Two National Guard veterans killed in Spokane SWAT breach; suspect and two relatives found dead
Spokane County Sheriff’s Deputies Mason Acheson and Parker Perry died after being shot during a tactical entry at a home near Spangle, Washington, on November 3. The incident began when a woman reported being shot by her brother, Ryan Larsen, who had an active felony warrant. SWAT teams moved in to rescue potential hostages but were ambushed by gunfire. Acheson died at the hospital, while Perry was kept on life support before dying on November 7. Larsen, his mother Suzanne, and his sister Rebecca were also found dead at the scene. The suspect died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Both deputies served in the same Army National Guard battalion and were honored by state and federal officials.
Key points
- Deputies Mason Acheson, 35, and Parker Perry, 29, were fatally wounded around 3:15 p.m. on November 3 while entering a home near Spangle to rescue potential hostages.
- The call came in at 2:25 p.m. after a woman reported being shot in a domestic violence incident; authorities learned the suspect had an active felony warrant and possible access to firearms.
- SWAT officers and deputies were ambushed with gunfire from inside the home, critically wounding both men before teammates returned fire and provided medical aid.
- Acheson died at the hospital, while Perry remained on life support until November 7, when he died and donated his organs.
- Suspect Ryan Larsen, 37, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound; his mother Suzanne, 72, and sister Rebecca, 45, were also found dead at the scene.
- The woman who reported the shooting survived with non-life-threatening injuries.
Background
Earlier reports from November 4 to 6 confirmed the fatal incident in Spokane County, noting that the suspect and two relatives were found dead alongside the two deputies. Initial coverage described the event as a domestic violence response that escalated into a shootout, with authorities emphasizing the suspect’s active felony warrant and potential access to weapons. The November 9 archive entry confirmed the identities of the deceased and the timeline of Perry’s death, as well as the establishment of a community fund for funeral expenses.
Why it matters
The deaths of two law enforcement officers during a rescue operation highlight the risks faced by SWAT teams in domestic violence incidents involving armed suspects. The case underscores the importance of tactical coordination and the tragic consequences when suspects pose immediate threats to hostages and responders. The involvement of military veterans in the response also draws attention to the dual service of these officers and the broader impact on their families and communities.
What to watch
Investigations into the incident are ongoing, with authorities reviewing the timeline of the call and the tactical decisions made during the breach. The families of the deputies have requested privacy, and a community fund has been established to support funeral expenses. No further legal proceedings are expected given the suspect’s death, but the case may influence future training and protocols for SWAT teams in similar situations.
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