3 dead, including suspect, and 2 deputies seriously injured in Eastern Washington

Spokane County, WashingtonP.A. —

A shootout followed by an exchange of gunfire with responding officers left three people dead, including the suspect, and two deputies seriously injured Tuesday in eastern Washington state.

Deputies went to a home in Spokane County, which borders Idaho, around 2:30 p.m. after a woman told her neighbor she had been shot by her brother, Sheriff John Nowels said at a news conference.

Authorities determined that the suspect had an active felony warrant for his arrest and that there may be additional victims, according to the sheriff’s office.

“SWAT team members and deputies approached the home, attempted to break down the door and were met with gunfire,” he said.

Other deputies returned fire and worked to bring the injured SWAT team members to safety, officials said.

One person was found dead in the house, while another was in the yard, he said. The suspect is also dead. Neither the names of the victims nor those of the suspect have been released.

Authorities are investigating the shooting and its causes.

The two deputies, whom Nowels described as young SWAT team members, were taken to the hospital, along with the woman who said she was shot by her brother. His injuries are not life-threatening, he said.

“This is a very tragic day in Spokane County. Many families have been affected,” he said. “Our two deputies are fighting for their lives.”