Police in Spokane Valley Fatally Shoot Suspect Following Fatal Carjacking Incident
Spokane Valley, WA — In a tragic turn of events early Sunday morning, police shot and killed a man who was allegedly involved in a deadly carjacking spree in Kootenai County, Idaho, that culminated in the death of a good Samaritan.
The Incident Unfolds
The chaos began around 8:30 a.m. when an unidentified suspect stole a vehicle from a father and daughter in Spokane Valley. The police were alerted and initiated a pursuit, but lost track of the suspect as he sped toward Idaho, reportedly reaching speeds of up to 140 mph.
Once in Kootenai County, the situation escalated. Authorities confirmed that the suspect intentionally struck a motorcyclist in the parking lot of Liberty Stop-N-Go at Stateline, leaving the victim with moderate injuries that required hospitalization. The situation worsened when the suspect attempted to carjack multiple vehicles and, during one failed attempt, fatally shot Gary Hill, a local man who had intervened to assist a woman in distress.
Honoring a Good Samaritan
Gary Hill’s daughter, Laurie Hill, shared her grief and pride in a heartfelt Facebook post, referring to her father as a hero. "I’m so grateful that my dad will be remembered as a good Samaritan," she wrote. Friends and family have initiated a GoFundMe campaign to help with funeral expenses, describing Hill’s death as a "heartbreaking loss" and affirming his courageous act in the face of danger. He was a father of three and a beloved grandfather.
The Pursuit and Fatal Confrontation
After the incident involving Hill, the suspect stole another vehicle to flee back into Washington. Police deployed spike strips in an attempt to stop him, but despite this, the suspect continued to evade capture at high speeds. He eventually crashed into another vehicle and collided with a Washington State Police trooper’s car, which was on the scene for an unrelated incident.
When the suspect exited the stolen vehicle, armed, officers responded by shooting and killing him at the intersection of Trent Avenue and Pines Road.
Ongoing Investigation
The suspect’s identity has not yet been released, and the Spokane County Medical Examiner’s office is expected to provide further details in due time. This incident has raised significant concerns and questions about public safety and the escalating dangers associated with carjacking crimes in the region.
This story is developing. Further details will be updated as they become available.
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