Seven officers and a K9 were injured in a collision with suspects fleeing from a drive-by shooting on July 19, 2024. All the officers and the K9 are currently in local hospitals and are expected to recover. The suspects also sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to a hospital.
The incident happened in Spokane, Washington, and began just before 1:00 p.m. when SWAT and K9 officers, who had just cleared a call for a suspect with a warrant, spotted a vehicle linked to a recent drive-by shooting.
The K9 officer attempted to stop the vehicle, but the suspects fled. Due to the severity of the original crime, officers initiated a pursuit.
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An armored vehicle joined the chase as the suspects fled into a residential neighborhood. The collision occurred at the intersection of Carlisle and Oak when the suspects’ vehicle, heading eastbound, crashed into the southbound armored vehicle. The K9 vehicle, in pursuit, subsequently collided with the suspect car.
Three suspects were detained without further incident and transported to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The K9 was taken to a local veterinarian, and the officers were transported to the hospital after the scene was secured. A civilian car, northbound on Oak, saw the approaching armored vehicle with lights and sirens, pulled over, and narrowly avoided the collision.
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Fortunately, everyone involved is expected to recover from their injuries, and no additional injuries were reported.
“This incident highlights the challenges our patrol officers face daily with the number of shootings they investigate and the behavior of suspects, not only while committing these violent crimes but also the great lengths they’ll go to escape. It puts the community at risk,” said Spokane Police Chief Justin Lundgren.
Mayor Lisa Brown commented on the incident, saying, “Several Spokane Police officers were injured today while making an arrest. Any injury is tragic, but I am grateful it did not result in the loss of life. My thoughts are with the officers and their families.”
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