Two Spokane County sheriff’s deputies lost their lives while attempting to rescue potential hostages during a domestic violence call that ended in tragedy, claiming five lives total including the gunman and two family members.
Deadly Ambush During Rescue Operation
Deputies Mason Acheson and Parker Perry came under gunfire as they entered a home near Spangle, south of Spokane, on November 3. The officers responded after a woman called for help, reporting she had been shot. When authorities learned the suspect had an active felony warrant and possible access to additional weapons, with victims potentially trapped inside, they deployed SWAT teams to handle the volatile situation.
Perry, serving as a K-9 deputy with his dog Brego, joined the tactical team approaching the residence around 3:15 p.m. As the officers forced entry into the home, the suspect opened fire, striking both deputies. Their teammates returned fire, pulled the wounded officers to safety, and immediately began emergency medical treatment. Medical helicopters were summoned, and stretches of Interstate 90 and U.S. Highway 195 were temporarily closed to expedite transport to the hospital.
Heroes Who Served Their Community and Country
Acheson died shortly after reaching the hospital. Perry remained on life support while arrangements were made for organ donation, allowing him to continue serving others through the gift of life. Both deputies left behind wives and two children each. Perry and his wife were expecting their third child. The Spokane County Sheriff’s Office and Spokane Valley Police Department described the fallen officers as true examples of selfless service who bravely moved toward danger to protect strangers.
Both men shared distinguished military backgrounds, having served in the same Washington Army National Guard infantry battalion. Acheson enlisted in 2011, achieved the rank of sergeant, and served in Poland from 2021 to 2022, earning three Army Commendation Medals. He spent eight years as a Washington State Patrol trooper and firearms instructor before joining the sheriff’s office in 2022, where he served as a SWAT sniper. Perry joined the sheriff’s office in 2020, served three years on the SWAT team, and became a K-9 deputy in 2025. He rose to captain as a military intelligence officer in the Guard, earning two Army Commendation Medals.
Investigation Reveals Murder-Suicide
After the shooting, Spokane police assumed command of the scene with assistance from SWAT teams from Spokane and Kootenai County. A drone reconnaissance mission discovered the suspect dead inside the residence. The Spokane County medical examiner determined that Ryan Larsen, 37, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Two additional victims were identified as Suzanne Larsen, 72, and Rebecca Larsen, 45, later confirmed through family obituaries as the suspect’s mother and sister. The initial victim who called for help survived with non-life-threatening injuries. FBI Director Kash Patel honored both deputies on social media, noting their military service and pledging full bureau support to their families, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time.
Sources
Fox News: Two Washington deputies killed trying to rescue possible hostages after woman shot