SPOKANE, Wash. — Ryan T. Larsen, 37, who shot and killed his mother and sister near Spangle on Tuesday before shooting two Spokane County Sheriff’s deputies, died from what investigators believe was a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The Washington State Patrol is leading the investigation now and published its first press release today, outlining the events leading up to the confrontation between Larsen and Spokane County Sheriff’s deputies. Though the WSP does not name Larsen, we’ve confirmed Larsen was the shooter through multiple sources.
Deputies initially responded to a reported domestic violence shooting at 2:23 p.m. at a home at 18819 S. Smythe Road near Spangle.
An adult woman reported that she had been shot and needed medical attention.
WSP said deputies learned Larsen had an active felony arrest warrant, may have had access to firearms and that additional victims could be inside the home.
The Spokane County SWAT team was called to assist.
Around 3:15 p.m., deputies and SWAT team members approached the home to make an emergency entry out of concern for the victim’s safety.
According to WSP, shots were fired from inside the home as deputies approached, critically injuring two deputies.
WSP said other deputies returned fire while working to move their injured colleagues to safety and provide medical aid.
Emergency medical crews, including Life Flight helicopters, were called to the scene. Portions of Interstate 90 and U.S. Highway 195 were closed to allow for emergency medical transportation, according to WSP.
WSP said Larsen was believed to be barricaded inside the home, prompting requests for assistance from the Spokane Police Department and Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office SWAT teams.
Spokane County Sheriff’s personnel were later relieved from the scene, and Spokane Police SWAT officers took over operations.
WSP said a drone was sent inside the home, where authorities discovered Larsen was dead from a presumed self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The agency said the investigation remains active and in its early stages. WSP will provide weekly updates as required under Washington state law.
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