Police Department

Spokane Police Department Responds to an Armed Barricaded Subject

Lt. Terry Preuninger, PIO

Monday, March 4, 2024 at 1:10 p.m.

Spokane Police Officers, SWAT, HNT, EDU, and K9 respond to an armed barricaded subject who attempted to light his residence on fire with a victim inside.

On Sunday, 3/3/2024, just after 1300 hours officers responded to a Domestic Violence incident in the 3200 block of W Boone Ave. The incident began after a female called to report a distraught male attempting to light the residence on fire. After officers arrived on scene, the suspect fled to a bedroom inside of the residence. The living room of the residence was actively on fire and smoking heavily. Officers then worked to put the fire out and escort the victim out of the residence.

Officers determined the suspect had barricaded himself in a bedroom and was possibly armed with a firearm. Officers then established a perimeter around the residence while SWAT, Hostage Negotiating Team (HNT), Explosives Disposal Unit (EDU), and K9 officers were dispatched to assist. 

The Spokane Fire Department was requested and had resources standing by in the event the fire resumed. 

SPD attempted to communicate with the male unsuccessfully for over an hour.

Eventually an EDU robot and drone entered the residence and located the male with what appeared to be a fatal, self-inflicted gunshot wound.  Officers entered the structure to confirm this and make sure there was no one else in the residence. 

The SPD Major Crimes Unit (MCU) responded and is conducting an investigation. 

The Spokane County Medical Examiner’s Office will conduct a concurrent and separate investigation, they will release the name of the deceased at a later date.

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