Detectives say they believe the suspect killed the man instead of paying for drugs.

Jacob Glenn, 23, of Gig Harbor was found dead Nov. 21 outside a grocery store on the island.

Pierce County Sheriff’s Department spokesman Ed Troyer said Glenn was fatally stabbed and that his death was a homicide, though the Medical Examiner’s Office said Sunday that the official cause and manner of Glenn’s death were still being investigated.

Detectives arrested a 29-year-old man Friday night. Troyer declined to provide specifics about what led investigators to the man, other than to say, “Our detectives drove all over the state doing interviews to solve this.”

He said detectives believe Glenn was a drug dealer, that they found “multiple kinds of drugs” and dealing equipment after serving a search warrant at his home, and that instead of being paid Glenn was robbed and killed by the suspect.

Glenn’s family has said he was not involved with drugs and that he regularly checked in on his grandparents and was on track to run a water testing and filtration systems business.

“This was a very difficult investigation, but strong motivation, skill and hard work brought it to a successful conclusion,” Sheriff Paul Pastor said in a statement. “I am grateful that the case is solved and grateful for the dedicated people who solved it.”

The News Tribune does not generally name suspects until they have been formally charged.

Alexis Krell: 253-597-8268 alexis.krell@ thenewstribune.com www.thenewstribune.com/crime-news @amkrell