SPOKANE, Wash. – Four deputies are on administrative leave after a suspect was shot and killed in north Spokane on Tuesday.
On Jan. 30, around 4:20 p.m., the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) responded to the 6600 block of North Calispel Street for reports of a man attempting to assault their neighbor with a baton, threatening to kill them.
SCSO said deputies responded to the same home the day prior for an associated incident with the same people. On Jan. 29, deputies established probable cause to arrest the suspect on two counts of second-degree trespassing and third-degree malicious mischief. Deputies said that the suspect was uncooperative and wouldn’t exit his home. Deputies cleared the scene and requested a warrant with the listed charges.
According to SCSO, “the suspect had a history of being armed with an axe and damaging the victim’s property.”
The victim told deputies that on Jan. 30, he was attempting to fix a security light the suspect damaged the night before. While standing on a ladder, the suspect walked over with what appeared to be a baton over his head, threatening to kill the victim. The victim said to SCSO that he feared for his life as the suspect continued to approach him, aggressively swinging the baton.
SCSO reviewed video provided by the victim, developing probable cause to arrest the suspect for attempted second-degree assault and felony harassment with threats to kill.
A perimeter was established around the suspect’s home with numerous attempts from crisis negotiators to get the suspect to surrender. After various PA announcements and a phone conversation with the suspects, a threat assessment was made, and SWAT was consulted but did not respond to the scene.
SCSO said they developed a plan to breach the door without entering the home and would continue to try and get the suspect to surrender. Around 6:30 p.m., a search warrant was obtained. At 6:55 p.m., the door was breached.
According to SCSO, deputies remained outside while announcing their presence, still trying to get the suspect out of the home. SCSO said almost immediately, the man aggressed on deputies, who confirmed shots were fired.
The suspect was pronounced dead on the scene, and per standard practice, they placed any officer who fired their weapon on leave. SCSO confirmed four officers believed to have fired their weapons were placed on leave in this incident.
SCSO said a K9 was injured during this incident and was brought to an emergency veterinarian for additional care.
“The dog is alive, but remains hospitalized receiving medical care,” SCSO confirmed.
One deputy received minor injuries and did not require treatment at a hospital.
The Spokane Independent Investigative Response Team (SIIR) is conducting the investigation.
