A tumultuous sequence of events unfolded in the early hours of Saturday, resulting in two fatalities and a sheriff’s deputy being placed on administrative leave. The incident originated in a grocery store parking lot, escalating into a series of violent acts that left the community in shock.
Around midnight, a man was captured on security cameras at Lakes Harvest Foods. The Spokane County Sheriff’s Office suspects this individual was involved in several incidents throughout the night. The footage revealed him igniting a brush fire near the parking lot, attempting to put it out, only to rekindle it shortly after.
Emergency services arrived within a span of ten minutes. However, the suspect remained in the vicinity, circling the parking lot before parking his vehicle in front of the store. He was observed consuming something from his trunk before leaving the scene.
The situation took a turn for the worse when the suspect allegedly entered a residence in a nearby neighborhood around 1:40 a.m., discharging several rounds of ammunition while the residents took cover. The peaceful ambiance of the neighborhood was disrupted, leaving residents like Shelly Quigley, who was awakened by the gunfire, in a state of shock.
The suspect’s violent rampage continued to Eastern State Hospital, where he reportedly shot an employee. He is believed to have seized the employee’s radio, broadcasting ominous warnings of an approaching army.
Upon the deputies’ arrival at the hospital, a gunfight ensued with the suspect, who was later found dead near his vehicle. A rifle and a handgun were recovered from the scene, and the suspect was found wearing tactical gear.
The Spokane Independent Investigative Response Team has taken over the investigation. The deputy involved in the incident has been placed on administrative leave, with the Sheriff’s Office intending to disclose the deputy’s identity in the future.