Support pours in for Spokane law officers

Local law enforcement agencies are stepping up in support of Spokane police and the sheriff's office following a fatal shooting Tuesday. 

"Our thoughts are with families, colleagues, and agencies affected by these tragedies," wrote Kootenai County Sheriff's Office Lt. Mark Ellis on Thursday. "We stand ready to support our neighboring law enforcement partners in any way we can." 

Coeur d'Alene and Post Falls police also pledged to help.

"The men and women of the Coeur d'Alene Police Department stand with the deputies' families, our law enforcement partners, and the community members in Spokane County," read a media post. "Your bravery is honored and you are in our hearts and prayers."  

The Washington State Patrol is investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting that happened in Spokane County. Sheriff’s Office deputies responded about 2:30 p.m. to a report of a domestic violence shooting at a residence in the 18800 block of South Smythe Road near Spangle.  

An adult female victim reported that she had been shot and needed medical attention. 

"When deputies arrived, they learned the adult male subject had an active felony warrant for his arrest, may have had access to firearms, and that there may have been additional victims inside the residence," a press release said.   

The Spokane County SWAT Team responded. About 3:15 p.m., out of concern for the victim’s safety, members of the Spokane County SWAT team and SCSO deputies approached the residence. As they approached, shots were fired from inside the home, and two deputies were critically injured by gunfire.  

Other deputies returned fire and worked to move their severely injured teammates to a position of cover while providing medical aid, the release said.

Immediate lifesaving medical resources, including Life Flight helicopters, were requested. A portion of Interstate 90 and U.S. Highway 195 were closed by the Washington State Patrol and other local agencies.

With the suspect believed to be barricaded inside the residence, the Spokane Police Department SWAT Team and the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team were requested to assist.  

An Unmanned Aerial Vehicle pilot entered the residence with a UAV and discovered the male suspect deceased by a presumed self-inflicted gunshot wound. Another victim was found in the house and one in the yard, authorities said.

One of the wounded deputies died and the second is not expected to survive. Their names have not been released.

Ellis said the KCSO/Coeur d'Alene Police SWAT team responded to the incident. The KCSO also offered additional resources and assistance and remains in communication with incident commanders at the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office to support future operational needs. 

Ellis said that in the span of one week, they have seen three separate domestic violence-related incidents result in law enforcement-involved shootings and the tragic deaths of law enforcement officers across the region.  

"These incidents are a sobering reminder of the risks our deputies and officers face while serving their communities," he said. 

Ellis said KCSO deputies are continually reminded of the inherent dangers associated with law enforcement and the unpredictable nature of the calls they respond to every day.  

"However, when we experience multiple incidents of this magnitude in such a short period of time, it reinforces just how quickly a routine call can turn into a life-threatening situation," he wrote. 

While officer safety, situational awareness, and sound tactics are already emphasized in KCSO's daily operations and training, "events like these reinforce the importance of never becoming complacent," Ellis said. "Our deputies are reminded to remain vigilant, look out for one another, and never underestimate the potential dangers of any call for service."