Spokane, WA – A deadly overnight shooting at Eastern State Hospital in Medical Lake left both a hospital employee and the armed suspect dead, according to the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities said the incident began shortly after midnight Saturday, September 27, when firefighters responded to a brush fire near the 200 block of East SR 902. A man at the scene reportedly made incoherent statements about aliens before leaving the area.
At around 1:40 a.m., deputies were alerted to shots fired inside a home near West Idaho Street and South Lake Drive, where the suspect allegedly entered and fired several rounds. No residents were injured.
Minutes later, at approximately 1:54 a.m., the suspect appeared at Eastern State Hospital, where he allegedly shot a hospital employee in the parking lot. Deputies quickly arrived and exchanged gunfire with the suspect. Both the armed man and the hospital employee were pronounced deceased at the scene.
Investigators said the suspect had a rifle, a handgun, and tactical gear, along with additional ammunition inside his vehicle. Deputies reported that he had also seized the victim’s radio and broadcasted statements about an incoming army.
Per protocol, the deputy involved in the shooting has been placed on administrative leave. The Spokane Independent Investigative Response Team (SIIR) is leading the investigation, with the Spokane Police Department serving as the case manager.
The Spokane County Medical Examiner’s Office will release the names of both the victim and the suspect, along with their official cause and manner of death, at a later date.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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