March 23, 2023
PULLMAN, Wash. – The below weekly update is in reference to the Palouse Area Law Enforcement Critical Incident Investigation Response Team (PALECIIRT) investigation of an officer-involved shooting that occurred at 1000 SE Latah St. on Dec. 15, 2022:
There are no updates at this time. The investigation remains ongoing.
In compliance with WAC 139-12, the Washington State University Police Department personnel will not be involved in this investigation. This update is required in compliance with WAC 139-12, which mandates weekly updates be sent out by the lead investigative agency in investigations where a Washington State Peace Officer uses deadly force in the capacity of his or her law enforcement duties. These updates are required even if no new information is available at the time of the update.
Previous press releases can be found at https://wsp.wa.gov/independent-investigation-team/.
With the passage of Washington State Initiative 940 in 2018, and Substitute House Bill 1064 in 2019, incidents where the use of deadly force by a peace officer results in death, substantial bodily harm, or great bodily harm require an independent investigation. This investigation must be conducted in the same manner as a criminal investigation and state law now requires an “independent investigation” completely independent of the involved agency.
Per WAC 139-12, the IIT is unable to release any criminal history related to the individual, which includes the circumstances surrounding the initial contact, which prompted the law enforcement response. This information can only be released if specifically requested by the media, and is able to be released consistent with the Public Records Act Chapter 42.56 RCW.
Weekly update will be provided as the investigation continues. The policies and operating procedures of the IIT are available to the public at: https://wsp.wa.gov/independent-investigation-team/.
###