Armed suspect killed by deputy outside Evergreen Middle School in Spokane

Evergreen Middle School in Spokane went into lockdown Tuesday after a deputy shot and killed a suspicious man, allegedly armed with a Glock 19, who approached the school.

At approximately 11:30 a.m., Spokane County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) deputies responded to calls reporting a suspect who was sweating and adjusting his waistband near the school at 14221 E 16th Avenue, SCSO announced.

The caller continued to provide updates, later reporting that the suspect was armed and headed across the football field toward the school. The school was immediately notified and activated its emergency plan.

Spokane School Resource Deputy was first on scene; the suspect was down within five minutes

A School Resource Deputy (SRD) was the first to arrive at the scene and was joined by other deputies shortly afterward. SCSO noted that within five minutes of the initial call, the SRD advised that shots were fired and the suspect was down.

Once the scene was declared safe, medical aid was provided to the suspect, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. No additional injuries were reported.

“Thankfully, all students and staff were safe and, after ensuring the scene was secured, they were evacuated, and the children were reunited with their loved ones,” SCSO stated.

The sheriff’s office noted that initial information indicated that the suspect was approaching the arriving deputy and “presented a lethal threat” with what had appeared to be a firearm. In response, the deputy used lethal force to protect himself, students, and staff.

The Spokane Regional Explosive Disposal Unit (EDU) responded to the scene to inspect a bag filled with unknown contents, which the suspect had discarded.

“Unable to definitively confirm whether it contained an explosive device, and with the safety of the students and staff paramount, they disrupted the bag, rendering it safe,” SCSO wrote.

After it was closely inspected, EDU confirmed that it did not appear to contain an explosive device.

Other deputies searched the school’s campus to ensure there wasn’t a second suspect or any other suspicious items that could pose a danger to students. Neither was found.

Independent investigation into the deputy-involved shooting has been initiated

Coordinating with the Central Valley School District, the students were transported to Valley Real Life Church, where they were reunited with their families.

The Officer-Involved Protocol was initiated, and the Spokane Independent Investigative Response Team will conduct an independent investigation.

SCSO noted that the suspect’s name, along with his cause and manner of death, will be released by the Spokane County Medical Examiner’s Office when appropriate.

Additionally, SCSO and Spokane Valley Police will release the name of the deputy involved in the shooting at a later date.

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