Special NCW Unit investigating fatal officer-involved shooting near Tonasket

OKANOGAN COUNTY — The North Central Washington Special Investigations Unit is investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting that occurred early Friday during the service of a nationwide arrest warrant in rural Okanogan County.

According to a press release from Chief Ryan Moody, the incident occurred during the early morning hours of Dec. 19 at a residence located approximately 17 miles northeast of Tonasket. Members of the U.S. Marshals Service Special Operations Group, working with the Washington State Patrol SWAT Team, were attempting to execute the warrant.

Investigators said the individual sought by law enforcement was wanted on two counts of second-degree assault and one count of intimidating a public servant. During the attempted arrest, the suspect — who authorities said was armed with a shotgun — made contact with officers. An officer-involved shooting occurred, and the suspect was pronounced deceased at the scene.

At the request of the Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office, the North Central Washington Special Investigations Unit was dispatched at approximately 9:40 a.m. Friday to conduct an independent investigation into the incident.

The investigative unit is a multi-jurisdictional team that includes personnel from the Wenatchee Police Department, Chelan County Sheriff’s Office, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and East Wenatchee Police Department.

Officials said the investigation remains active and ongoing, and no additional details are available at this time. Further information will be released as required under Washington Administrative Code 139-12-030, which governs the release of information in officer-involved shooting investigations.

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