Three Dead After Spokane County Shooting; Two Deputies Critically Hurt

Deputies went to a home in Spokane County at about 2:30 p.m. Tuesday after a woman told a neighbor that her brother had shot her. She was taken to a hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening, Sheriff John Nowels said at a news conference. The home is in Spangle, east of Spokane.

Authorities said the suspect was subject to an outstanding felony arrest warrant and that there might be other victims inside. Members of the sheriff’s office SWAT team and other deputies approached the house and tried to enter. They were met with gunfire, Nowels said.

Deputies returned fire and helped move two wounded SWAT members to safety. Both deputies were taken to hospital in critical condition. Officials described them as young members of the team.

Three people died: the suspect, one person found inside the home and another found in the yard. Authorities have not released the names of those who died or the two wounded deputies. The shooting and what led to it are under investigation.

Nowels called it a tragic day for the county, saying many families had been affected and the deputies were fighting for their lives.