SPOKANE COUNTY, Wash. — A Spokane County Sheriff's Office Deputy accused of injuring a man in Spokane Valley has been terminated from his position.
According to the Spokane County Sheriff's Office, the sheriff's office said Clay Hilton's conduct was "clearly outside of policy."
The Yakima County Prosecutor's Office announced they intended to file felony and misdemeanor charges against Hilton for his actions that night on Aug. 26.
The sheriff's office said Hilton has the right to appeal the decision and defend himself against the criminal charges he is facing.
“After reviewing the internal investigation, I believe it clearly showed some members of the Sheriff’s Office, including supervisors, did not live up to the standards of conduct of the Sheriff’s Office during and after this incident," Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels said. "I imposed discipline on those members at a level I believe is appropriate, including the significant step of terminating Mr. Hilton’s employment. Additionally, I have made changes to policy, ensuring we appropriately document and review all uses of force. I assure the citizens of Spokane County that we will continue to strive for excellence in our policing and hold ourselves to the high standards they expect. We will also hold accountable those who violate the public’s trust and confidence placed in us as law enforcement professionals.”
In August 2023, Hilton pulled over 62-year-old Kevin Hinton at Terrace View Park in Spokane Valley. Hinton would not hand over his ID to Hilton, and Hinton's attorney said Hilton beat him to the point where he suffered eight broken ribs, a punctured lung and a concussion.