The Spokane Investigative Regional Response Team (SIRR) is investigating the Spokane Police Officer involved shooting that occurred May 1, 2016, at 22 West Main in front of Zola’s.
At approximately 12:30 a.m., citizens in the area reported the suspect, later identified as 34-year-old Charleston D. Harper, was chasing and threatening people while armed with a machete. Harper had also made statements he wanted officers to shoot him.
Initial responding officers attempted to contain Harper’s movements. One officer deployed his Taser in an attempt to peacefully end the incident but was unsuccessful.
Harper continued to make statements he wanted to be shot by officers as he placed the machete to his throat and stomach. The officers talked with Harper for approximately 20 minutes as they tried to get him to peacefully surrender but Harper stood up and opened a door that led into the foyer of an occupied apartment building.
To prevent Harper from entering the building, potentially risking the safety of citizens in Zola and the apartments, officers utilized less lethal munitions and a firearm striking Harper.
Officers moved in and took Harper into custody even as he continued to struggle and resist. Medics, who had been staged nearby, provided medical aid almost immediately. Harper was transported to a local hospital for non-life threatening injuries.
No citizens or officers were injured during this incident.
Harper is currently charged with Burglary 1st Degree but this continues to be an active and ongoing investigation and additional charges are possible. SIRR detectives and Spokane County Forensic Unit Technicians will continue to process evidence, review officer body camera video, interview witnesses and interview the officers involved with this incident.
Investigators are asking for anyone who witnessed or took video footage of this incident to call Crime Check at 509-456-2233.
The SIRR Team is comprised of multiple agencies in Eastern Washington, including the Spokane County Sheriff's Office, Washington State Patrol, Spokane Police Department, and Airway Heights Police Department.
• The Spokane County Sheriff’s Office is the managing agency in this incident and all future
release of information regarding this incident will be sent via the SIRR Team.
• The Spokane Police Department will release the name of the officers involved in this incident.
• Once the SIRR Team investigation is complete, the case will be forwarded to the Spokane
County Prosecutor’s Office for review.