Two Spokane County sheriff’s deputies have died after rushing into danger to rescue a domestic violence victim during a devastating shooting in Washington state.
Deputies Mason Acheson and Parker Perry were shot Tuesday afternoon as they entered a home to help a woman who reported being shot in the chest.
Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels announced Friday that Acheson had died the previous night after fighting for his life following the shooting.
Acheson is survived by his wife and two children.
Perry was initially kept on life support in critical condition, surrounded by family, before also succumbing to his injuries.
Nowels said Perry was an organ donor and that arrangements were being made to honor his wishes.
‘He will continue to serve others with the gift of life,’ the sheriff said.
Perry leaves behind his wife and two children, while a third child was on the way, according to the sheriff’s office.
Spokane County Sheriff’s Deputies Mason Acheson and Parker Perry, pictured above, were shot while entering a home to rescue a woman who said she had been shot in the chest Tuesday afternoon
Sheriff John Nowels announced Friday that Acheson, pictured above with his wife and children, had died after suffering critical injuries in the shooting
Nowels said the deputies understood the dangers of their profession but still moved toward the threat to protect people they did not know.
‘They acted with honor and an unwavering commitment to the oath they took to serve and protect the people of Spokane County, placing themselves in mortal danger,’ he said.
The sheriff described Acheson and Perry as powerful examples of courage, selflessness and dedication.
‘They represent the very best of law enforcement. We were honored to serve alongside them, even as we begin to confront this devastating and unimaginable loss,’ Nowels added.
Deputies were called to a home on Smythe Road at approximately 2.25pm, where they learned that the male suspect, identified as 37-year-old Ryan Larsen, had an active felony warrant, Nowels said.
Officials feared Larsen could have access to additional weapons and could not determine whether other victims were still inside the property, according to the sheriff’s office.
A SWAT team was deployed, with Perry and his K-9 partner, Brego, joining the operation as officers approached the house at about 3.15pm.
When officers forced their way inside, shots were fired. Perry and Acheson were struck before members of their team returned fire.
Perry, pictured above, was placed on life support in critical condition while surrounded by his family before later dying from his injuries. He leaves behind his wife and two children and was expecting a third
The injured deputies were moved behind cover and treated at the scene before being flown to a hospital by Life Flight helicopters, Nowels said.
The female victim was also taken to hospital with injuries believed to be non-life-threatening.
A drone sent into the house located the suspect, who was dead, according to the Washington State Patrol.
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The Spokane County medical examiner later determined that Larsen died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, the Spokesman-Review reported.
The newspaper reported that two other people also died: Larsen’s 72-year-old mother, Suzanne Larsen, and his 45-year-old sister, Rebecca Larsen.
Washington State Police said Larsen had barricaded himself inside the residence.
‘It was a very tragic day in Spokane County,’ Nowels said, according to the outlet.
‘A lot of families have been affected.’
A fundraiser described Acheson, pictured above, as a devoted husband to Hannah, a loving father to their two young sons and a man whose life was grounded in faith
Perry had served with the sheriff’s office for nearly seven years and had been a member of the Washington Army National Guard since 2017. He rose to the rank of captain as a military intelligence officer with the 81st Brigade’s 1-161st Infantry Battalion, the sheriff’s office said.
His military honors included two Army Commendation Medals and an Armed Forces Service Medal.
When Perry responded to Tuesday’s emergency, he did so without being asked, the sheriff’s office said, calling his actions a reflection of the way he lived by putting other people’s safety ahead of his own.
‘Deputy Perry gave his life while attempting to rescue another person during the entry and was critically wounded in the process. Despite the severity of his injuries, Deputy Parker Perry and his family continued his tradition of service by donating his organs so people in need across the region and country could live,’ the sheriff’s office said.
A GoFundMe campaign created for Acheson’s family said he had devoted his life to protecting and serving others.
Acheson was a trained sniper and sergeant with the Washington Army National Guard’s 3rd Battalion, 161st Infantry Regiment. He joined the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office in 2022 and worked as a firearms instructor.
Nowels said Acheson had made the ultimate sacrifice for his country, his community and his fellow deputies.
‘When danger appeared, he stepped forward to protect life. In that selfless act of bravery, he lost his own life while trying to save others,’ the sheriff’s office said. ‘Through his military and law enforcement service, he leaves behind a lasting example of commitment and courage.’
The family fundraiser said that while Acheson’s bravery and dedication to his country and community were extraordinary, his most important role was away from his uniform.
‘Mason was a devoted husband to Hannah, a loving father to their two young boys and a man whose life was deeply rooted in faith. He loved the Lord and his family wholeheartedly, and his greatest happiness came from the life they built together,’ the page said.
‘Hannah and the boys are now facing the heartbreak of a future without him. As they endure this unimaginable loss, we hope to surround them with love, prayer and support.’
Major General Gent Welsh of the Washington National Guard said announcements like this were among the most difficult messages he had to deliver.
‘They were the kind of people our country needs more of—people who put others first, care deeply about their communities and step forward when help is needed,’ he said.
‘They lived that commitment every day, wearing both a deputy’s badge and the Washington National Guard uniform. They represented the finest traditions of public service and will be remembered for their courage, their dedication and the many lives they touched.’
The Daily Mail contacted the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office for comment.
