Two Washington state sheriff's deputies were fatally wounded while trying to rescue potential hostages during a domestic violence incident near Spangle, south of Spokane, on Nov. 3. The incident began when a woman called for help after being shot, prompting a rapid response from local law enforcement.
Spangle Hostage Rescue Attempt Leads to Tragedy
Law enforcement officials responded to the residence around 2:25 p.m. after receiving a distress call from a woman reporting she had been shot. Investigators soon learned that the suspect, identified as Ryan Larsen, 37, had an active felony warrant and potentially access to additional weapons. Because other victims might have been inside the home, authorities called in a SWAT team.
At approximately 3:15 p.m., Spokane County Sheriff's Deputies Mason Acheson and Parker Perry moved toward the house to get inside. Perry, a K-9 deputy, answered the call with his dog, Brego, and forced entry into the home alongside his team.
Deputies and Suspect Identified in Spokane County Shooting
When gunfire struck Perry and Acheson, their fellow deputies returned fire, pulled them to cover, and began administering medical treatment. Authorities requested medical helicopters and temporarily closed stretches of Interstate 90 and U.S. Highway 195 to transport the injured deputies to the hospital.
Mason Acheson passed away after arriving at the hospital. Parker Perry was placed on life support while arrangements were made for him to donate his organs. A drone deployed inside the home later located the suspect dead. According to the Spokane County medical examiner, Ryan Larsen died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The medical examiner also identified two additional victims killed in the incident as Suzanne Larsen, 72, and Rebecca Larsen, 45. A family obituary confirmed they were Larsen's mother and sister.
- Mason Acheson joined the sheriff's office in 2022 after serving as a Washington State Patrol trooper and SWAT sniper. He also served in the Washington Army National Guard infantry battalion and earned three Army Commendation Medals.
- Parker Perry joined the sheriff's office in 2020, served on the SWAT team, and became a K-9 deputy in 2025. He also served as a military intelligence officer in the National Guard and attained the rank of captain.
- Both deputies left behind wives and two children, and Perry's wife was expecting their third child.
Tributes and Community Support
Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels told reporters, "It was a very tragic day in Spokane County. A lot of families have been affected." Both the Spokane County Sheriff's Office and the Spokane Valley Police Department issued joint statements praising the deputies' bravery.
Federal and state leaders also shared tributes. FBI Director Kash Patel honored both deputies in posts on X, noting their military backgrounds and pledging support for their families. Rep. Michael Baumgartner, R-Wash., paid tribute to Acheson, while Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson ordered flags at state facilities lowered to half-staff on Monday, Nov. 9.
The Sheriff Community Oriented Policing Effort is accepting donations to assist with funeral expenses and support the families.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the shooting in Spangle occur?
The initial call for help came in around 2:25 p.m. on Nov. 3, with deputies approaching and entering the home around 3:15 p.m.
Who were the deputies killed in Spokane County?
The deputies killed were Mason Acheson and Parker Perry of the Spokane County Sheriff's Office.
What happened to the suspect, Ryan Larsen?
After a drone was sent inside the home, the suspect was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to the Spokane County medical examiner.