Two Washington Deputies Killed in Gunfire While Trying to Rescue Possible Hostages From Home

Two sheriff’s deputies in Washington state have died after being shot while attempting to enter a home where authorities feared several people were being held hostage. The officers had responded to a report of a woman who said she had been shot and needed medical assistance. What began as a domestic violence call quickly turned into a deadly confrontation that claimed the lives of two officers and three members of the same family.

The incident unfolded on November 3, 2026, near Spangle, south of Spokane. Deputies Mason Acheson, 35, and Parker Perry, 29, were among the officers responding after a woman reported that her brother had shot her. She was taken to a hospital with injuries that were not considered life-threatening. Investigators learned that the suspect had an active felony warrant and might have access to additional weapons. Concerned that other family members could still be inside the residence, authorities called in the SWAT team.

As officers attempted to enter the property, gunfire erupted from inside the home. Acheson and Perry were both struck and critically wounded. Their fellow deputies returned fire, moved the injured officers to safety and immediately began providing medical assistance. Both men were transported to the hospital, where Acheson later died. Perry remained on life support for several days before his death was confirmed on November 7. His family chose to donate his organs, allowing him to help save other lives even after the tragedy.

Authorities later identified the suspect as 37-year-old Ryan T. Larsen. Investigators believe he died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Two additional family members, his mother Suzanne Larsen, 72, and his sister Rebecca Larsen, 45, were also found dead. The woman who initially called for help was another family member and survived the shooting. Authorities have not publicly established every detail of what happened inside the home before officers arrived.

Both fallen deputies had served in the Washington Army National Guard and were members of the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team. Acheson, a husband and father of two, had also worked as a Washington State Patrol trooper and firearms instructor. Perry, who was 29, served as a K-9 deputy and was also a husband and father of two. His wife was expecting their third child when he was killed. His K-9 partner, Brego, was also part of the response that day.

The Spokane County Sheriff’s Office praised the deputies for moving toward danger to protect people they feared were in immediate danger. Their deaths have devastated colleagues, loved ones and the wider community. Washington Governor Bob Ferguson ordered flags at state facilities to be lowered to half-staff in their honor. As investigators continue examining the deadly encounter, the families of both deputies are left mourning men who lost their lives while answering a call for help.

Source: PEOPLE