Two Spokane County deputies dead after responding to domestic violence call
The first officer died Tuesday night, while the second remains on life support and is not expected to survive the injuries sustained in Spangle.
By Thabo Hoffmann ·
The Spokane County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Tuesday night that one of its deputies has died following a shooting in Spangle. A second deputy is on life support and is not expected to survive, authorities stated on Wednesday. The incident began when officers responded to a report of a domestic violence shooting at a residence in the 18700 block of South Smythe Road around 2:25 p.m. Tuesday.
An adult woman at the scene told responders she had been shot. The sheriff’s office reported that the male suspect held an active felony warrant and may have had access to additional weapons. Deputies also learned there could be other victims inside the home. By 3:15 p.m., deputies and SWAT team members made an emergency entry to ensure the safety of the woman and potential others.
Shots fired from inside the residence critically wounded two deputies as they approached. Other officers returned fire before moving the injured men to cover and providing medical aid. The woman was transported to a hospital with injuries believed to be non-life-threatening. The first deputy died from his injuries on Tuesday night and is survived by his wife and two children.
The second deputy remains in critical condition surrounded by family. The sheriff’s office noted that he is an organ donor and arrangements are being considered to honor his wishes. With the suspect believed to be barricaded inside, SWAT teams from the Spokane Police Department and Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office took over the active scene, relieving the Spokane County deputies.
The Spokane Independent Investigative Response Team is now handling the investigation. This includes the initial domestic violence shooting and the homicide, conducted under Washington’s officer-involved critical incident protocol. The sheriff’s office released a social media post stating that the department is devastated by the "tragic and senseless violent shooting."
The statement added that the deputies "bravely moved toward danger to protect others they did not know." Officials described the officers as examples of selfless service who heroically placed themselves in mortal danger. The department said it would continue to support the families of the fallen officers as it processes the loss.
