SPOKANE, Wash. — The independent investigative team looking into the use of force by four Spokane County Sheriff’s Office deputies who shot and killed a harassment suspect in north Spokane on Tuesday released its preliminary findings Friday evening.
A release from a spokesperson for the Spokane Police Department, the agency leading the investigation, confirmed many details already shared by the sheriff’s office earlier in the week.
The team’s early findings also indicated the suspect killed by deputies was swinging a double-bladed axe at them moments before.
The buildup to a standoff on North Calispel Street began with a number of recent calls to police over conflict between the suspect and his neighbor. Most recently, deputies responded to a report of property damage caused by the suspect on Monday.
Deputies attempted to arrest the suspect for two misdemeanors following that call on Monday, but he was uncooperative. According to the release, deputies decided to leave the home considering the low level of risk to public safety.
The day of the shooting, the suspect called 911 to complain about lights installed at the neighbor’s home that he said were shining into his home.
According to the release, the suspect told dispatchers that he threatened the neighbor, but no weapons were involved.
After deputies spoke with the victim, probable cause was established for new charges including felony harassment. Based on the new charges, deputies applied for and were granted a search warrant to enter the suspect’s home and arrest him.
Per the investigative team’s initial findings, the suspect didn’t cooperate and engaged law enforcement in a standoff.
Deputies forced the front door open, at which time they allege the suspect swung a double-bladed axe toward them. No deputies were hit, and deputies fired at and ultimately killed the suspect.
Investigators recovered the axe used by the suspect along with a baton he allegedly used in the threats to the victim.
