Officer involved shooting of suicidal man investigated

SPOKANE, Wash. — The Spokane Investigative Regional Response Team is investigating a Spokane Police Officer involved shooting which occurred on May 7, in northeast Spokane.

An officer attempted to stop a reckless driver in the area of Bridgeport and Perry just after 6:00 p.m.

Near Fairview and Perry, the driver, later identified as 29-year-old Terry C. Wallette, abandoned the car, which continued rolling, and fled on foot.

Witnesses state that Wallette was armed with a knife and yelling at people as he charged toward them.

In the area of Dalton and Perry, at least one officer reported Wallette was attempting to “go after” a citizen.

At one point Wallette, with knife in hand, turned toward the officers.

The officers told Wallette to drop the knife but he did not comply.

Witnesses heard Wallette yelling for officers to shoot him.

Wallette then began to stab himself with the knife, at which point officers requested medics.

A taser was used by the officers, but was ineffective.

Witnesses told investigators that Wallette, with knife in hand, moved toward the officers and the officers fired their weapons, striking Wallette.

Officers immediately provided medical aid until Spokane Fire Personnel arrived and took over.

Wallette was transported to a local hospital where he is listed in stable condition.

Wallette potentially faces charges of felony assault and weapons charges.

The case is still being investigated.

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