REARDAN, Wash. -- The small town of Reardan, just west of Spokane, is without its only full-time police officer after a fatal shooting Monday.
Police Chief Gary Redmond is on paid administrative leave pending the results of the shooting investigation.
Redmond was checking out a suspicious vehicle at a cemetery on Monday when a gun fight erupted with a male suspect. The chief shot and killed that man. WSP identified him as John Merrick, 54, of Reardan Wednesday.
The town does have a few reserve officers that are currently helping patrol the area.
The investigation is ongoing.
