SPOKANE, Wash – Spokane Police shot and killed a man suspected in a North Spokane stabbing over the weekend.
The suspect, identified as Richard Sheppard, 47, died from gunshot wounds to the torso and extremities near the intersection of Carlisle and Oak streets, close to Northwest Boulevard. The Spokane County Coroner’s Office ruled the death a homicide.
It happened early Wednesday morning near the intersection of Carlisle and Oak, near Northwest Boulevard.
Spokane Police Chief Kevin Hall says SWAT was trying to arrest the suspect in a deadly stabbing at the Apple Tree Inn when officers say the man become uncooperative. Police say the suspect was seen entering and exiting the location several times with what appeared to be a gun.
According to SPD, the suspect attempted to leave the perimeter police had set up by jumping into neighboring yards armed with a long gun.
Three officers fired their guns, killing the suspect.
A person at the scene told 4 News Now that suspect had run into his garage before the shooting.
“As far as I know, cops came, threw a flashbang grenade, shots got fired, and somebody got killed,” said Michael Walsborn who lives in the home. “All this happened while I was at the bar. I walked here and this was still going on.”
Police say they are looking for other suspects in that initial stabbing.
41-year-old Adam Stallings died from multiple stab wounds at the Apple Tree Inn in north Spokane Sunday afternoon.
The Spokane Independent Investigative Response (SIIR) Team protocol handling the investigation.
The area will likely be blocked off for several hours.
This is the first time this year Spokane Police officers have used deadly force.
In fact, it’s the first time since February 2025.
Last year was the first time since 2018 that no one died at the hands of SPD.
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