SPOKANE, Wash. – The Spokane Independent Investigative Response Team (SIIR) has concluded its investigation into a deadly shooting involving a Spokane police officer who shot and killed a shoplifting suspect at a Walmart.
SIIR stated that its investigation is finished, and it will forward its findings to the Spokane County Prosecutor’s Office for review.
The incident occurred on Dec. 3 around 9:15 a.m. when the Spokane Police Department (SPD) responded to a report of a man accused of shoplifting at the Walmart on North Colton. Upon arrival, SPD requested backup as the suspect was uncooperative.
Security footage revealed that officers used a Taser multiple times on 34-year-old Kerry Jones-Hilburg in an attempt to gain his cooperation. Later, it was revealed by the investigative team that someone at the scene allegedly shouted “gun” before the shooting occurred.
Following the gunfire, an SIIR team discovered a loaded firearm with additional ammunition believed to belong to Jones-Hilburg. Despite attempts by officers and additional deputies to administer life-saving measures until the arrival of fire and AMR, Jones-Hilburg was pronounced dead at the scene.
A search warrant obtained by SIIR investigators revealed that the gun was stolen and that the suspect was under the influence of methamphetamine at the time of the shooting. Additionally, a second firearm and what appeared to be Methamphetamine Fentanyl pills were found in the suspect’s car.
Furthermore, a second suspect was arrested for assaulting one of the officers during the altercation. Tylor S. Forester, 33, faces charges of third-degree assault to a law enforcement officer and obstructing a law enforcement officer.
