A Spokane County Sheriff’s Office deputy has died and a second remains on life support after the two were shot while responding to a domestic violence call that escalated into a gun battle, the sheriff’s office confirmed Wednesday.
The incident began Tuesday when a woman ran to a neighbor’s house reporting that her brother had shot her. Deputies who responded learned the suspect had an active felony arrest warrant, access to multiple guns, and that additional victims could be inside the home.
Given the threat, the sheriff’s office sent in a SWAT team. As officers approached the house, the gunman opened fire from inside.
“SWAT team members and deputies approached the house, attempted to breach the door and were met with gunfire,” Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels said at a news conference.
Deputies returned fire and pulled their two wounded colleagues to safety. Both were rushed to a hospital, along with the woman who had first reported the shooting; she was treated for injuries that were not life-threatening.
Inside the house, investigators found one person dead, and a second body was discovered in the yard. The suspect was also found dead on the property. Authorities have not released the identities of those who died.
On Wednesday, the sheriff’s office confirmed that one of the wounded deputies had died from his injuries. He is survived by his wife and two children.
“Although we know our deputies knew the risks, they bravely moved toward danger to protect others they did not know,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement. “They did this with honor and with an unwavering sense of duty to their oath to serve and protect the citizens of Spokane County; they heroically placed themselves in mortal danger.”
The second deputy remains on life support and is not expected to survive, according to officials. The sheriff’s office said he is an organ donor and that arrangements are being made so he can “continue to serve others with the gift of life.”
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