Below is a press release from the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office:
On March 7, 2011 at approximately 11:29 p.m. Kelso Police were dispatched to a report of a 31 year old Kelso resident, with a gun, making suicidal threats. Kelso Officers responded and attempted contact with the subject, who refused to cooperate. After Kelso officers assessed the situation, Lower Columbia SWAT, which is comprised Kelso Police, Longview Police and Sheriff’s deputies, was requested. Telephone contact with the suspect was established by a police negotiator. He was reportedly distraught over personal problems. Negotiations continued but the subject refused to come out. After a lengthy time of negotiation the subject was observed pointing a firearm at SWAT officers. The subject was then shot by a SWAT team member and was later pronounced dead.
Due to the multi-jurisdictional make up of Lower Columbia SWAT, the Regional Major Crimes Team comprised of detectives with the Clark County Sheriff’s Office and Vancouver Police Department were requested to investigate, and are currently on scene.
The name of the deceased is being withheld pending notification of family.
The name of the SWAT officers involved is being withheld pending the investigation.
