SPANGLE, WASHINGTON | PUBLIC SAFETY | November 6, 2026
Quick Take
- A Spokane County sheriff’s deputy has died and a second is not expected to survive after both were shot while trying to rescue people from a home near Spangle.
- Authorities say 37-year-old Ryan T. Larsen killed his mother and sister and wounded another sister before opening fire on SWAT deputies.
- Larsen was later found dead from what the medical examiner ruled a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
What’s happening?
Spokane County is mourning after one of the deadliest days for local law enforcement in years. The sheriff’s office said one deputy died Tuesday night and is survived by his wife and two children. The second deputy remains on life support so his organs can be donated, with the office saying he will continue to serve others through the gift of life.
Court records identify the two deputies as Parker Perry and Mason Acheson. The sheriff’s office has not formally released their names, and their families have asked for privacy.
Where and when?
Deputies were called around 2:25 PM on Tuesday, November 3, to the 18700 block of South Smythe Road in Spangle, a farming community about 18 miles south of Spokane. A woman had run to a neighbor’s home saying her brother had shot her in the chest and that others inside were in danger.
Deputies learned Larsen had an active felony warrant for eluding police. A drone found one person dead in the yard. Believing more victims were inside, SWAT deputies tried to break down the door around 3:15 PM and were immediately met with gunfire. Two deputies were hit. Others returned fire, pulled their teammates to cover and gave first aid before they were rushed to Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center.
By the Numbers
| Detail | Figure |
|---|---|
| Deputies shot | 2 |
| Deputies killed so far | 1 |
| Family members killed | 2 |
| Deputies placed on leave | 3 |
Who were the victims?
The Spokane County Medical Examiner identified the family members killed as Suzanne Larsen, 72, the suspect’s mother, and Rebecca Larsen, 45, his sister. The sister who escaped to the neighbor’s home survived with injuries that are not life-threatening.
After the deputies were shot, Larsen barricaded himself inside. Spokane Police and Kootenai County SWAT teams took over the scene, and Larsen was later found dead.
Who feels it most?
Both deputies were young members of the SWAT team, and each has two small children. Sheriff John Nowels said they were seriously injured going in to try to save people.
Flags are flying at half-staff outside the sheriff’s office, and officers across the region are wearing black bands over their badges. Gov. Bob Ferguson said his prayers are with the deputies’ families. A fundraiser is being organized to support them.
What comes next?
The Spokane Independent Investigative Response Team, led by Washington State Patrol, is reviewing the deputies’ use of force. Three deputies who fired their weapons are on standard administrative leave. Memorial plans have not yet been announced.
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