Two young SWAT team members are fighting for their lives after a deadly confrontation with a gunman at an eastern Washington home left three people dead, including the suspect.
The shooting erupted Tuesday afternoon in Spokane County, which borders Idaho, when deputies responded to a report of domestic violence around 2:30 p.m. Sheriff John Nowels told reporters that a woman had alerted her neighbor that she had been shot by her brother.
Authorities quickly learned the suspect had an active felony warrant and that additional victims might be inside the residence, according to the sheriff’s office. SWAT team members and deputies approached the house and attempted to breach the door.
“SWAT team members and deputies approached the house, attempted to breach the door and were met with gunfire,” Nowels said during a news conference.
Other deputies returned fire and worked to move the wounded SWAT team members to safety, officials said. The exchange of gunfire proved fatal for the suspect and two other individuals discovered at the scene.
One victim was found dead inside the home, while another body was located in the yard, Nowels said. The suspect also died in the confrontation.
The woman who initially reported being shot by her brother was transported to the hospital along with the two critically wounded deputies. She sustained non-life threatening injuries, according to the sheriff.
Neither the names of the two deceased victims nor the suspect have been released by authorities. Investigators are still working to determine what precipitated the violence and are actively examining the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
“It’s a very tragic day in Spokane County. A lot of families have been affected,” Nowels said. “Both of our deputies, fighting for their lives.”
The sheriff described the wounded deputies as young members of the SWAT team. Both remain in critical condition following the Tuesday afternoon gun battle.
Authorities have not disclosed the nature of the suspect’s outstanding felony warrant or any prior connection between the individuals involved. The investigation into the shooting and its underlying causes remains ongoing.