The Spokane County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that one of two deputies shot near the small town of Spangle on Monday succumbed to his injuries at a hospital Tuesday afternoon. The deputy’s death is the first fatal shooting of an active‑duty law‑enforcement officer in Spokane County since 1983, when Spokane Police Department detective Brian Orchard was killed during a stakeout.
Details of the incident
According to the sheriff’s office, the shooting occurred during a response to a domestic‑violence call. Both deputies were struck by gunfire; the second deputy, whose condition was listed as critical on Tuesday, was not expected to survive at that time. The department has not released the names of the officers involved pending notification of their families.
Historical context
Spokane County has seen very few incidents in which multiple deputies were shot. The last time two sheriff’s deputies were wounded in the county was in 2012, when Deputies Matt Spink and Mike Northway survived after undergoing multiple surgeries. The current tragedy also marks the first time a sheriff’s deputy has been shot and killed in the county since 1867, when Deputy Horace Stewart was killed while attempting to calm a group of soldiers entering the town.
Department response
Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Chief Deputy Mark Jensen said the department is “deeply saddened” by the loss and is providing full support to the families of the fallen officer and the injured deputy. Jensen emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and that the office is working closely with local, state, and federal law‑enforcement partners to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Community reaction
Local leaders, including Spokane County Commissioner Lisa Brown, expressed their condolences and praised the deputies for their service. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of these brave men,” Brown said at a press conference. “Their dedication to protecting our community exemplifies the core values of service and sacrifice that keep Spokane safe.”
What comes next
The sheriff’s office has asked anyone with information about the incident to contact the department’s tip line. The investigation will continue to assess whether the shooting was related to the domestic‑violence call or other factors. In the meantime, the department is reviewing its protocols for responding to high‑risk calls to ensure the safety of both officers and the public.
Residents of Spangle and the surrounding area are encouraged to stay informed through official sheriff’s office updates and to support local first‑responders during this difficult time.
Original reporting: KHQ Spokane (news) — read the source article.
