SPOKANE COUNTY, WA — Authorities are investigating a shooting that occurred during the pursuit of a stolen vehicle on December 13, 2024. The incident involved the armed owner of the vehicle, who reportedly shot the suspect, and has raised questions about the appropriateness of actions taken during the chaotic sequence of events.

According to the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to reports of a stolen Jeep near W. Charles Road and North Dover Road at approximately 8:40 p.m. The Jeep’s owner, an armed adult male, was actively pursuing the theft suspect in another vehicle at the time of the report.

Shortly thereafter, deputies received calls reporting gunshots in the area of W. Four Mound Road, east of N. Landt Farms Lane. The Jeep owner subsequently informed authorities that he had fired his weapon at the suspect, who abandoned the stolen Jeep in a ditch and fled on foot. Blood was discovered in the abandoned vehicle.

In a nearby area, deputies responded to a report of a man, bleeding and banging on the front door of a residence. Law enforcement, assisted by Spokane Police Officers, Airway Heights Police Officers, and Kalispel Tribal Police Officers, located and detained the wounded suspect, providing him with medical aid. The suspect was transported to a hospital with potentially life-threatening injuries but was last reported in serious but stable condition.

Major Crimes Detectives are investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Preliminary findings indicate that the Jeep owner armed himself and chased the suspect after discovering his vehicle had been stolen. At some point during the pursuit, the owner fired his weapon, striking the suspect before the suspect fled the scene.

Deputies detained the Jeep owner for questioning but released him after an initial interview. Investigators are analyzing three separate crime scenes, seizing the firearm used in the shooting as well as two vehicles involved in the incident.

As the investigation continues, no charges have been filed against the Jeep owner or the suspect, whose name has not been released due to his hospitalization.

This incident serves as a reminder of the risks involved in taking matters into one’s own hands. While the emotions associated with a vehicle theft are understandable, chasing a suspect while armed can escalate the situation and lead to dangerous outcomes. Once a vehicle is stolen, the immediate threat to the owner has typically passed, making pursuit and use of force difficult to justify legally.

Responsible gun ownership involves understanding the laws regarding self-defense and using force only when faced with an imminent threat of death or serious bodily harm. Exercising restraint and allowing law enforcement to handle such situations is not only safer but also legally prudent.