Spokane County Deputy Dies; Second Officer in Critical Condition After Domestic Violence Call

One Spokane County sheriff’s deputy died Tuesday night after being shot during a domestic violence response in Spangle, and a second deputy is not expected to survive his injuries, authorities said Wednesday.

The first deputy died from wounds sustained during the incident. The Spokane County Sheriff’s Office stated that he is survived by his wife and two children. The second deputy remains on life support in critical condition. Family members are at his bedside as the sheriff’s office considers organ donation arrangements to fulfill his wishes.

Deputies were dispatched to a residence in the 18700 block of South Smythe Road around 2:25 p.m. Tuesday following a report of a domestic violence shooting. An adult woman at the scene told officers she had been shot and required medical attention. Officials learned the male suspect had an active felony warrant and potentially had access to additional weapons. Concerns about other victims inside the home prompted deputies and SWAT team members to move toward the property for an emergency entry around 3:15 p.m.

Shots were fired from inside the home as the officers approached, critically injuring the two deputies. Other officers returned fire and moved the wounded colleagues to cover before providing medical assistance. The woman reported to the hospital with injuries believed to be non-life-threatening.

With the suspect barricaded inside, SWAT teams from the Spokane Police Department and the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office were called to the scene. Spokane police SWAT personnel took over the active scene after relieving the Spokane County deputies. The Spokane Independent Investigative Response Team is handling the investigation, including the initial domestic violence shooting and homicide, under Washington’s officer-involved critical incident protocol.

The sheriff’s office posted a statement on social media expressing that the agency is devastated by the violent shooting. The statement noted that the deputies moved toward danger to protect others with an unwavering sense of duty. The office described the officers as true examples of selfless service and dedication to the citizens of Spokane County.

The investigation continues as officials work to determine the full sequence of events that led to the fatal confrontation in the Spangle home.