A Spokane County sheriff’s deputy has died, and a second deputy remains on life support after they were shot while responding to a domestic violence call in Washington state, authorities said Wednesday.
Deputies went to a home Tuesday after a woman sought help from a neighbor, saying her brother had shot her. Officers learned the man had an active felony warrant, had access to several firearms, and might have other victims inside.
A sheriff’s office SWAT team joined the response. As officers approached and tried to enter the home, a gunman fired at them, Sheriff John Nowels said. Deputies returned fire and brought the two wounded officers to safety.
Both deputies were taken to a hospital. The woman who initially reported being shot was also treated; her injuries were not considered life-threatening.
Investigators found one person dead inside the home and another body in the yard. The suspect was also found dead on the property. Authorities have not released the names of those who died.
The sheriff’s office said the deputy who died leaves behind a wife and two children. In a statement, the agency said the deputies had moved toward danger to protect people they did not know, acting with a strong sense of duty to their community.
The second deputy is not expected to survive, officials said. He is an organ donor, and arrangements are being made for him to help others through donation, the sheriff’s office added.
