7 officers, K9 dog, and 3 others hospitalized after shooting suspects crashes into an armored truck

Seven officers and a K9 were injured in a crash with suspects from a drive-by shooting as they fled from officers. All the officers and the K9 are currently at local hospitals and expected to recover. The suspects were also transported with nonlife-threatening injuries.

Today, July 19, 2024, just before 1:00pm, SWAT and K9 officers had just cleared a call looking for a suspect with a warrant when the K9 officer saw a suspect vehicle from a recent drive-by shooting. The K9 officer attempted to stop the vehicle, but they fled. Due to the severity of the original crime, officers initiated a pursuit.

Officers in an armored vehicle moved in to assist as the suspects fled in to a residential neighborhood. As the suspects fled eastbound on Carlisle, the armored vehicle was approaching southbound on Oak, and the two vehicles crashed in the intersection. The K9 vehicle that was pursuing the suspect car then crashed into the suspect car as well.

Three suspects were detained without further incident and were transported to an area hospital with nonlife-threatening injuries. The K9 was taken to a local vet, while the officers were all transported to the hospital after the scene was made safe. A civilian car was northbound on Oak, saw the oncoming armored vehicle with lights and sirens on, pulled over, and narrowly escaped the collision.

Everyone involved is expected to recover from their injuries. Fortunately, no one else was injured as a result of the suspects’ actions.

“This particular incident highlights the challenges our patrol officers are up against every day with the number of shootings they investigate and the behavior of the suspects, not only while committing these violent crimes, but the great lengths they’ll go to escape. It puts the community at risk,” said Chief Justin Lundgren.

"Several Spokane Police officers were injured today while making an arrest. Any injury is tragic, but I am grateful it did not result in the loss of life. My thoughts are with the officers and their families,” said Mayor Lisa Brown of the incident.