A Spokane County sheriff’s deputy was killed and another remains on life support after officers were ambushed during a domestic violence response in Washington state. The shooting occurred Tuesday after a woman reported that her brother had shot her and fled to a neighbor’s home. Authorities said the suspect had an active felony warrant and access to multiple firearms. Three other people, including the suspected gunman, were also found dead at the property.
| 1) | Domestic violence report brings deputies to Spokane County home |
| 2) | SWAT officers encounter gunfire at the entrance |
| 3) | Deputies are taken to hospital after the ambush |
| 4) | Four deaths are reported at the property |
| 5) | Sheriff’s office honors fallen deputy and organ donation decision |
Domestic violence report brings deputies to Spokane County home
Spokane County Sheriff’s Office deputies went to a home in Washington state on Tuesday after a woman sought help from a neighbor. She reported that her brother had shot her, prompting officers to investigate a potentially active domestic violence and firearms incident.
Responding officers learned that the suspected gunman had an active felony arrest warrant. Authorities also believed he had access to several guns and that additional victims might be inside the home. Those circumstances led the sheriff’s office to deploy a SWAT team to support the response and attempt to secure the property.
SWAT officers encounter gunfire at the entrance
SWAT officers and deputies approached the house and tried to breach the door. As they entered, a gunman inside opened fire on the law enforcement team. The attack turned a call involving a reported shooting into a deadly confrontation at the residence.
Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels said officers were met with gunfire while attempting to breach the door. The deputies returned fire and moved the two wounded officers away from the immediate danger, allowing emergency medical crews to begin treatment.
SWAT team members and deputies approached the house, attempted to breach the door and were met with gunfire.
Deputies are taken to hospital after the ambush
Two Spokane County sheriff’s deputies were wounded in the shooting and transported to a hospital. One deputy later died from those injuries, according to the sheriff’s office on Wednesday. He is survived by his wife and two children.
The second deputy remained on life support and was not expected to survive, officials said. The woman whose report initiated the response was also taken to a hospital and treated for injuries described as not life-threatening. Authorities did not release the names of the deceased or the injured deputies.
Four deaths are reported at the property
Investigators found one person dead inside the home and another body in the yard. The suspected gunman was also found dead on the property. Combined with the deputy who died after being shot, the incident left four people dead, while the second deputy remained critically injured.
The available account did not specify how the other people at the property died or identify them. Authorities likewise did not announce details about the sequence of events inside the home after officers returned fire. The investigation was continuing as officials worked to establish the full circumstances.
Sheriff’s office honors fallen deputy and organ donation decision
The sheriff’s office said the deputies knowingly faced the risks of law enforcement but moved toward danger to protect people they did not know. The agency described their actions as consistent with their oath to serve and protect Spokane County residents.
Officials said the surviving deputy was an organ donor and that arrangements were being made for him to continue helping others through the gift of life. The statement came as the department mourned the deputy who died and supported the second deputy’s family, colleagues and medical team.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | A domestic violence report led Spokane County deputies to a home on Tuesday. |
| 2 | A SWAT team encountered gunfire while attempting to breach the residence. |
| 3 | One deputy died, while another remained on life support and was not expected to survive. |
| 4 | The suspect and two other people were found dead at the property. |
Summary
The Spokane County shooting began with a report of a domestic violence-related shooting and escalated when a SWAT team encountered gunfire at a home linked to a wanted suspect. One deputy died and another remained on life support, while three other people, including the suspected gunman, were found dead. Investigators had not released the identities of those involved or a complete account of the shooting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened during the response?
Deputies and SWAT officers approached a Spokane County home after a woman reported that her brother had shot her. Officers said they were met with gunfire while attempting to breach the door.
How many law enforcement officers were injured?
Two Spokane County sheriff’s deputies were shot. One died from his injuries, while the other remained on life support and was not expected to survive.
Who else died at the property?
Investigators found one person dead inside the home, another body in the yard and the suspected gunman dead on the property. Their identities were not released.
