SPOKANE, Wash. — Three people have died and two deputies were critically injured in an apparent domestic violence shooting in Spokane County on Tuesday.
Since the shooting, one of the deputies has succumbed to his injuries. The Spokane County Sheriff’s Office says the other deputy is on life support and is not expected to survive.
According to the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, deputies first responded to a reported domestic violence shooting at a home on S. Smythe Road in Spangle, south Spokane County, at around 3 p.m.
A woman had allegedly run to a neighbor’s home saying that her brother had shot her, and that two other people were still inside the home with the shooter.
According to KHQ News, arriving deputies used drones at the home and were able to determine the suspect was an active threat with an outstanding felony warrant who may have had access to additional weapons.
It’s unclear what the warrant was for.
On the drone, deputies found someone down in the yard. When they approached to provide first aid, they learned the person was dead.
Once learning that there may be more victims inside, deputies and SWAT began approaching the home to try and make any rescues. When they came close, the suspect fired at them, according to the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office.
Two deputies were hit, and others returned fire.
Deputies moved them both to cover and treated their injuries while requesting a Life Flight helicopter. Portions of I-90 and US 195 were closed by Washington State Patrol and other agencies to facilitate the emergency transport of the injured deputies. They were both taken to Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center in critical condition.
The woman who called 911 saying that her brother shot her had non-life-threatening injuries, the sheriff’s office confirmed.
The Spokane Police Department SWAT Team and Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team were requested after the suspect was believed to be barricaded inside. As SWAT and other deputies continued their response to the home, they learned two others were dead inside, including the suspect.
It’s unclear if the suspect was killed by police gunfire or by his own hand.
In an update, the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office wrote:
“The families have requested privacy as they suffer this enormous loss.
Everyone at the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office/Spokane Valley Police Department is devastated by yesterday’s tragic and senseless violent shooting. We will continue to support their families and honor their wishes.
Although we know our Deputies knew the risks, 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; they heroically placed themselves in mortal danger. They are true examples of selfless service and dedication. They are the epitome of what the men and women in law enforcement are; they are the best of all of us. We cherish having served with them as we begin to process the devastating and unthinkable loss.
Please keep these Deputies and their families in your prayers and respect their request for privacy."
This is a developing story.
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