Deputies Respond to a Reportedly Armed/Suspicious Male Approaching a School
Deputies Respond to a Reportedly Armed/Suspicious Male Approaching a School
SIIR Team Investigating Deputy Involved Shooting
Spokane Valley and Spokane County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the report of a suspicious male who was sweating and appeared to be adjusting his waistband. The caller continued to provide updates, later stating the suspect was armed with a “Glock 19” and that he was walking toward the school. The school was immediately advised of the situation and activated its emergency plan, placing the school in lockdown. A School Resource Deputy (SRD) arrived first, followed by an additional SRD and other Deputies, close behind. Almost immediately, the initial SRD advised 99 (Emergency Situation) that shots had been fired, and the suspect was down. As soon as it was safe, medical aid was provided, but the suspect was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Thankfully, all students and staff were safe and, after ensuring the scene was secured, they were evacuated, and the children were reunited with their loved ones. No additional injuries were reported.
The Spokane Regional Explosive Disposal Unit (EDU) was called to the scene to inspect a bag believed to have been discarded by the suspect. Unable to definitively confirm whether it contained an explosive device, and with the safety of the students and staff paramount, they disrupted the bag, rendering it safe. Upon closer inspection, it did not appear to contain an explosive device.
The Officer-Involved Protocol was invoked, and the Spokane Independent Investigative Response Team (SIIR) is conducting an independent investigation.
On September 8, 2026, at approximately 11:30 am, Spokane Valley School Resource Deputies, Patrol Deputies, and County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a call regarding a suspicious male at Evergreen Middle School, 14221 E. 16th Avenue. The caller stated that a male was sweating and appeared suspicious while walking across the football field toward the school. As he did so, the caller stated the male appeared to be adjusting his waistband, but he did not see a weapon.
Within the next couple of minutes, the caller provided additional details, saying the suspect was armed with a “Glock 19” that appeared black and silver. He described the suspect as a white male, in his 20s, 6’06” with a medium build, wearing a green trench coat.
As Deputies responded, school administration was advised of the threat, quickly enacted its security protocol, and placed the school on lockdown.
Within 5 minutes of the original call, a Spokane Valley School Resource Deputy arrived on scene and almost immediately advised 99 (Emergency Situation) and that shots had been fired. With additional Spokane Valley and Spokane County Deputies arriving, they advised that the suspect was down and requested medical personnel.
Despite life-saving efforts, the suspect was pronounced deceased at the scene.
No students, staff, or others in the area were injured.
The Spokane Regional Explosives Disposal Unit (EDU) responded to inspect a bag believed the suspect discarded near the school. They could not definitively rule out an explosive, so students and staff were relocated to a more secure location inside. EDU Technicians disrupted the bag, rendering it safe. After inspecting the contents, it did not appear that the bag contained an explosive device.
Additional Deputies searched the school and school grounds to ensure there wasn’t a second suspect or any other suspicious items that could pose a danger.
Working closely with the Central Valley School District throughout this extremely tense situation, and after ensuring it was safe to do so, students were bused to Valley Real Life Church to reunite with their loved ones.
Initial information indicates the suspect approached the arriving Deputy and presented a lethal threat with what appears to be a firearm. In turn, the Deputy used lethal force to protect himself and the students and staff inside the school.
At this time, it is unclear whether the initial caller and the suspect are the same person.
We thank the parents of the students for their patience during this incredibly tense situation while we worked to ensure the scene was safe to evacuate the students and staff.
We also appreciate our strong partnership with the Central Valley School District, which continually worked with us to ensure the safety of the students and staff.
The Officer-Involved Protocol was invoked, and the Spokane Independent Investigative Response Team (SIIR) is conducting an independent investigation.
The SIIR Team is processing evidence and documenting the scene. The SIIR Team is comprised of multiple agencies in eastern Washington, including the Spokane Police Department, the Washington State Patrol, Liberty Lake Police Department, Airway Heights Police Department, the Spokane Valley Police Department, and the Spokane County Sheriff's Office.
- The Spokane Independent Investigative Response Team is investigating, and the Spokane Police Department is the primary point of contact. All future communications regarding this incident will be sent via the SIIR Team.
- The Spokane County Sheriff's Office/Spokane Valley Police will release the name of the Deputy involved at a later time.
- The Spokane County Medical Examiner’s Office will release the name of the deceased suspect, along with his cause and manner of death, when appropriate.
In compliance with WAC 139-12, the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office/Spokane Valley Police Department will not be involved in this investigation.
Once the SIIR Team investigation is complete, the case will be forwarded to the Spokane County Prosecutor’s Office for review.
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