The Spokane Investigative Regional Response (SIRR) Team is investigating a Stevens County Deputy’s officer involved shooting that occurred in Hunters, WA and this is an update to the original release.
This incident began August 19th, 2015 at approximately 6:00pm. Stevens County Sheriff’s Office received two different 911 calls of a male with a gun in the 4900 block of Hunters-Shop Rd in Hunters, WA. They received an additional report of shots fired in the area prior to deputies arriving.
Here is a picture of the firearm located near Hale’s body at the Steven’s County scene (one view is cropped from the other).
One of the callers, a male victim, reported he’d been threatened by Jason Hale (29). Hale indicated to the victim and another female acquaintance he had a firearm and was suicidal. Hale threatened to shoot the male after he tried to take the keys from the ATV Hale was on. Hale, who has a felony conviction, also had a felony warrant for his arrest for 2nd Degree Malicious Mischief.
At approximately 7:00pm, Corporal Dave Reed located Hale in the area of Hwy. 25/Lemon St. An physical altercation ensued, the suspect pulled out a firearm and pointed it at Cpl. Reed. Cpl. Reed fired his weapon striking Hale just below his jaw. Life saving measures were attempted, but the suspect died from his injuries.
No other citizens or deputies were injured during this incident.
The SIRR team responded and processed the scene. The firearm Hale had was found near his body on the ground. During the investigation it was learned the firearm had been reported stolen.
This continues to be an active and ongoing investigation.
The SIRR Team is comprised of multiple agencies in Eastern Washington, including the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, Washington State Patrol, Spokane Police Department, and Airway Heights Police Department.
• The Spokane Police Department is the managing agency in this incident and all future release of information regarding this incident will be sent via the SIRR Team.
• Once the SIRR Team investigation is complete, the case will be forwarded to the Stevens County Prosecutor’s Office for review.
Original release:
The Spokane Investigative Regional Response (SIRR) Team is investigating a Stevens County Deputy’s officer involved shooting that occurred in Hunters, WA.
This incident began yesterday, August 19th, 2015 at approximately 7:00pm, when Stevens County Deputies were responding to a domestic situation in the 4900 block of Hunters-Shop Rd in Hunters, WA. The suspect, who has a felony conviction, was believed to be armed with a firearm. He also had a felony warrant for his arrest.
Deputies located the suspect who fled on foot. An altercation ensued and the suspect produced the firearm. One deputy fired his weapon striking the suspect. Life saving measures were attempted, but the suspect died from his injuries.
No other citizens or deputies were injured during this incident.
This continues to be an active and ongoing investigation. SIRR detectives and Spokane County Forensic Unit Technicians will continue to process evidence, interview witnesses and interview the deputies involved with this incident.
The SIRR Team is comprised of multiple agencies in Eastern Washington, including the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, Washington State Patrol, Spokane Police Department, and Airway Heights Police Department.
• The Spokane Police Department is the managing agency in this incident and all future release of information regarding this incident will be sent via the SIRR Team.
• The Stevens County Sheriff’s Office will release the name of the deputies involved in this incident.
• Once the SIRR Team investigation is complete, the case will be forwarded to the Stevens County Prosecutor’s Office for review.
Ofc. Teresa Fuller | Spokane Police Department