Conversation Turns Violent: Suspect Shot in the Leg During a Struggle with the Victim Over Control of a Handgun
Initial information indicates two adult male acquaintances were hanging out at one of the male’s (believed to be the victim) apartment. This quickly escalated into an altercation, and the situation intensified even more with the victim being held at gunpoint. The victim eventually tried to grab another handgun in the apartment, and he and the suspect began fighting for control of the weapon. The victim fired a round, striking the suspect in the leg. The suspect was transported to a hospital for treatment, and the victim was not seriously injured. Major Crimes Detectives responded and are investigating.
On May 17, 2022, at approximately 2:30 am., Spokane Valley Deputies responded to the apartment complex, 6121 E. 4th Avenue, for the report of a possible shooting/robbery.
With minimal information, Deputies arrived and began to assess the situation when they observed an adult female open the apartment door where the incident was believed to be occurring. Not knowing if she was armed or how many people were involved, Deputies gave commands, which she followed. After being safely detained, she confirmed two males were inside the apartment, and one had been shot.
Deputies moved to the apartment door and announced their presence. The adult male, believed to be the victim, had a handgun tucked into the front of his waistband. He followed commands, was disarmed, and safely detained.
The second male, believed to be the suspect, was lying on the floor with what appeared to be a gunshot wound to his leg, with a makeshift tourniquet applied. Deputies provided medical attention, including an actual tourniquet to try and control bleeding.
Spokane Valley Fire and AMR personnel responded and took over medical treatment. The suspect was transported to the hospital for additional care.
Major Crimes Detectives were called to the scene to conduct an investigation.
Preliminary information indicates the victim is acquaintances with the female and the suspect. The suspect was at the victim’s apartment, talking when he attacked the victim. The victim was overpowered, bound, and held at gunpoint with one of his own pistols that the suspect had grabbed.
While the victim was later untied during the incident, he decided he needed to do something to save his life. He dove for a different pistol on a shelf when the suspect wasn’t expecting it. As he did, the suspect began wrestling with him for control of the handgun. The victim fired a shot, hitting the suspect in the leg.
Knowing that the suspect’s bleeding needed to be controlled, he instructed the female to use a piece of rope as a tourniquet until Deputies arrived.
No names are being released at this time as Major Crimes Detectives continue to investigate this incident and what occurred. They continue to process the scene for evidence and conduct interviews.
No one has been charged at this time, but charges are expected as the investigation continues.