Coffee shop where officers killed to remain closed at least until next week

PARKLAND, Pierce County — The coffee house where four Lakewood police officers were killed by a gunman Sunday won't reopen until at least next week.

Brad Carpenter, chief executive officer of Forza Coffee, said Thursday a decision on when — or if — to reopen the Parkland store won't be made until after Tuesday's memorial for the four officers.

"No business decisions will be made until after the memorial," Carpenter said.

The officers were killed at around 8:15 a.m. Sunday by Maurice Clemmons, who was wounded in the exchange of gunfire. Killed were Sgt. Mark Renninger, 39; and officers Ronald Owens, 37; Tina Griswold, 40; and Gregory Richards, 42.

Clemmons was fatally shot Tuesday morning by a Seattle police officer.

The coffee house was closed immediately after the officers were shot, and mourners have set up an impromptu memorial outside the business where visitors all week brought flowers, cards and other items to pay their respects to the slain officers.

Forza Coffee Co. is a Gig Harbor-based franchise operation that Carpenter and his wife, Cindy, started in 2005. Carpenter is a former police officer.

For those wishing to help the officers' families, Forza has put donation boxes at all 22 of its locations and is also accepting donations on its Web site: www.forzacoffeecompany.com.

Christine Clarridge: 206-464-8983 or cclarridge@seattletimes.com