Two Spokane County Sheriff's Deputies, Mason Acheson and Parker Perry, have died after being shot during an ambush while attempting to rescue a woman from a domestic violence situation. The incident began Tuesday afternoon when law enforcement responded to a home on Smythe Road.
Deputies discovered the male suspect, identified as Ryan Larsen, 37, had an active felony warrant. Concerns grew that the suspect might have access to weapons and that other victims could be inside the residence. SWAT was called, and Deputy Perry, a K-9 handler, joined the team approaching the home. Upon forcing entry, gunfire erupted, striking both Acheson and Perry. The deputies were pulled to safety and received medical aid before being transported to a hospital.
Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels announced Friday that Deputy Acheson succumbed to his injuries. Acheson, who served in the Washington Army National Guard and joined the sheriff's office in 2022, is survived by his wife and two young sons. He was a sergeant and trained sniper in the National Guard and a firearms instructor for the sheriff's office.
Deputy Perry remained on life support in critical condition before he also tragically passed away from his injuries. Perry had served with the sheriff's office for nearly seven years and was also a Captain in the Washington Army National Guard. He leaves behind his wife and two children, with a third child expected. His family chose to donate his organs.
"They did this with honor and with an unwavering sense of duty to their oath to serve and protect the citizens of Spokane County; they heroically placed themselves in mortal danger," Sheriff Nowels said of the deputies. "They are the epitome of what the men and women in law enforcement are; they are the best of all of us."
The female victim was transported to the hospital with injuries that appeared to be non-life-threatening. A drone deployed inside the home revealed that the suspect, Larsen, had died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Two other individuals, identified as Suzanne Larsen, 72, and Rebecca Larsen, 45, were also found deceased in the residence. Washington State Police stated Larsen had barricaded himself inside the home.