SPOKANE, Wash. – The Spokane County Prosecutor determined that Spokane Police Officers Lee Barker and Seth Wolfe were justified in using lethal force against Oscar Venegas during an incident in February 2024.
On February 12, off-duty U.S. Marshal Michael McDowell witnessed Venegas threatening a security officer with a boxcutter-like knife near North Wall Street and West Riverside Avenue. McDowell identified himself as law enforcement and instructed the security officer to call 911.
According to the Spokane County Communications Manager, Venegas had contacted his Department of Corrections supervisor earlier that day. He admitted to violating probation by drinking alcohol and expressed a desire to die following his daughter’s recent death. Venegas reportedly mentioned wanting a “suicide by cop.”
When police arrived, they repeatedly ordered Venegas to drop the knife. Although he briefly complied, he later picked it up again and moved toward the officers. Despite being hit with taser probes, Venegas continued advancing.
Officers Barker and Wolfe then fired at Venegas, who collapsed. Another officer deployed a taser. Once safe, officers detained Venegas and provided medical aid until medics arrived.
Venegas was taken to Sacred Heart Medical Center but was later pronounced dead. An independent investigation led by the Spokane Independent Investigative Response Team, with help from the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office and Washington State Patrol, concluded the officers’ actions were justified.
