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What began as a report of a domestic disturbance resulted in a deputy involved shooting and an hourslong standoff in the Thurston County city of Rainier overnight, according to the sheriff’s office.
A sniper ultimately struck the suspect, and armored vehicles tore into the home, ending the standoff without any fatalities.
The suspect's wife, described by The Seattle Times as a woman in her 60s, was dead inside the home, Lieutenant Cameron Simper told The Times.
According to the Times, it is not believed that the man killed his wife, as “there were medical conditions and it was expected,” said Special Services Chief Gabe Frase of the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office, which is leading the investigation.
A deputy is in stable condition after suffering an "immobilizing leg injury” while retreating under fire, according to a news release from the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office.
At 9:10 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 1, Thurston County deputies responded to the 600 block of Nieland Loop Southeast for a report of a domestic disturbance.
“Deputies were advised that there was a deceased body inside the residence,” the sheriff’s office stated in the news release. “Upon contact, a resident in crisis was asked to stay outside while medics responded but instead went inside and locked the doors.”
Two deputies attempted to force entry under exigency when shots were fired at them through the door, the sheriff’s office stated.
One deputy exchanged gunfire with the suspect. Neither deputy was struck by gunfire; however, a deputy sustained the leg injury while retreating. According to the sheriff’s office, the deputy was transported to the hospital in stable condition.
SWAT responded to the scene and a seven-hour standoff ensued, with the suspect firing at law enforcement and an armored Bearcat vehicle numerous times, according to the release.
“A SWAT sniper returned fire during the incident, resulting in a non-fatal injury to the suspect,” the sheriff’s office stated. “The SWAT team used armored vehicles to tear open a hole into the bathroom in the residence where the suspect was hiding. Communication was established with the suspect, who eventually surrendered.”
Law enforcement have not yet released the suspect’s name.
The Thurston County Sheriff's Office thanked the Yelm Police Department, Washington State Patrol, medics, and the Regional SWAT team for “the immediate response and assistance.”
The information being released is preliminary, and this is an ongoing investigation, the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office stated.
The Washington State Office of Independent Investigations (Oll) declined the investigation into the incident, meaning the Region 3 Critical Incident Investigation Team (CIIT) will investigate.
In compliance with state law, the Thurston County Sheriff's Office will not be involved in the independent investigation.
Region 3 CIIT will release the names of the involved deputies during its investigation.
Once the Region 3 CIIT investigation is complete, the case will be forwarded to the Thurston County Prosecutor's Office for review.
