SPOKANE, Wash. — Information about a deadly police shooting that occurred at a North Spokane Walmart on Sunday remains extremely limited due to state law, according to the Spokane Police Department (SPD).
A shoplifting suspect was killed and two Spokane police officers were injured in a deadly incident at the Walmart on North Colton Sunday. Information about the incident is extremely limited due to the nature of it. The shooting is being investigated by the Spokane Independent Investigative Response Team. At this time, Spokane police can't say anything about the shooting.
According to SPD, one of its officers requested backup for shoplifter prevention at approximately 9:30 a.m. Sunday. Julie Humphreys, SPD's communication manager, told KREM 2 the department holds shoplifting emphasis "specials" regularly, where on-duty officers will be assigned to a store to help deter shoplifting.
Another officer arrived and worked with the other officer to confront the suspect, according to SPD.
When the suspect was approached about the alleged shoplifting, SPD said a prolonged physical confrontation happened.
At some point, someone in the story yelled "Gun," and just before 10:30 a.m., at least one officer fired their gun, killing the shoplifting suspect, according to SPD.
SPD said they found a gun and ammunition on the man who was shot. Discharged tasers were also found in the area.
"Responding officers also located what they believe were our tasers that appeared as if they had been deployed at some point," Spokane Police Chief Craig Meidl said.
Both officers were hurt during the fight and were not shot, according to SPD. One officer was taken to the hospital to be treated for his injuries and the other's condition isn't known. No one else in the store was hurt.
The identity of the victim will be released by the Spokane County Medical Examiner's Office at a later time.
According to police, the store was evacuated because of the incident. Police said it will stay closed while officials investigate the incident.
The Spokane County Sheriff's Office has taken over the investigation.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information is made available.
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