Ex-local deputy involved in fatal shooting probe

From staff reports

An investigation into last week's fatal shooting of a Greenacres, Wash., pastor involving a former Kootenai County Sheriff's deputy and current Hayden resident continues.

Spokane County Sheriff's Deputy Brian Hirzel shot and killed Greenacres Baptist Church Pastor Wayne Scott Creach, 74, after a confrontation last Wednesday night in the parking lot of Creach's Spokane Valley nursery business, according to Spokane Police.

Hirzel, who worked for Kootenai County for four years, is on paid administrative leave during the investigation. He is currently assigned to work in the City of Spokane Valley and has worked for Spokane County for the past two years.

According to Spokane Police, which is investigating the case with Washington State Patrol, Hirzel was checking out a prowler report at The Plant Farm on Fourth Avenue in Spokane Valley around 11 p.m. before a confrontation between Creach and Hirzel occurred.

"Deputy Hirzel fired his duty weapon, striking Creach with a single gunshot wound, ultimately causing his death," a Spokane Police press release states.

Detectives located a handgun on the ground near Creach, police said. He reportedly had the gun because he heard a prowler outside.

The Kootenai County Sheriff's Department hasn't released any information on Hirzel's time with the agency.

Hirzel also formerly worked as a patrol officer for 13 years from 1991 to 2004 for Cathedral City Police in California near Palm Springs.