SPOKANE, Wash. — Two people are in the hospital after a shooting that occurred near the Lilac Torchlight Parade on Saturday night.
According to the Spokane Police Department (SPD), one person was shot and another was injured during the incident inside a business on the corner of West Sprague Avenue and North Washington Street. The incident happened on May 18 during the Armed Forces Torchlight Parade around 9 p.m.
“Officers assigned to the parade were on scene within seconds and immediately began providing medical care to two injured persons, one who was shot,” said SPD in a release. “Officers learned that an altercation took place inside the business that resulted in a shooting.”
NonStop Local talked with the suspect, who is one of the owners of PM Jacoy’s, who said he acted in self-defense. SPD released the suspect after inspecting the surveillance footage to confirm that the man responded in self-defense after two people were threatening his father with a “machete-sized knife.”
The suspect was released from SPD custody after eight to ten hours. The people who were injured from the incident are currently in the hospital.
According to SPD, the parade was quickly put on halt due to concerns for the victims and the large crowd attending the Lilac Parade. All parties involved in the altercation cooperated with law enforcement and the scene was quickly cleared.
The parade was delayed for about 30 minutes and was re-routed to Riverside. The parade then continued and was completed without any other incidents.
Soon after the incident, Mayor Lisa Brown spoke out about the violence that occurred during the parade.
“I am saddened by the violence that occurred near tonight’s parade. My thoughts are with those who were injured, their families, and all those who witnessed this incident,” said Brown. “Violence like this should never happen, especially near a place where families are gathered to enjoy a community event. The incident does not appear to be connected to the parade and I am thankful for the quick response by local law enforcement and first responders.”
Detectives with the Spokane Police Major Crimes Unit are investigating the shooting and will release more information when it is available.
