Two Spokane County SWAT deputies shot in ambush; one dead, one on life support with organ donation arrangements underway

A Spokane County sheriff's deputy is dead and a second is on life support — not expected to survive, with arrangements being made for organ donation — after a gunman opened fire on a SWAT team trying to breach a home near the small farming community of Spangle in eastern Washington on Tuesday afternoon. Three other people, including the suspect, were found dead at the scene.

The chain of events began around 2:25 p.m. when a woman arrived at a neighbor's house with a gunshot wound, telling them her brother had shot her. Deputies who responded learned the suspect had an active felony arrest warrant, may have had access to multiple weapons, and could have other victims inside the home on South Smythe Road in southern Spokane County, according to the Spokane County Sheriff's Office.

Around 3:15 p.m., SWAT team members and deputies approached the residence. The moment they tried to breach the door, gunfire erupted from inside.

SWAT team members and deputies approached the house, attempted to breach the door and were met with gunfire.— John Nowels, Spokane County Sheriff

Both deputies were struck and critically wounded. Other members of the team returned fire and pulled their colleagues to safety before rushing them to Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane. The suspect was later found dead inside the home. Investigators also found one person dead inside and another dead in the yard — two victims the suspect had apparently shot before barricading himself, according to KIRO 7.

One of the two wounded deputies died of his injuries Tuesday night. He is survived by his wife and two children, the sheriff's office confirmed. The second deputy remained on life support Wednesday, kept alive to allow for organ donation.

He will continue to serve others with the gift of life.— Spokane County Sheriff's Office

Sheriff Nowels described both deputies as younger members of the SWAT team, each with young families. Sacred Heart Medical Center was surrounded by law enforcement vehicles and deputies in dress uniforms in the hours after the shooting, according to KIRO 7.

Both have very young families. Both have two very young children each. I would ask that we respect their privacy while they are up in the hospital and we are able to give them the time with their loved ones that they deserve.— John Nowels, Spokane County Sheriff

Neither deputy has been publicly identified. The names of the suspect and the other two victims found at the scene have also not been released. The woman who initially reported being shot was treated at a hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.

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.— Spokane County Sheriff's Office

Three deputies who returned fire on the shooter are on leave, a standard procedure, Nowels said. The home remained at the center of a large crime scene Wednesday, with crews observed removing a body from inside, according to KIRO 7.

A lot of the questions I have about the why — what caused this, why did this person do this — we don't have answers to.— John Nowels, Spokane County Sheriff

The Spokane Independent Investigative Response Team, with the Washington State Patrol serving as point of contact, is handling the investigation into the entire incident — including the original domestic violence shooting. Its findings will be sent to the Spokane County Prosecutor's Office for review. A spokesperson said more details on what led to the shooting would be released Thursday, according to KIRO 7.

Why it matters — The ambush death of one deputy and the imminent loss of a second — both young fathers — underscores the lethal risks of domestic violence calls, which are among the most dangerous situations law enforcement responds to.

Reported by cbsnews.com, foxnews.com, cnn.com, komonews.com, kiro7.com