Two Spokane County sheriff’s deputies lost their lives responding to what began as a domestic violence call and escalated into a deadly ambush, leaving behind grieving families and a community in shock. Mason Acheson and Parker Perry were fatally shot while attempting to rescue possible hostages from a barricaded gunman who ultimately took three lives before ending his own.
Domestic Call Turns Deadly for First Responders
The tragedy unfolded on November 3 when a woman called for help after being shot in a domestic violence incident near Spangle, south of Spokane. Deputies learned the suspect possessed an active felony warrant and potential access to additional weapons. With victims possibly trapped inside, authorities deployed SWAT teams around 3:15 p.m. Perry, a K-9 deputy serving alongside his dog Brego, joined the tactical team forcing entry into the residence.
Gunfire erupted from inside the home, striking both Acheson and Perry as they moved to rescue the hostages. Fellow officers returned fire, dragged their wounded colleagues to safety, and administered emergency medical treatment. Authorities shut down stretches of Interstate 90 and U.S. Highway 195 to expedite helicopter transport to the hospital. Acheson died shortly after arrival, while Perry remained on life support to facilitate organ donation, allowing him to serve others one final time.
Gunman Leaves Trail of Victims
After SWAT teams from Spokane and Kootenai County secured the scene, a drone sent into the residence discovered the suspect deceased. The Spokane County medical examiner identified Ryan Larsen, 37, as the gunman, ruling his death a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Investigators also found two additional victims: Suzanne Larsen, 72, and Rebecca Larsen, 45, identified through family obituaries as the suspect’s mother and sister. The initial shooting victim, a woman transported earlier with non-life-threatening injuries, survived the attack.
Military Veterans Answered Final Call
Both fallen deputies served in the same Washington Army National Guard infantry battalion alongside their law enforcement duties. Acheson, a sheriff’s office SWAT sniper since 2022, previously spent eight years as a Washington State Patrol trooper and firearms instructor. His military service included deployment to Poland from 2021 to 2022, earning three Army Commendation Medals. Perry joined the sheriff’s office in 2020, served three years on SWAT before becoming a K-9 deputy in 2025, and held the rank of captain as a military intelligence officer. He responded to the Spangle call voluntarily, without being ordered. Both men left behind wives and two children each, with Perry’s wife expecting their third child. FBI Director Kash Patel honored the deputies, pledging full bureau support for their families.
Sources
Fox News: Two Washington deputies killed trying to rescue possible hostages after woman shot