SPOKANE VALLEY, WA — A reported hit-and-run in Spokane Valley late Saturday night ended in tragedy when an armed man shot himself during a confrontation with deputies.
According to the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded around 11:10 p.m. on February 21 to a property-damage hit-and-run in the 600 block of North Bowdish Road. Callers reported that a driver in a blue Dodge pickup rammed two unoccupied parked vehicles and fled the scene.
A neighbor began following the suspect vehicle and called 911, providing the Dodge’s license plate number. The caller also reported that the suspect struck a mailbox at another location. Near the intersection of North Van Marter Road and East Valleyway Avenue, the driver stopped and exited the pickup, walking toward the witness while holding a black object. The witness, unsure whether the object was a weapon, backed away. The suspect then returned to his vehicle and drove off.
At approximately 11:21 p.m., deputies located the Dodge near East Valleyway Avenue and North Raymond Road. Authorities said the adult male driver was holding a handgun to his head.
Deputies gave repeated commands for the man to drop the weapon. According to the sheriff’s office, the man told deputies to shoot him so he would not have to shoot himself. Deputies attempted to de-escalate the situation, and at one point the man placed the firearm on the ground.
When the man suddenly reached to retrieve the gun, deputies deployed less-lethal options in an effort to prevent him from arming himself. Authorities said those efforts were ineffective. The man grabbed the weapon and moved to the front of his vehicle, appearing to use it as cover. Deputies held their position and continued efforts to persuade him to surrender peacefully.
At approximately 11:22 p.m., the man stood up, placed the firearm back to his head and fired, according to investigators.
Deputies immediately rendered emergency medical aid until relieved by Spokane Valley firefighters. The man was transported to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.
The sheriff’s office stated that deputies did not discharge their firearms and only used less-lethal options during the encounter.
Detectives with the Spokane Police Department responded under a mutual aid request to assist Major Crimes detectives with the investigation. Spokane forensic personnel also processed evidence at the scene.
The incident remains under investigation. The identity of the deceased has not been released pending notification of next of kin.
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of self-harm, help is available by calling or texting 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
