A tragic incident unfolded late Saturday night in Vancouver, Washington, when officers fatally shot a man who allegedly pointed a gun at them. The shooting occurred after police responded to a disturbance reported at a home on Northeast 46th Street.
Details of the Incident
Officers from the Vancouver Police Department received a call shortly before midnight. The 911 caller reported that a man was pointing a gun at a woman inside the residence and had fired at least one round.
Upon arrival, police said the man aimed the firearm at them, prompting two officers to discharge their weapons. The man was quickly transported to a local hospital but unfortunately succumbed to his injuries en route.
Background and Witness Accounts
- The woman at the home identified the deceased as her husband.
- She stated he was experiencing a mental health crisis at the time.
- The woman described him as a good man and noted she did not feel unsafe.
Local residents expressed their shock and concern about the shooting. J.D. Lofgren, a neighbor, reported hearing multiple gunshots that startled him awake. Initially, he hoped the sounds were fireworks, as he finds the neighborhood to be generally safe and quiet.
Investigations and Protocols
The two officers that fired their weapons, along with a third officer who witnessed the incident, have been placed on administrative leave as part of standard protocol. An independent investigation by the Washington State Office of Independent Investigations has been initiated.
At this time, authorities have not released additional information regarding the incident. The woman involved expressed hope that body camera footage would shed light on the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
