Medical Lake, WA — Authorities are investigating a deadly series of events that ended in a deputy-involved shooting at Eastern State Hospital early Saturday morning.
According to the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to multiple calls involving a man acting erratically in the Medical Lake area before the situation escalated into an active shooter incident.
Around 12:05 a.m., firefighters were called to a brush fire near E. SR 902, where a man was reportedly yelling, acting aggressively, and making bizarre statements about aliens. He left before deputies arrived.
At about 1:40 a.m., a caller reported an armed man with a rifle entering a home near W. Idaho Street and S. Lake Drive. The suspect fired shots inside but no one was hurt as the residents hid. Deputies in the area soon heard additional gunfire across the lake.
Just before 2:00 a.m., dispatchers received reports of an active shooter at Eastern State Hospital. A hospital employee was shot in the parking lot. The suspect then used the victim’s radio to make threatening transmissions.
Deputies quickly arrived and exchanged gunfire with the suspect. The suspect was shot and pronounced dead at the scene. Sadly, the hospital employee victim also died from their injuries.
Investigators found a rifle, a handgun, tactical gear, ammunition, and additional equipment near the suspect and his vehicle.
The Spokane Independent Investigative Response Team (SIIR) is now leading the case, with the Spokane Police Department serving as the managing agency. The involved deputy has been placed on administrative leave, per standard procedure.
The Spokane County Medical Examiner’s Office will release the names of the deceased once proper notifications are made.
Officials emphasize that this remains an active investigation, and updates will be provided by the SIIR Team as more information becomes available.
Do you want me to keep this neutral like a news release (just facts), or adjust it to be a little more emotional/empathetic toward the victim and hospital staff?
that this remains an active investigation, and updates will be provided by the SIIR Team as more information becomes available.
