A Spokane County sheriff’s deputy has died, while a second deputy remains on life support and is not expected to survive after the pair were ambushed during a deadly domestic violence response, authorities said Wednesday.
Deputies with the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office went to a home Tuesday after a woman reportedly fled to a neighbor’s house and said her brother had shot her, FOX 13 Seattle reported.
Authorities learned that the suspect had an active felony arrest warrant, access to several firearms and that other potential victims might still be inside the residence.
A Spokane County sheriff’s deputy walks toward a hospital where two SWAT officers were taken after being shot during a domestic violence response. One deputy was killed, and the other remains on life support but is not expected to survive. (Fox News)
The sheriff’s office sent a SWAT team to the residence for assistance. As the officers moved toward the house, a gunman inside opened fire.
“SWAT team members and deputies approached the house, attempted to breach the door and were met with gunfire,” Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels said at a news conference.
The entrance to a hospital where two Spokane County sheriff’s deputies were taken after being shot Tuesday. (Fox News)
The deputies returned fire and dragged their wounded colleagues to safety. Both were taken to a hospital, along with the woman who initially reported the shooting. She was treated for injuries that were not life-threatening.
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 identified any of the people who died.
The sheriff’s office said Wednesday that one of the wounded deputies had died from his injuries. He is survived by his wife and two children.
“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.
“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.”
Officials said the second deputy remains on life support and is not expected to survive.
A helicopter hovers over Spokane, Washington. (Fox News)
“As an organ donor, arrangements are being made, and he will continue to serve others with the gift of life,” the agency added.
