SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash. – The Spokane County Sheriff’s Office identified the Spokane Valley deputies who shot a suspect at the Motel 6.
On June 7, officials said Michael Kruse would not listen to commands and moved toward deputies with a knife in his hand before they fired their weapons.
Authorities said Deputies Nathan Booth, Jeff Getchell, Tyler Kullman and Spenser Rassier were all involved in the shooting.
Sheriff’s officials said Deputy Booth has been with the department since November 2014 after receiving a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Eastern Washington University. He was then selected to be a member of the SWAT Team in May 2016.
Deputy Getchell is a 16-year veteran of the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, according to Sheriff’s leaders. They said he has received a Spokane County Sheriff’s Office Certificate of Appreciation Award as well as several commendations from supervisors and recognition from the citizens.
Sheriff’s Officials said Kullman is an 11-year veteran in law enforcement and spent the last six years with the Sheriff’s Office. He and his partner K9 Khan are members of the K9 unit and deploys with the SWAT team. Officials said Kullman is an instructor for Patrol Tactics and Reality Based Training. He previously taught Defensive Tactics.
Deputy Rassier started his career with the Sheriff’s Office in June 2015, according to Sheriff’s Office leaders. Hebecame a SWAT team member in May 2016.
Kruse faces charges of first degree arson and additional charges are expected as the SIRR team continues its investigation. Once the SIRR Team investigation is complete the case will be forwarded to the Spokane County Prosecutor’s Office for review.
