Spokane, Wash. – Air support guided Spokane police to an armed shooting suspect in Spokane Wednesday.
According to the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, the Spokane Regional Air Support Unit (SRASU) Air 1 was already conducting training on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026, when it was called to assist the Spokane Police Department in tracking a fleeing suspect believed to be armed.
Authorities said the suspect was allegedly connected to a drive-by shooting. The sheriff’s office stated that Air 1 provided real-time location updates to officers on the ground, allowing them to maintain distance while monitoring the suspect’s movements.
The aerial coordination enabled Spokane police officers to follow the suspect at a safer pace, reducing potential risk to the public, according to the sheriff’s office. Officials said the flight crew relayed continuous updates as the situation developed.
Law enforcement agencies frequently use air support during high-risk incidents to improve situational awareness and limit close-contact pursuits. According to the sheriff’s office, the assistance in this case helped officers track the suspect without escalating the situation.
Further details about arrests or charges were not immediately released. The Spokane County Sheriff’s Office said additional information may be provided as the investigation continues.
Incidents involving active police responses can affect traffic and nearby neighborhoods, particularly during daytime hours when commuters and students may be traveling.
Authorities have not released the suspect’s identity. The investigation remains ongoing.
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