A Spokane County deputy has died and a second remains on life support after someone opened fire during a domestic violence call near Spangle. (Photo: Spokane Valley Sheriff's Office)
SPOKANE COUNTY, Wash. — Two sheriff’s deputies rushed toward a home near Spangle to help victims of a domestic violence shooting. Gunfire from inside the residence left both fighting for their lives.
One deputy has since died, and the second remains on life support in critical condition. The Spokane County Sheriff’s Office says he is not expected to survive.
The shooting happened Nov. 3 at a residence in the 18700 block of South Smythe Road in southern Spokane County. Deputies received the call at approximately 2:25 p.m. after an adult woman reported that someone had shot her and that she needed medical attention.
When deputies arrived, they learned the male suspect had an active felony warrant, might have access to firearms and could have additional victims inside the home. The Spokane County SWAT team responded to help.
At approximately 3:15 p.m., deputies and SWAT team members approached the residence to reach the victims. As they moved toward the home to make an emergency entry, someone inside opened fire, striking two deputies.
Other deputies returned fire, moved their injured colleagues to cover and provided emergency medical aid.
The severity of the injuries prompted an urgent response from medical crews, including Life Flight helicopters. Authorities temporarily closed portions of Interstate 90 and U.S. Highway 195 to facilitate the emergency transports.
The woman who initially called for help also went to the hospital. Authorities described her injuries as non-life-threatening.
One deputy dies, second deputy remains on life support
The Spokane County Sheriff’s Office announced Nov. 5 that one of the wounded deputies died the previous night. He leaves behind a wife and two children.
The second deputy remains on life support, surrounded by family members. The Sheriff’s Office said he is not expected to survive. His status as an organ donor has prompted his family to consider arrangements that could allow him to help others.
Both families have requested privacy.
The Sheriff’s Office described the loss as devastating and praised the deputies for putting themselves in danger to protect others.
“They bravely moved toward danger to protect others they did not know. They did this with honor and with an unwavering sense of duty to their oath to serve and protect the citizens of Spokane County.”
— Spokane County Sheriff’s Office
The department said it will continue supporting the families and honoring their requests for privacy.
The news also prompted a response from law enforcement agencies across Washington, including the Blaine Police Department.
“We are deeply saddened to hear that two deputies from the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office were shot and injured in the line of duty. From all of us here at Blaine PD, we wish those deputies a full and speedy recovery.”
— Blaine Police Department
Suspect found dead inside residence
After the shooting, authorities believed the suspect had barricaded himself inside the residence. The Spokane Police Department SWAT team and Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team responded to assist.
Spokane County personnel later left the scene, and the Spokane Police Department SWAT team took over the operation.
A pilot then sent an unmanned aerial vehicle into the home. The aircraft located the male suspect dead from what investigators believe was a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Independent investigation underway
The Spokane Independent Investigative Response Team (SIIR) is investigating the entire incident, including the original domestic violence shooting that brought deputies to the residence.
The Sheriff’s Office issued a correction to its earlier statement, clarifying that the incident involved a deputy-involved shooting. Under the independent investigation protocol, the SIIR team will investigate the initial domestic violence call and the subsequent shooting involving deputies.
The SIIR team includes multiple Eastern Washington law enforcement agencies. The Washington State Patrol, Spokane Police Department, Spokane County Sheriff’s Office and Spokane Valley Police Department all participate in the team. However, the Sheriff’s Office and Spokane Valley Police Department will not assist with this particular investigation because of the requirements governing independent investigations.
The Washington State Patrol serves as the lead for the investigation. The Sheriff’s Office will release the deputies’ names and provide further updates about their conditions.
Once investigators complete their work, the SIIR team will forward the case to the Spokane County Prosecutor’s Office for review.
The investigation remains active. Authorities have not released additional details about the circumstances surrounding the original domestic violence shooting or the suspect’s death.
Washington Administrative Code 139-12 requires independent investigative teams to issue weekly public updates in cases involving the use of deadly force by a peace officer, even when investigators have no new information to report.
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