A Spokane County sheriff's deputy died after being shot while responding to a domestic violence call in Washington state, authorities confirmed Wednesday, Nov. 4. A second deputy wounded during the response remained on life support and was not expected to survive. The deputy's death brought the number of people who died to four, including the suspect.
The response began Tuesday after a woman fled to a neighboring home and reported that her brother had shot her, FOX 13 Seattle reported. Spokane County Sheriff's Office deputies went to the property following that report. The woman was later taken to a hospital, where she received treatment for injuries described as not life-threatening.
Officers learned that the suspect was wanted on an active felony arrest warrant and had access to several firearms. They also received information indicating that other victims might be inside the home. The sheriff's office sent a SWAT team to assist with the response at the property.
Authorities said the deputies were ambushed as they moved toward the house. Sheriff John Nowels described the confrontation at a news conference: "SWAT team members and deputies approached the house, attempted to breach the door and were met with gunfire." The shots came from a gunman inside the home.
Deputies fired back and moved their two wounded colleagues to safety. Both injured deputies were rushed to a hospital. Investigators subsequently discovered a person dead inside the residence and another body in the yard. The suspect was also found dead on the property. Authorities had not released the identities of those who died.
On Wednesday, the sheriff's office announced that one of the hospitalized deputies had died from his injuries. He leaves behind a wife and two children. The other wounded deputy remained on life support, with officials saying he was not expected to recover.
The agency said arrangements were being made for organ donation because the second deputy was an organ donor. In its statement, the sheriff's office described that donation as a continuation of his service to others.
The sheriff's office also paid tribute to the deputies' actions, saying they understood the risks and nevertheless approached danger to protect people they did not know. The agency praised their courage and commitment to serving Spokane County residents.
