Monique Cotton
Tuesday, July 8, 2014 at Midnight
Spokane Police respond to and investigate a shooting which occurred this morning at Rockwood Cancer Treatment Center on the Deaconess Hospital Campus. Investigators believe this was an isolated incident of murder/suicide.
This morning, 7/8/14, just after 9:30 am, Spokane police received a call that a shooting had occurred at the Rockwood Cancer Treatment Center on the Deaconess Campus at 910 W. 5th Ave. The caller reported that a man had come into the treatment center, shot a woman (later determined to be his wife) who worked at the facility, and then shot himself.
Officers were on-scene minutes after the initial call and immediately moved patients and staff to a secure area. The female was pronounced dead at the scene and the male was transported to the hospital's emergency room for treatment. He was pronounced dead a short time later.
“This incident is both a family and community tragedy. The Spokane Police Department will thoroughly investigate this incident and continue to work closely with our law enforcement and community partners to address issues associated with domestic violence,” - Spokane Police Chief Straub.
Spokane Police Major Crime detectives are investigating the incident, processing the scene, processing the vehicles of the victim and suspect, and interviewing witnesses.
The children of the victim and suspect are safe and with relatives.
Spokane Police Chaplains responded to the scene and assisted with grief counseling following the incident.
Roads surrounding Deaconess are open and the hospital is open for patients and appointments. The Rockwood Cancer Treatment Center is closed for the remainder of the day.
Emergency Services
Situations requiring IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE from Police, Fire or ambulance: call 911
Mental Health Crisis
Situations requiring IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE by phone from trained mental health counselors: call 988
Crime Check
Non-emergency police services: call 509.456.2233 to report crimes no longer in process or submit crime tips.
Crime Check Online Reporting also available.
City Services
Non-emergency reporting of potholes, graffiti, or unlawful camping, utility billing, and general information on city services: call 311 or report online
Social Services
Social services and community resources like housing, food, and employment help: call 211
For general police email contact:
SPDWebMail@spokanepolice.org
Julie Humphreys
509.622.5868
jhumphreys@spokanepolice.org