Spokane County Deputy Dies, Second Officer On Life Support After Spangle Shooting
A domestic violence incident in rural Washington left four dead and two law enforcement officers critically injured.
By Jonathan Reed ·
One Spokane County sheriff's deputy died on Tuesday night following a domestic violence shooting in Spangle, Washington. A second officer remains on life support and is in critical condition, with authorities saying he is not expected to survive.
The incident took place at a home in the 18700 block of South Smythe Road. Deputies arrived around 2:25 p.m. after a woman ran to a neighbor's house to report that she had been shot by her brother. She sought medical attention immediately.
Upon arrival, officers learned the male suspect possessed additional weapons and held multiple active felony warrants. Law enforcement believed there were other victims inside. The Spokane County SWAT team was called in to assist with the response.
At approximately 3:15 p.m., the SWAT team and deputies approached the residence. Citing an exigent entry due to the active emergency, officers entered the home without a search warrant. Shots were fired from inside as they made their entry, critically injuring two deputies.
Other officers returned fire and moved the wounded teammates to cover. They provided medical aid before the two deputies were airlifted to Sacred Heart Hospital. A female victim was also hospitalized with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound.
Four people were killed in the total incident. One victim was found dead in the yard. Another victim and the suspect were found dead inside the home. The Spokane County Sheriff's Office confirmed the names of the deputies have not been released publicly because their families requested privacy.
The department described the event as a tragic and senseless violent shooting. A statement posted on Facebook noted that the deputies moved toward danger to protect others they did not know. The office said the officers placed themselves in mortal danger with an unwavering sense of duty.
The Spokane Independent Investigative Response Team is conducting the full investigation. The Officer-Involved Critical Incident Response Team was enacted for the case. The Spokane County Sheriff's Office and the Spokane Valley Police Department will not assist in the investigation because they were the agencies involved in the initial response.
Law enforcement agencies across Washington state have expressed support for the fallen officers and their families. Gov. Bob Ferguson stated that his prayers remain with the families. Many departments, including those in Mason, Pierce, Snohomish, Kitsap, and Yakima counties, changed their social media profile pictures to include a black and blue mourning band on their badges.
Thurston County Sheriff Derek Sanders posted a tribute before the first deputy passed away. He asked the public to keep the loved ones of the deceased and those receiving urgent care in their hearts. The investigation into the shooting remains ongoing.
