Deputy-involved shooting in county investigated

The Spokane Investigative Regional Response Team continues to investigate the deputy-involved shooting that occurred September 6, 2018 at a residence located in the 39600 block of Cayuse Cove Rd. in Lincoln County. The Team was activated after a Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputy fired his weapon, striking the suspect’s vehicle after the suspect, 50-year-old Doyle A. Gabriel, accelerated toward the deputy standing next to his fully marked patrol car.

The incident began when the deputy attempted to stop Gabriel for excessive speed on Hwy. 25, just north of Hwy. 2. Gabriel failed to stop for the deputy’s fully marked patrol car with lights and siren activated. Gabriel tried to elude the deputy for several miles, eventually leading him to the suspect’s residence on Cayuse Cove Rd.

Gabriel turned his vehicle around to face the approaching patrol vehicle. Not knowing why Gabriel was running or if he was armed with a weapon, the deputy, who was alone but had backup units responding to assist, kept his distance, stopped his patrol car and exited his vehicle. He began giving commands which Gabriel failed to follow. During this contact Gabriel remained defiant and continued to ignore commands. Eventually, Gabriel put his vehicle in drive and accelerated toward the deputy and his patrol car, causing the deputy to fire his weapon, striking Gabriel’s vehicle but not injuring Gabriel.

Gabriel stopped the vehicle but continued to act aggressively, would not comply with commands and demanded to speak with Sheriff Magers. As additional Deputies and law enforcement officers, including Sheriff Magers, arrived to assist, they began to try and deescalate the volatile situation. Despite their attempts, Gabriel remained hostile and would not comply. While Sheriff Magers spoke to Gabriel, several deputies/officers were able to gain a position of advantage and deployed a Taser, allowing Gabriel to be taken safely into custody.

The Officer Involved Critical Incident Protocol was enacted and Spokane Team investigators responded to conduct the investigation and process the scene for evidence. Spokane detectives continue to follow up on investigative leads to gather all the facts in the matter. The Spokane Team comprises multiple law enforcement agencies in Eastern Washington.

• The Spokane County Sheriff’s Office is the managing agency in this incident.

• The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office will release the name of the deputy involved in the incident when appropriate to do so.

• Once the Spokane Team investigation is complete, the case will be forwarded to the Lincoln County Prosecutor’s Office for review.