Spokane County Sheriff’s Deputies determined this morning’s shooting call was an accidental discharge. The adult male involved received medical attention for a non-life threatening wound to his arm.
On January 26, 2017, at approximately 12:40 a.m., Spokane County Sheriff’s Deputies, assisted by Spokane Valley Deputies and Liberty Lake Police Officers, responded to a report of a person shot in the 10500 block of North McCoy Road in Newman Lake.
The initial information received from the 25-year-old male victim was vague, but concerned for public safety, the scene was quickly secured. As deputies and officers began to look for a suspect and investigate the incident, they noticed evidence at the scene was not matching the information provided by the injured male.
When confronted with the concern the evidence did not match the male’s story, along with the need to call in additional resources for the safety of the public, the male admitted he had not been truthful. Deputies learned the male lost control of his vehicle and rolled. He began walking toward a friend’s house but slipped on the icy road, fell and briefly lost consciousness after hitting his head. He explained he was armed with a handgun which accidentally discharged during the fall, striking him in the arm.
A loaded handgun was recovered at the scene as well as additional evidence that support the male’s final statement.
No one else was injured and investigators do not believe anyone else was involved.
The male was transported to a local hospital for his injuries. At this time, he has not been criminally charged but he could face misdemeanor charges as the investigation continues.