Spokane Valley shooting suspect is dead, deputies confirm

August 17, 2019 5:09 AM

Erin Robinson and Kyle Simchuk

Posted: August 17, 2019 5:09 AM

Updated: May 20, 2021 10:55 AM

by Erin Robinson and Kyle Simchuk

SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash. — Deputies confirm the suspect in a shooting near Knox Ave and Woodruff Road in Spokane Valley is dead.

Spokane County Sheriff’s Office deputies, Spokane Valley Police officers, Spokane Police officers and members of the SWAT team all responded to the area Friday morning for reports of shots fired.

BREAKING: Sheriff’s Office says shooting suspect is dead. Deputies say he walked into a business (closed to the public) and started shooting. No one else was injured. Montgomery near Woodruff will be closed for several hours. #4NewsNow pic.twitter.com/RvAgFi5ed0

— Kyle Simchuk (@KyleKXLY) August 16, 2019

Corporal Mark Gregory said several law enforcement members, including the SWAT team, were training at a facility nearby when the initial report came in and were able to quickly get to the scene.

The initial report of the suspect came from an employee at a business in the area. The employee told dispatchers his girlfriend’s ex-boyfriend was outside the business with a handgun and was banging on the glass door trying to get inside. A few minutes later, law enforcement officials received another call that the suspect had opened fire.

Gregory said responding deputies fired shots and the suspect was hit at least once. The suspect then got into his car and started to drive away. Gregory said the suspect crashed his car and when deputies caught up to him, he had already died.

“The vehicle was almost on fire, I mean it was that hot,” said Chad Michelbook, who works in the business park.

Here is what we are just learning: there is no active shooter situation at this time. There is no threat to the public #KXLY pic.twitter.com/ECLz10UdXc

— Ariana Lake (@arianaKXLY) August 16, 2019

No one else, including deputies, was injured.

E. Montgomery Dr. near Woodruff Ave. is completely blocked off and will be closed for several hours.

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