Washingtoner - Spokane: SPD Involved in a Use of Deadly Force on North Cincinnati St

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~ In the early hours of May 21st, 2026, a domestic violence situation unfolded in the area of 2000 N. Cincinnati St. According to reports, officers were called to the scene at around 5:00 am after receiving a call from out-of-state family members of a male at the location.

The family members reported ongoing domestic disputes between the male and his wife, as well as suicidal statements made by the male. They also informed 911 dispatchers that the male had access to a firearm and was at the location with his wife and two young children.

Upon contacting the wife by phone, she revealed that her husband had been drinking and was armed with a gun and possibly a knife. She also stated that he had been threatening to harm himself if she were to leave him. The wife further disclosed that she and her two children were upstairs while her husband was downstairs in the living room.

When officers arrived on scene, they were able to communicate with the female through a second-story window. She informed them that she was unable to safely leave with her children as her husband was downstairs. Shortly after, officers heard an argument between the couple followed by screams and cries from the female. The officers then heard mention of a gun and what sounded like a physical struggle between the two.

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Fearing for the safety of those involved, officers made an exigent entry into the home where they witnessed a physical altercation between the male and female. The male was holding a gun, prompting officers to intervene in order to protect those involved. During this intervention, one officer discharged their weapon, fatally striking the male.

The female and two children were quickly removed from harm's way by officers who then began life-saving measures on the injured male until relieved by medics. Unfortunately, despite their efforts, he succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

Thankfully, no one else was reported injured during this incident and there is no ongoing threat to the public. As per standard protocol, the officers involved have been placed on administrative leave and their names will be released at a later date.

The Spokane Independent Investigative Response team (SIIR) will be leading the investigation into this incident. This team is made up of multiple agencies in Eastern Washington, including the Spokane County Sheriff's Office, Washington State Patrol, and the Spokane Police Department.

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In compliance with WAC 139-12, personnel from the Spokane Police Department will not be involved in this investigation. All future communications regarding this incident will be handled by the SIIR Team. The Spokane County Sheriff's Office is the case managing agency for this incident.

Once the SIIR Team completes their investigation, the case will be forwarded to the Spokane County Prosecutor's Office for review. The name of the deceased will be released by the Spokane County Medical Examiner.

This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by law enforcement officers every day as they work to protect and serve their communities. Our thoughts are with all those affected by this event.

Filed Under: Government, City

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