Man fatally shot near Tonasket identified as investigation continues

TONASKET — Investigators have identified the man fatally shot during an officer-involved shooting near Tonasket earlier this month, as the multi-agency investigation continues.

The North Central Washington Special Investigations Unit confirmed Tuesday that the individual who died has been identified as Samuel A. Mittler, 40, of Tonasket. An autopsy was conducted under the authority of the Okanogan County Coroner by the Snohomish County Medical Examiner’s Office, according to investigators.

As we previously reported, the shooting occurred during the early morning hours of Dec. 19 while members of the U.S. Marshals Service Special Operations Group, along with the Washington State Patrol SWAT Team, were executing a nationwide arrest warrant at a residence approximately 17 miles northeast of Tonasket. Authorities said the suspect was wanted on two counts of second-degree assault and one count of intimidating a public servant.

According to investigators, the suspect was armed with a shotgun when contact was made with law enforcement, and an officer-involved shooting occurred. The suspect was declared deceased at the scene.

In a Dec. 30 update, investigators said processing of the scene has been completed and evidence collected during the investigation is now being analyzed. Detectives have also executed multiple search warrants to obtain physical evidence related to the incident.

Investigators are working with the Washington State Patrol and the U.S. Marshals Service to collect body-worn camera footage from officers who were on scene at the time of the shooting. That footage will be reviewed and analyzed as it is received.

In accordance with state law, a family liaison has been assigned and is working with Mittler’s family to keep them informed about the status of the investigation.

NCWSIU is a multi-jurisdictional team comprised of investigators from the Wenatchee Police Department, Chelan County Sheriff’s Office, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, and East Wenatchee Police Department. The unit was requested by the Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office and was dispatched at approximately 9:40 a.m. on Dec. 19 to investigate the shooting.

The investigation remains active and ongoing. Officials said additional updates will be provided as information becomes available and appropriate for release.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media