Crime & Safety
Clark County, WA Shooting: Deputy Cleared in 2025 Deadly Force Case
Clark County, WA – A Clark County sheriff's deputy will not face criminal charges for using deadly force during a May 2025 struggle that resulted in the death of Marc Fogle, officials announced Monday
By Lauren Beckett · 2026-10-05T22:18:17.915Z
Clark County, WA – A Clark County sheriff 's deputy will not face criminal charges for using deadly force during a May 2025 struggle that resulted in the death of Marc Fogle, officials announced Monday.
According to a statement from Clark County Sheriff John Horch, the Clark County Prosecuting Attorney's Office concluded that Deputy Bryson Layton's use of deadly force during the May 7, 2025, encounter was legally justified.
The decision followed an independent investigation by the Washington State Office of Independent Investigations.
Authorities said the encounter began when Fogle was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. The situation escalated into a physical struggle in which Layton reported that Fogle was attempting to gain control of the deputy's loaded firearm.
An independent witness reported seeing Fogle pinning Layton to the floor and hearing the deputy repeatedly tell Fogle to stop reaching for his gun, according to the sheriff's statement.
Layton ultimately used a knife during the struggle, resulting in Fogle's death.
Prosecutors concluded that a reasonable officer facing the same circumstances would have believed deadly force was necessary to prevent death or serious physical harm. The review also determined Layton's actions met Washington's legal standard and that no further criminal action was warranted.
The state Office of Independent Investigations completed its investigation earlier this year and publicly released its report March 20.
Horch said the determination brings the criminal review of the incident to a close while acknowledging Fogle's death represented a significant loss for his family and friends.
The decision concerns whether Layton's use of force was criminally justified under Washington law.