

Alleged Offense Details

The alleged offense details describe what the subject is accused of doing, in plain language with a legal citation in parentheses. The description is written to be read by a member of the public, and it avoids jargon that would not be understood outside the court system. Because the language uses the word “alleged” rather than “convicted of,” treat the text as a description of the charge rather than a fact about the case. The records division can confirm the outcome of the allegation once the case is closed.

Issuing Agency

The issuing agency field lists the sheriff’s office, police department, or court that filed the original warrant. Knowing the issuing agency matters because each agency maintains its own record system, and a search that misses the right file will return no results. When the warrant was filed by a neighboring agency, the Pierce County records division can refer you to the right office for follow-up. Most cross-agency referrals are handled by phone or through a shared records portal maintained by the regional network.

Last Known Information

The last known information block lists the city, neighborhood, or state where the subject was last seen or last had a verified address. The data is updated when a new sighting is reported, a tip is confirmed, or a new booking provides a fresh address. The last known location is not a guarantee that the subject is still there; it is a snapshot of the most recent verified sighting. When you have a more recent sighting, the records division wants to hear from you so the data can be refreshed.

Record Publication Date

The publication date is the day the record first went live on the public list, and the last update date is the most recent change to the file. The two dates together tell you how old the record is and how recently it has been touched. A record that was published a year ago but updated yesterday is still fresh, while a record that has not been updated in six months may be missing recent data. Check both dates before treating a record as the most current version of the file.

Wanted Persons Outside the Local Area

Wanted persons are not limited to one county or one state, and the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office works with neighboring agencies to track subjects who cross jurisdictional lines. The notes below cover how out-of-area cases are handled, how extradition is decided, and how interagency cooperation keeps the records aligned across offices.

Persons Located in Other Jurisdictions

When a Pierce County subject is located in another county, the records division coordinates with that county’s sheriff’s office to set up a transfer. Local officers make the arrest on the active warrant, and the subject is held until the issuing agency can pick them up or until a court order moves the case. The subject’s record stays on the Pierce County wanted list during the transfer, and the status changes to “located” once the arrest is confirmed. The records division can give you a referral to the right agency when you have a tip on a subject in another county.

Out-of-Area Wanted Persons

Out-of-area wanted persons are subjects whose warrants were filed by another agency but who are believed to be in Pierce County. The sheriff’s office treats these subjects like any other fugitive on the list, and the records division coordinates with the issuing agency to confirm the warrant and arrange the arrest. Tips on out-of-area subjects are routed to the correct agency, and the data is shared through a secure interagency channel. The public list may not show out-of-area subjects directly, since their records live on the issuing agency’s portal.

Extradition Information

Extradition is the legal process of returning a subject from one state to the state that issued the warrant. The prosecutor’s office decides whether to seek extradition based on the seriousness of the charge and the cost of the transfer. For lower-level offenses, the agency may issue a “no extradition” notice, which means the released inmate will be free to leave after the local case is resolved. For serious offenses, the agency will file the paperwork needed to bring the subject back to Pierce County, and the process can take several days to several weeks.

Interagency Cooperation

Interagency cooperation is what keeps the records aligned when a case moves between agencies. Pierce County participates in regional task forces, shared databases, and mutual aid agreements that let officers check a subject’s status in real time. The U.S. Marshals Service and the FBI also run fugitive task forces that pick up high-priority cases across state lines. The records division can refer you to the right task force when you have a tip on a serious out-of-area case that needs a fast response.

Reporting Information About a Wanted Person

Members of the public play a key role in helping the sheriff’s office locate wanted persons, and the agency accepts tips through several channels. The list below shows the most common ways to submit a tip, what details to include, and when to pick up the phone instead of filling out a form. Your tip is checked the same way a named tip is, and you can choose to remain anonymous when you submit it.

How to Submit a Tip

You can submit a tip by calling the sheriff’s office main line at the number listed at the bottom of this page, by using the online tip form on the sheriff’s website, or by contacting Crime Stoppers in your area. Each method routes the tip to the records division or to the lead investigator on the case. When you submit a tip, include the case number from the public list so the agency can match your data to the right file. A clear, dated account of what you saw is more useful than a vague statement, so write down the time, place, and details while they are fresh.

Anonymous Tip Options

Anonymous tip options let you share data without revealing your name, and they are run by Crime Stoppers and the sheriff’s office. When you submit an anonymous tip, the agency will not ask for your identity, and the tip line will not trace your phone number. Anonymous tips are checked the same way named tips are, and they can lead to an arrest or a status change. The tip line is staffed 24 hours a day, and you can leave a voicemail when no one is available to take your call.

Information to Include in a Tip

A useful tip includes the case number, the subject’s name, the location where the subject was seen, the date and time of the sighting, a description of the vehicle when one is present, and a description of the subject’s clothing or appearance. The more specific the tip, the faster the agency can act on it. Avoid guessing or filling in gaps; stick to what you actually saw, and let the investigator sort out the rest. False or misleading tips waste agency time and can slow the response to a real sighting that is happening at the same time.

When to Contact a Police Agency

You should contact the sheriff’s office right away (call 911) when you see a wanted person in the act of committing a crime, when you see a wanted person in your home, or when you have an immediate safety concern. The 911 line is staffed by trained dispatchers who can send officers to your location quickly. For non-emergency sightings, use the main number at the bottom of the page or the online tip form. Picking the right line keeps 911 free for true emergencies and gets your tip to the right desk.

Do Not Approach a Wanted Person

Do not approach a wanted person under any circumstances, and do not share the location of a wanted person on social media. A wanted person may be armed, may be under the influence, or may try to flee when confronted, and a direct approach puts you at risk. The safest action is to call the sheriff’s office from a safe distance and let officers handle the contact. Sharing a location online can also warn the subject and cause them to move before officers arrive on the scene.

Wanted Person Records That Are Unavailable

Some wanted person records are not shown on the public list, either because the case is still being processed, because the record has been archived, or because a court has sealed the file. The notes below cover the most common reasons a record may be missing or incomplete, and how to ask the records division for help when you cannot find the file you are looking for.

• The record was added to the system in the last 24 to 48 hours and has not finished processing
• The subject was arrested or the warrant was vacated, and the record has been moved to the closed archive
• A judge has issued a sealing order that keeps the record out of the public view
• The agency has incomplete data on the subject, and the file is held back until the data can be verified
• The status has changed, and the system is in the middle of a refresh cycle

Recently Added Persons

Recently added records are sometimes not visible on the public list for the first day or two, since the system needs time to attach a photograph, verify the offense text, and publish the entry. When you are looking for a brand-new record, try the search again in 24 to 48 hours. The records division can confirm whether a new warrant is in the system before the public entry goes live, which is useful when you need the data right away for a safety reason.

Removed or Archived Listings

Removed or archived listings are no longer shown on the active public list, since the case has been resolved and the subject is no longer being sought. The file is kept in the closed archive for a set retention period, and it can be requested through the records division. Some archived files are open to the public, while others are restricted by court order. The records division can tell you which applies to the case you are asking about when you have the case number in hand.

Sealed or Restricted Information

Sealed or restricted records are files that a court has ordered kept out of the public view, often to protect a victim, a witness, or an active investigation. Sealed records cannot be released without a court order, and the records division will not show them on the public list. Restricted records may be partially open, with some fields (such as the name and warrant status) shown and other fields (such as the offense or the photo) redacted. The agency staff can tell you which fields are restricted on a case-by-case basis.

Incorrect or Incomplete Details

Incorrect or incomplete records are files that the agency is still verifying, and they may show fewer details than a fully published entry. A partial record will still list the name and the case number, but it may not have a photograph or a full description. When you find a record that looks wrong, contact the records division with the case number so the agency can verify the file. Corrections are usually published within a few days, and the public list is updated as soon as the new data is verified.

Delayed Status Updates

Delayed status updates happen when the system is between refresh cycles or when the records division is verifying a new status before publishing it. A delay can run from a few hours to a full day, depending on the workload. When a record is showing an old status, pull a fresh copy from the portal before acting on the data. The records division can also confirm the current status by phone when you need the data right away for a court filing or a safety decision.

Contact Information

For questions about a specific record, for help with a tip, or for records requests, contact the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office using the details below. The office is open during regular business hours for in-person visits, and the phone line is staffed around the clock for non-emergency calls and tip submissions.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Pierce County Sheriff’s Office keeps an online wanted persons list. Residents use it to verify safety, locate suspects, and help law enforcement. The system is free, updated daily, and works on any device. Below are quick answers to common questions about searching, reading, and reporting wanted persons.

How can I search for a wanted person in Pierce County?

Visit the Pierce County Sheriff’s Services page and select the wanted persons lookup tool. Enter the full name, partial name, or known alias in the search box. Press the search button to see matching entries. Results display photo, age, offense, and issuing agency. If the name returns many matches, add a birth year or known address to narrow the list. The page refreshes automatically after each query.

What details are included in a wanted persons record?

Each record lists the individual’s name, photo, age, height, weight, and any aliases. It shows the alleged offense, case number, and the agency that issued the warrant. The last known location and date of the warrant appear below the offense description. When available, a link to the full case file provides additional background. This layout helps callers confirm identity before contacting authorities.

How often does the sheriff’s office update the wanted persons list?

The records division refreshes the list every 24 hours. New warrants appear after the issuing agency files them, and removed entries disappear once the case closes or the person is captured. Users can rely on daily updates for the most current status. For time‑sensitive inquiries, call the Sheriff’s Office at the listed phone number.

What steps should I take to report a tip about a wanted individual?

Call the Pierce County Sheriff’s tip line at the provided phone number or visit the contact page to submit an online form. Provide the person’s name, description, and where you saw them. If you prefer anonymity, mark the “anonymous tip” box on the form. Law enforcement will follow up and may request additional details. Do not approach the individual yourself.

Can I find out why someone appears on the wanted list?

Yes. Open the person’s entry and read the offense section. It lists the alleged crime, case number, and the agency that filed the warrant. For more background, click the case link if present. This information clarifies whether the individual is sought for a felony, misdemeanor, or outstanding warrant. Knowing the reason helps citizens understand the public safety risk.