SPOKANE, Wash. — A suspect was shot by Spokane police near Shadle Park High School after they say he shot at a tow truck driver Thursday night.
On April 18, around 4:30 p.m., the Spokane Police Department (SPD) responded to the 5900 block of North Lindeke for someone threatened by a man with a knife. The caller told police the man then took out a gun and fired it.
SPD said when officers arrived at the scene, information indicated the suspect stabbed and shot the tire of the tow truck being used to tow his vehicle as part of a repossession.
Investigating officers identified the suspect, who they say was not legally allowed to own a gun due to previous felony convictions. According to SPD, the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office filed a report in late 2023 when the suspect’s girlfriend reported he was armed and dangerous. The report said the suspect was “considering engaging with police in an attempt to have them shoot him.”
Probable cause was developed to arrest the man for drive-by shooting and unlawful possession of a firearm.
Around 6:11 p.m., officers were advised the suspect was in or near Shadle Park High School.
At 6:14 p.m., officers were told the suspect was running south in the school. Within a minute, SPD confirmed officers advised shots had been fired at the edge of the school’s campus at Longfellow Avenue.
According to SPD, the suspect sustained life-threatening injuries and was receiving medical care at the hospital.
Per protocol, the three officers who fired their weapons will be put on administrative leave.
The Washington State Patrol is the managing agency for this incident. The Spokane Independent Investigative Response (SIIR) Team will release any updates as they come in.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available. Check back for updates.
