The Spokane County sheriff's office reported a deputy died, and another was on life support and expected to die after a shooting south of Spokane on Tuesday killed three others, including the suspect.
A statement from the Spokane County sheriff's office called the deputies true examples of selfless service and dedication."
"Although we know our Deputies knew the risks, they bravely moved toward danger to protect others they did not know," the statement said. "They did this with honor and with an unwavering sense of duty to their oath to serve and protect the citizens of Spokane County."
Both deputies had young children, Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels said at a news conference Tuesday evening.
The deputies responded shortly before 2:30 p.m. Tuesday to a domestic violence shooting at a house in Spangle, a tiny town near Spokane. A woman ran to a neighbor's house and reported she had been shot by her brother. According to Nowels, she said others were still inside and at risk.
Deputies flew a drone and found a person down in the yard. The person was later confirmed to be dead. Law enforcement also learned the suspect had an active warrant for his arrest.
About 50 minutes later, a SWAT team and deputies approached the home and shots were fired from inside, critically injuring the two deputies.
Other deputies returned fire.
The suspect and another person in the house were later found dead.
The Spokane police SWAT team and the Kootenai County SWAT team also responded to the scene, since "the suspect's whereabouts were unknown," according to Nowels.
The deputies were taken to Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center, where one of them died, as the Washington State Patrol and other local agencies closed a portion of Interstate 90 and Highway 195 to clear the way for emergency responders.
A woman who was shot and injured also was taken to Sacred Heart for treatment of injuries that were not considered life-threatening.
Tributes to the deputies began pouring in Tuesday afternoon from agencies and public officials across the state.
"My prayers remain with the families of these deputies," Gov. Bob Ferguson wrote in a social media post.
A statement from the Washington State Patrol said the deputies' "bravery and commitment to serving others is a testament to character and courage that can never be forgotten.
Spokane police and the Washington State Patrol were investigating the shooting. Three deputies were placed on administrative leave, which is standard procedure.
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