Three killed in Spokane County shootout that left two deputies fighting for their lives
The exchange began at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday when officers responded to a domestic disturbance in eastern Washington.
By Amelia Gupta ·
Two young SWAT deputies are currently fighting for their lives in a hospital after a Tuesday afternoon exchange of gunfire in Spokane County. Both officers were critically wounded during a breach attempt at a residence, according to Sheriff John Nowels.
The incident began around 2:30 p.m. when a woman informed her neighbor that her brother had shot her. Deputies responded to the home, which is located near the Idaho border. Upon arrival, authorities discovered the suspect had an active felony warrant. Officials also noted that other victims might be present in the residence.
Sheriff Nowels stated that SWAT team members and deputies moved to the house to breach the door. The group was immediately met with gunfire from inside. Two deputies sustained critical injuries from the bullets fired by the suspect. While returning fire, other officers worked to move their wounded colleagues to a safe location.
Investigators found one person dead inside the home and another in the yard. The suspect, who was also killed, was the third fatality. The names of the victims and the suspect have not been released to the public. The woman who initially reported the shooting has non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to the hospital with the two deputies.
Nowels described the two injured deputies as having very young children. He told reporters that the day was tragic for the county and that many families have been affected. The sheriff confirmed that both deputies were fighting for their lives as of the news conference. Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the shooting.
