Two Spokane Deputies Wounded in Home Firefight

One deputy died and a second officer is on life support following a Tuesday afternoon shootout in Spangle, Washington. Authorities confirmed the status of the two Spokane County Sheriff’s Department members on Wednesday.

The incident began when a woman told a neighbor she had been shot by her brother. Deputies arrived at the residence in the small farming community south of Spokane. Officials determined the suspect held a felony warrant and suspected other victims were inside. SWAT team members and deputies attempted to breach the door.

Gunfire came from inside the home, striking two officers. Both were transported to a hospital in critical condition. One died that night. The second officer remains on life support, with his family allowing for organ donation.

Sheriff John Nowels identified the fallen officers as younger members of the SWAT team. The deceased deputy left behind a wife and two children. The sheriff’s office stated in a written release that the officers moved toward danger to protect others.

Other deputies returned fire and found the suspect dead inside the house. Two additional victims were discovered, one inside and one in the yard. Names for the suspect and the victims have not been released. The woman who reported the initial shooting was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. An investigation into the cause of the shooting is underway.