A Spokane County sheriff’s deputy has died after being critically wounded in a shooting while responding to a domestic violence call in South Spokane County, Washington. A second deputy remains on life support and is not expected to survive, the sheriff’s office said Wednesday.
The shooting happened at approximately 3:15 p.m. Tuesday at a residence in the 18700 block of South Smythe Road. Deputies had responded to a domestic violence shooting report at around 2:25 p.m. after a woman ran to a neighbor’s home and reported that she had been shot.
When deputies arrived, they learned that the suspected shooter, the woman’s brother, had an active felony warrant and could have access to additional weapons. Authorities also believed there could be more victims inside the residence, leading the SWAT team to respond.
As deputies and SWAT members approached the home to make an emergency entry, shots were fired from inside. Two deputies were critically wounded, and other officers returned fire before moving their injured colleagues to safety and providing medical assistance.
Both deputies were rushed to hospitals for emergency treatment, with Life Flight helicopters requested. A portion of Interstate 90 and U.S. Route 195 was closed to allow emergency crews to transport the wounded officers.
The sheriff’s office confirmed Wednesday that one deputy died from his injuries Tuesday night. He is survived by his wife and 2 children.
The second deputy remains in critical condition on life support, surrounded by family members. Officials said he is not expected to survive, and arrangements are being considered for organ donation.
The families have requested privacy, and the names of the deputies have not yet been released.
The original domestic violence shooting also left 3 people dead, including the suspected shooter. A woman who reported being shot was taken to the hospital with injuries that were not considered life-threatening.
The Spokane Independent Investigative Response Team is handling the investigation, with the Washington State Patrol serving as the point of contact. The findings will be forwarded to the Spokane County Prosecutor’s Office once the investigation is complete.
The Washington State Patrol has taken over the investigation, with the Spokane Police Department assisting. Once the investigation is complete, the findings will be sent to the Spokane County Prosecutor’s Office for review.
The Kittitas County Sheriff’s Office shared the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office update Wednesday, expressing support for the deputies, their families and the wider law enforcement community.