(STORY IMAGE:KHQ.COM)
SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash. -A male suspect has died after being involved in a police shooting following a standoff situation in Spokane Valley Sunday morning.
Police say the matter originated as a vandalism call after a man pulled into a gas station and began breaking windows in a vehicle. They later found the male to be armed and possibly suicidal, leading to a standoff at Trent and Evergreen where he was barricaded in the vehicle. Police say the man was pointing a handgun at his head and was not complying.
SWAT team members, crisis negotiators, Air 1 and Rescue Task force members were brought on scene as police tried to deescalate the situation. Deputies reported hearing a shot fired from inside the man's vehicle, but they were uncertain of the direction it went.
The male continued to place the gun to his head as he was approached by SWAT members. As negotiators talked to the man, SWAT member perceived an imminent threat and fired their weapons toward the suspect. The man was later pronounced deceased by medics.
The officer-involved protocol was enacted. The scene is under investigation. The man's identity is unknown at this point.
Washington State Patrol said SR290 between Sullivan and Pines will remain closed for several hours.