11/04/2026
In moments of profound loss, words often feel small, but our shared bond remains unshakable.
From everyone at Spokane County Fire District 4, our deepest thoughts, and prayers are with our brothers and sisters at the Spokane County Sheriff's Office. We are holding their deputies, staff, and families close in our hearts during this incredibly difficult time.
As first responders, we share a commitment to this community, but we also share a commitment to each other. When one of us hurts, we all feel the weight. Please know that we stand firmly beside you today, tomorrow, and through the difficult road ahead.
UPDATE on Critically Injured Deputies
It is with extreme sadness we inform the citizens of Spokane County that one of the Deputies who was critically injured has lost his valiant fight and succumbed to his injuries last night. He is survived by his wife and two children.
The second Deputy remains on life support in critical condition, surrounded by his family; unfortunately, he is not expected to survive. As an organ donor, arrangements are being considered and he will continue to serve others with the gift of life.
The families have requested privacy as they suffer this enormous loss.
Everyone at the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office/Spokane Valley Police Department is devastated by yesterday’s tragic and senseless violent shooting. We will continue to support their families and honor their wishes.
Although we know our Deputies knew the risks, they bravely moved toward danger to protect others they did not know. 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. They are true examples of selfless service and dedication. They are the epitome of what the men and women in law enforcement are; they are the best of all of us. We cherish having served with them as we begin to process the devastating and unthinkable loss.
Please keep these Deputies and their families in your prayers and respect their request for privacy.
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Correction to yesterday’s release, as this incident was a Deputy Involved Shooting, the Officer-Involved Critical Incident Protocol was enacted and the Spokane Independent Investigative Response Team (SIIR), responded to conduct the entire investigation, including the original Domestic Violence Shooting call/Homicide.
The agencies involved, the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office/Spokane Valley Police Department, will not assist or be involved in this investigation, in compliance with WAC 139.
The SIIR Team is comprised of multiple Eastern Washington agencies, including the Washington State Patrol, the Spokane Police Department, the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, and the Spokane Valley Police Department.
• The Spokane Independent Investigative Response Team (SIIR) is conducting this investigation, with the Washington State Patrol as the point of contact for this incident. All future communications regarding this investigation will be sent via the SIIR Team.
• The Spokane County Sheriff’s Office will release the names of the Deputies involved and all communications regarding the Deputies’ condition.
• Once the SIIR Team completes its investigation, it will forward the case to the Spokane County Prosecutor's Office for review.
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Information Released November 4, 2026:
Deputies Critically Wounded at the Scene of a Domestic Violence Shooting
Spokane County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a reported domestic violence shooting at a residence in the 18700 block of S. Smythe Road in South Spokane County. With one victim shot, sustaining non- life-threatening injuries, and additional victims possible, the SWAT Team responded. With the condition of the additional victims unknown, the SWAT Team and Deputies started to make exigent entry to attempt a rescue when they took gunfire from the residence. The shots critically injured two Deputies as others returned fire. The two injured Deputies were rushed to the hospital for critical care.
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On November 3, 2026, at approximately 2:25 pm, Spokane County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a reported domestic violence shooting call at a residence in the 18700 block of S. Smythe Road. One adult female victim stated she had been shot and needed medical attention.
Arriving Deputies learned the adult male suspect had an active felony warrant for his arrest, may have access to additional weapons, and that there were possibly additional victims; the Spokane County SWAT Team responded to assist.
At approximately 3:15 pm, fearing for the victim’s safety, the SWAT Team and Deputies began to approach the suspect’s residence to make exigent entry. As they did, shots were fired from inside the home, and two Deputies were critically injured. Other Deputies returned fire and worked to move their severely injured teammates to a position of cover and provide medical aid.
Finding both Deputies critically injured, immediate life-saving medical aid was requested, including Life Flight helicopters, and a portion of I-90 and US-195 were closed by the Washington State Patrol and other local agencies for the emergency transport.
The adult female victim was transported to the hospital with what appeared to be non-life-threatening injuries.
Both Deputies remain hospitalized in critical condition.
With the suspect believed to be barricaded inside the home, the Spokane Police Department (SPD) SWAT Team was requested, as was the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team.
All Spokane County Sheriff’s Deputies were relieved, and SPD SWAT took over the active scene.
Please contact the Spokane Police Department for additional information regarding the Domestic Violence Shooting scene resolution.
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