CLARK COUNTY, Wash. — Authorities in Washington state are investigating after a Clark County sheriff’s deputy unintentionally shot and killed an off-duty Vancouver police officer who was struggling with an armed robbery suspect, officials said.
According to KIRO-TV, the incident occurred Saturday night after officers responded to a reported armed robbery at an Orchards convenience store. The suspect, who had a gun, fled in a stolen car toward Battle Ground, the news outlet reported.
Authorities followed the suspect, who then abandoned the vehicle, fled on foot and tried to break into a Vancouver police officer’s home, officials said. After arriving at the home, one of the responding deputies unintentionally shot the off-duty officer, identified as Donald Sahota, who was struggling with the suspect, KIRO reported. Sahota, 52, later died, officials said.
In a statement released Sunday, Vancouver police Chief James McElvain offered condolences to Sahota’s family, friends and colleagues.
“His death is a tragic loss, and he will be deeply missed by many,” McElvain said of Sahota, who joined the department in April 2014.
Sahota is survived by a wife and two children, the release said.
The Lower Columbia Major Crimes Team is investigating Sahota’s death, according to the release.
– Visit KIRO7.com for the latest on this developing story.