SPOKANE, Wash. — The man shot and killed by police at a North Spokane Walmart over the weekend has been identified.
The Spokane County Medical Examiner identified the victim as 34-year-old Kerry Jones-Hilburg. His cause of death was determined to be a gunshot wound to the torso, and his manner of death has been ruled a homicide.
Jones-Hilburg 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, later identified as Jones-Hilburg, according to SPD.
When he 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 Jones-Hilburg, according to SPD.
SPD said they found a gun and ammunition on Jones-Hilburg. Discharged tasers were also found in the area.
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.
A GoFund Me has been set up for Jones-Hilburg's family to help with funeral expenses. To donate, click here.
The officer who shot Jones-Hillburg was identified as Karl Richardson.
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