SPOKANE, Wash. – Spokane County Prosecutors have determined that two Spokane Police officers were justified in their use of deadly force in a shooting on November 28, 2017.
Officers David Stone and Brent Armstrong were attempting to contact/arrest James Danforth at a home on East Rowan.
During the initial 911 call, officials said the 911 operator could hear shots being fired. The caller stated that Danforth had been staying at the home and had refused to leave. The caller said he was armed with a firearm and had threatened to shoot her in the head. When officers arrived on scene, Danforth had already left the scene.
When Stone and Armstrong arrived on scene they spoke with the occupants and learn Danforth had fired multiple shots while in the house. They found bullet holes in the ceiling. They also noticed a broken-out window large enough for a man to crawl through. A search of the area was done but Danforth was not located. Both victims feared he would come back with a gun and officers agreed to stay while they packed up to go elsewhere.
While Stone and Armstrong were sitting in their patrol cars across the street from the house, they saw a man matching Danforth’s description. Both officers got out and asked Danforth to show them his hands. He did not comply. Officials said he took a few more steps, turned, faced the officers and fired a shot through his jacket pocket. Both officers scrambled to take cover and Danforth continued to walk eastbound.
Prosecutors said out of fear for their safety and the safety of the people inside the house, both officers opened fire and struck Danforth. Officials said he was disarmed and was given first aid but later died at the hospital.
Prosecutors said it was reasonable for Stone and Armstrong to use deadly force. No criminal charges will be filed.
