Two sheriff’s deputies in Washington state have died after being shot during an operation to rescue a woman who had reported being wounded in a domestic violence incident.
Mason Acheson and Parker Perry, who served with the Spokane County Sheriff’s Department, were critically injured when 37-year-old Ryan Larsen opened fire on officers attempting to enter his home on Tuesday afternoon.
Both deputies later succumbed to their injuries, with Sheriff John Nowels describing their deaths as a devastating loss for the department and the wider community.
Deputies Succumb to Injuries After Hospitalisation
Sheriff Nowels announced on Friday that Acheson had died after fighting for his life following the shooting.
The deputy, who leaves behind his wife and two children, was described by the sheriff as having lost his ‘valiant fight’ after sustaining critical injuries during the operation.
Perry was also placed on life support in critical condition and remained surrounded by his family before he died on Friday.
He is survived by his wife and two children, with a third child expected.
Nowels revealed that Perry had registered as an organ donor and that arrangements were being considered to honour his wishes.
‘He will continue to serve others with the gift of life,’ the sheriff said.
Gunman Opened Fire as Officers Entered the Property
The incident began at approximately 2.25pm on Tuesday when law enforcement officers were dispatched to a property on Smythe Road.
According to the sheriff’s office, the suspect had an active felony warrant for his arrest.
Officers also became concerned that he might have access to additional weapons and that other victims could be inside the residence.
The situation escalated after authorities learned that a woman had been shot in the chest and needed assistance.
A SWAT team was subsequently deployed, with Perry joining the operation alongside his K-9 partner, Brego.
At approximately 3.15pm, officers forced their way into the property, where Larsen opened fire.
Both Perry and Acheson were struck before members of their team returned fire.
The injured deputies were moved to safety and given emergency medical treatment before being airlifted to hospital by Life Flight helicopters.
The female victim was also taken to hospital with injuries initially believed to be non-life-threatening.
Suspect Found Dead Inside Home After Police Operation
Following the exchange of gunfire, authorities deployed a drone into the residence and discovered that Larsen had died.
The Spokane County medical examiner later determined that the 37-year-old died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to the Spokesman-Review.
Two other family members were also killed during the incident. They were identified as Larsen’s mother, Suzanne Larsen, 72, and his sister, Rebecca Larsen, 45.
Another sister, Julie Larsen, was the woman who contacted emergency services after being shot in the chest. She survived the incident.
Property records reportedly showed that the residence belonged to Suzanne and her husband, Keith, who was also Larsen’s father.
Washington State Police said the suspect had barricaded himself inside the property.
Arrest Warrant Linked to Previous Firearm Incident
The outstanding warrant against Larsen reportedly originated from an incident in 2015 involving a dog walker on his property in Rosalia.
According to records reviewed by the Spokesman-Review, Larsen allegedly pointed a gun at the individual.
He was initially charged with second-degree assault but was subsequently convicted of aiming or discharging a firearm. He served 10 days in jail before appealing the conviction.
His appeal was dismissed in 2022, and a failure-to-appear warrant relating to the case remained outstanding.
Sheriff Pays Tribute to Fallen Deputies
Speaking about the deaths, Sheriff Nowels praised the officers for their willingness to put themselves in danger to protect members of the public.
‘Although we know our Deputies knew the risks, they bravely moved toward danger to protect others they did not know,’ he said.
He added that both men acted with honour and remained committed to their responsibility to serve and protect Spokane County residents.
Nowels described Acheson and Perry as examples of selfless service and dedication, saying they represented the best of law enforcement.
‘We cherish having served with them as we begin to process the devastating and unthinkable loss,’ he added.
The sheriff also described Tuesday as a tragic day for Spokane County, noting that several families had been affected by the incident.
Perry Served in the Army National Guard for Several Years
Before joining the Spokane County Sheriff’s Department, Perry served in the Washington Army National Guard, where he had been a member since 2017.
He also spent nearly seven years with the sheriff’s office.
Perry attained the rank of captain as a Military Intelligence Officer with the 81st Brigade’s 1-161st Infantry Battalion.
His military honours included two Army Commendation Medals and an Armed Forces Service Medal.
The sheriff’s office said Perry responded to Tuesday’s emergency without being prompted, describing his actions as consistent with his commitment to putting other people’s safety first.
In a statement, the department said he had sacrificed his life while attempting to rescue another person during the operation.
It also confirmed that Perry and his family had chosen to donate his organs, potentially helping people in need across the region and the country.
Acheson Remembered as Dedicated Husband and Father
Acheson also had a distinguished military and law enforcement background.
According to the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, he served as a trained sniper and sergeant with the Washington Army National Guard’s 3rd Battalion, 161st Infantry Regiment.
He joined the sheriff’s department in 2022, working as a firearms instructor.
The sheriff’s office said he dedicated his life to protecting others and made the ultimate sacrifice for his country, community and fellow officers.
A GoFundMe campaign established to support his family described him as a devoted husband to Hannah and a loving father to their two young sons.
The fundraiser also highlighted his Christian faith and commitment to his family.
‘Mason was a devoted husband to Hannah, a loving father to their two young boys, and a man whose life was deeply rooted in faith,’ the page stated.
It added that his greatest happiness came from his relationship with his wife and children.
The fundraiser said Hannah and the boys were now facing an uncertain future without him and called for prayers, love and financial support as they dealt with their loss.
Washington National Guard Mourns Loss of Two Members
Washington National Guard Major General Gent Welsh also paid tribute to the two deputies, describing the announcement of their deaths as among the most difficult messages he had to share.
He said both men embodied the values of public service through their work in law enforcement and military service.
Welsh added that they were individuals who consistently put others first, cared deeply about their communities and stepped forward when people needed help.
‘They lived that commitment every day, wearing both a deputy’s badge and the Washington National Guard uniform,’ he said.
He concluded that Acheson and Perry would be remembered for their courage, dedication to others and the lasting impact they had on the lives of those around them.
