SPOKANE — Spokane law enforcement officers have shot five people in 2022, with some families of those killed alleging police used excessive force.
Peterson Kamo, 23, was shot and killed on Jan. 24, after Spokane police responded to reports of a domestic dispute at his home. Police said Kamo held a knife to his 2-year-old nephew’s throat, refused to comply with commands and continued to threaten the toddler before they shot him, according to statement from the department.
Kamo’s family, who are Marshallese, said in a tort claim filed against the city last month, that officers didn’t take the time to fully understand the situation before rushing into the home and shooting Kamo. Kamo’s mother, who doesn’t speak English, had called 911 but due to the language barrier left dispatchers confused on the situation, something they relayed to police. Bill Gilbert, the Kamo family’s attorney, also indicated Kamo was holding his nephew when he was shot, something investigators did not tell the public.
The Kamo family plans to file a lawsuit immediately if the city does not respond to their claim. Officer Corrigan Mohondro and Cpl. Brandon Lynch were on administrative leave while the Washington State Patrol completed their investigation, which concluded in July when their findings were sent to the Spokane County Prosecutor’s office for review. The prosecutor’s office has yet to announce a ruling in the case.