Deputies/SWAT/Negotiators Peacefully End Volatile Incident
Last night, after an armed domestic violence suspect, who had made statements he’d force law enforcement to shoot him, would not surrender to Spokane Valley Deputies, the SWAT Team and Hostage Negotiation Team (HNT) were called to the scene to assist. During the hours long standoff, Negotiators talked with the suspect who eventually walked out of the residence unarmed and peacefully surrendered to SWAT Team Members.
On March 30, 2018, prior to 9:00 p.m., Spokane Valley Deputies responded to the 12600 block of N. Willow Crest regarding a reported domestic violence call. The victim had fled her home to a nearby residence after she was assault by her husband, later identified as 48-year-old Sean M. Gummow.
The victim told Deputies Gummow assaulted her and during the violent assault he strangled, threatened to kill her and she was in fear for her life. Gummow also made statements he was suicidal and he would make deputies shoot him. The victim was able to flee from the home and she ran to a neighboring residence for help. Gummow followed her and began banging on the doors/windows while he threatened to kill her if she called law enforcement. She explained Gummow probably went back to their home and had access to several weapons.
Additional Deputies responded to the scene and observed Gummow inside the residence. Several attempts to contact Gummow were ignored.
With the seriousness of the crime coupled with the threats made by Gummow to force law enforcement to shoot him and his access to multiple firearms/ammunition, SWAT accompanied by the Spokane Valley Fire Rescue Task Force (RTF), and HNT were called to the scene.
An Alert Spokane/Code Red Emergency Message was sent to residents in the area alerting them of the situation and advising them to shelter in place.
Working together to plan and peacefully end this very volatile incident, SWAT and HNT took control of the scene while a search warrant to enter the residence was requested and obtained.
Just after midnight, HNT advised Gummow was exiting the residence unarmed and was surrendering. SWAT Team Members took him into custody without further incident.
When the search warrant was executed, several firearms where seized for evidence/safe keeping.
Major Crimes Detectives are investigating this incident due to the severity of the crime.
Thankfully, due to the exceptional planning, training and tactics, Deputies, SWAT, RTF and HNT successfully ended this extremely tense and volatile situation peacefully without further injury to anyone, the suspect or law enforcement, while ensuring the citizens in the area remained safe.
Gummow was transported and booked into the Spokane County Jail for Assault 2nd Degree-Strangulation (DV) and Harassment-Threats to Kill (DV).