In the late 1980s, Tacoma, Washington, found itself struggling with escalating gang violence as illegal drug use soared across the U.S. During this tumultuous period, one confrontation between U.S. Army Rangers and local gang members would become a defining moment in the city’s history.
Army Ranger’s Risky Investment
Army Ranger Staff Sgt. William “Bill” Foulk, stationed at Fort Lewis in nearby Pierce County, made the decision to purchase a home in Tacoma’s Hilltop neighborhood—a community plagued by violent gang activity. He bought the house for a modest $10,000, seeing it as a good investment with potential for future growth. However, Foulk quickly realized the reality of the neighborhood he had chosen. Known for rampant crime and drug dealing, Hilltop was a volatile area where gang members openly displayed automatic weapons.
With the Tacoma Police Department struggling to keep pace with the growing violence, Foulk found himself in an increasingly dangerous environment.
Suspicion and Surveillance
Foulk’s suspicions about drug dealing in a nearby house escalated when he observed suspicious activity in his neighborhood. To gather evidence, he set up a camera in his window. When gang members noticed the surveillance, they responded aggressively—first by throwing rotten fruit at the camera, and then by shooting at it.
Rather than backing down, Foulk confronted the gang members directly, demanding they stop both their illegal activities and the harassment of his property. This only escalated tensions, with the gang members warning Foulk to stay out of their business—something he had no intention of doing.
The Ash Street Shootout of 1989
On the night of September 23, 1989, Foulk’s worst fears came true when his home came under attack by gang members. Concerned for his safety, he had already sent his wife away and invited several fellow Army Rangers to join him at his house for a barbecue. Between 10 and 15 Rangers arrived, fully armed and prepared for a potential confrontation.
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When the gang members launched their assault, the Rangers swiftly took defensive positions and returned fire. What followed was a chaotic firefight that lasted for roughly 10 to 30 minutes until police arrived and intervened. Although the majority of the gang members escaped, two were apprehended and charged with assault and weapons violations.
Despite the intense gunfire—over 100 rounds exchanged—miraculously, no one was injured. Tacoma Police and military officials later praised the Rangers for their response, acknowledging that they had acted in self-defense.
A Turning Point for Tacoma
The Ash Street shootout was more than just a dramatic moment in local history—it became a catalyst for change in Tacoma. The incident exposed the city’s dire crime problem and sparked action from both residents and local officials. In the wake of the standoff, residents took greater control of their neighborhoods, initiating a community policing effort that included the creation of a “safe spaces” program that remains active to this day.
City leaders also reallocated resources, securing additional funding for law enforcement to help tackle gang violence more effectively.
Transformation of the Hilltop Neighborhood
Over time, the Hilltop neighborhood saw a remarkable transformation. What had once been a hotbed of gang violence became one of the safest areas in Tacoma. Foulk’s home, once a low-cost investment, also saw a significant rise in value. Purchased for $10,000, it is now valued between $330,000 and $450,000—a testament to both Foulk’s foresight and the positive changes in the neighborhood.
The Ash Street shootout remains a critical moment in Tacoma’s history, not only for the bravery displayed by Foulk and his fellow Rangers but also for its lasting impact on the city’s fight against gang violence.
