SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash. — A violent multi-state crime spree ended Sunday morning when a suspect was shot and killed by law enforcement officers in Spokane Valley. The man was allegedly involved in a series of carjackings, one fatal shooting, and a high-speed pursuit spanning the Idaho-Washington border.
The incident began around 8:30 a.m. near the Whistle Stop Coffee Shop in Spokane Valley, where the suspect reportedly carjacked a vehicle occupied by a father and daughter. Law enforcement said the man fled eastbound on Interstate 90, reaching speeds of up to 140 mph.
At approximately 8:38 a.m., Kootenai County deputies responded to multiple attempted carjackings in State Line Village, Idaho. During the chaos, a bystander who intervened to help a carjacking victim was fatally shot by the suspect, who was reportedly armed with an AR-15-style rifle.
The suspect then stole another vehicle and headed back west into Washington. Deputies reported that a motorcyclist was injured as the suspect re-entered Spokane County.
As the pursuit continued westbound on East Trent Avenue, the suspect allegedly opened fire at responding law enforcement. The Spokane County Sheriff’s Office said the pursuit concluded when the suspect collided with a vehicle and a Washington State Patrol trooper’s cruiser near the intersection of East Trent Avenue and North Pines Road.
According to investigators, the suspect exited his vehicle while armed and exchanged gunfire with officers. He was shot at the scene and pronounced dead shortly after. Authorities said they attempted to render aid, but the man succumbed to his injuries.
The Spokane Independent Investigative Response (SIIR) Team is reviewing the shooting. Officials have not yet confirmed which agency’s personnel fired the fatal shots.
Several roads in the area, including parts of East Trent Avenue and North Pines Road, remained closed Sunday as law enforcement conducted an active investigation. Authorities from both Washington and Idaho are cooperating in the ongoing case.
The suspect’s identity has not yet been released, and officials say his motive remains unclear.
