Washington sheriff reveals fate of 2 deputies shot during SWAT operation
SPOKANE COUNTY, WASHINGTON: A sheriff's deputy has died and another remains on life support after a SWAT team was met with gunfire while responding to a domestic violence call on Tuesday, November 3. The shooting left four people dead, including the suspect and one deputy, while the second officer is not expected to survive.
The Spokane County Sheriff's Office said deputies were initially called to a home after a woman ran to a neighbor's house, saying her brother had shot her. The situation escalated when officers learned the suspect had an active felony warrant, access to multiple guns and that there could be more victims inside the home.
A Spokane County sheriff's deputy is dead and a second remains on life support with non-survivable injuries after both were ambushed responding to a domestic violence call in Washington state. Deputies arrived at a home on South Smythe Road on Tuesday after a woman fled to a neighbor's house reporting that her brother had shot her. When a SWAT team moved to breach the door, a gunman inside opened fire. Deputies returned fire and pulled their wounded colleagues to safety, rushing them to a local hospital. The deputy who died is survived by his wife and two children. The second deputy is not expected to survive and is being kept on life support as an organ donor. Full story here https://t.co/dmiZQxZtkP
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Gunman opens fire as Spokane County SWAT team approaches home
The sheriff's office deployed a SWAT team to assist with the response. As deputies approached the property and attempted to enter, the gunman opened fire from inside the home.
"SWAT team members and deputies approached the house, attempted to breach the door and were met with gunfire," Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels said during a news conference.
Deputies returned fire before pulling two wounded officers to safety. Both were rushed to a hospital along with the woman who had initially reported being shot. She was treated for injuries that were not considered life-threatening.
2 civilians killed, 2 deputies critically injured after shooting in Spokane County, Washington Tuesday afternoon, officials announce tonight; suspect deceased. https://t.co/viJr8Q3ks9
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Four people die after Spokane County shooting
Investigators found one person dead inside the home and another body in the yard. The suspect was also found dead on the property.
Authorities have not released the identities of those who died. The sheriff's office later confirmed that one of the two wounded deputies had succumbed to his injuries.
The deputy is survived by his wife and two children. His death has left the department mourning an officer who was among those who moved toward the danger during the response.
"Although we know our deputies knew the risks, they bravely moved toward danger to protect others they did not know," the sheriff's office said in a statement.
Second Washington deputy remains on life support
The second deputy remains on life support and is not expected to survive, according to officials. The sheriff's office also shared that arrangements are being made for him to become an organ donor.
"As an organ donor, arrangements are being made, and he will continue to serve others with the gift of life," the agency said.
The department also praised the deputies for their actions during the shooting, saying they acted with honor and a strong sense of duty.
"They did this with honor and with an unwavering sense of duty to their oath to serve and protect the citizens of Spokane County; they heroically placed themselves in mortal danger."
