SIRR Team Investigating Officer Involved Shooting
The Spokane Investigative Regional Response Team (SIRR) is investigating the Spokane Police Officer involved shooting that occurred January 15, 2017, at the intersection of Walnut and 5th Avenue in the City of Spokane.
The incident began just prior to 12:30 a.m. when a Spokane Police Officer, in a marked patrol car, stopped to contact a suspicious adult male in the known high crime area of 9th and Adams.
Soon after, the Officer reported via his radio the male pulled a knife on him and was fleeing on foot. Several additional patrol units began to respond to the area to assist. During the chase, less lethal options, including Tasers, were attempted but not effective.
The chase ended in the intersection of Walnut and 5th when an Officer fired his weapon, striking the male as he fled toward occupied vehicles stopped at the traffic light.
Officers at the scene, including an EMT certified SWAT Officer, immediately provided medical assistance while Spokane City Fire personnel responded. Despite their efforts, the male succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The scene was secured and the Officer Involved Protocol was enacted. SIRR Team investigators and Spokane County Forensic Unit Technicians responded to the scene to conduct the investigation and process the scene for evidence.
The Spokane County Medical Examiner’s Office will release the name of the male when appropriate to do so.
Investigators urge anyone who witnessed or can provide information regarding 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, the Washington State Patrol, Spokane Valley Police Department and the Spokane Police Department.
• The Spokane County Sheriff’s Office is the managing agency in this incident. All future communications on this incident will be sent via the SIRR Team.
• The Spokane Police Department will release the name of the officer 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.