Gunfire suddenly erupted as sheriff’s deputies approached a rural Washington home, turning an urgent rescue mission into a devastating tragedy. On November 3, 2026, officers rushed to a property near Spangle, south of Spokane, after receiving a desperate report from a wounded woman. The caller, Julie Larsen, had escaped to a neighbor’s house after allegedly being shot by her brother. Despite suffering a chest wound, she survived and warned authorities that other relatives might still be inside. Deputies quickly discovered that the suspected gunman had an outstanding felony warrant and potentially possessed additional weapons. A drone sent over the property revealed a body lying outside the residence. With lives possibly hanging in the balance, officers prepared to enter, unaware that the next few moments would devastate several families.
At approximately 3:15 p.m., deputies and SWAT personnel moved toward the house on South Smythe Road. As they attempted to force entry, shots rang out from inside, critically injuring two officers. Fellow deputies returned fire while others pulled their wounded colleagues toward safety and provided emergency medical assistance. One deputy was transported by patrol vehicle, while another was flown to Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center. Sheriff John Nowels later described the terrible situation, emphasizing that both injured deputies had young families. But as investigators uncovered what had happened inside the home, the full extent of the tragedy became even more heartbreaking.
Investigators eventually confirmed five deaths, including three members of the Larsen family and the two deputies who had attempted the rescue. The family victims were identified as Suzanne Larsen, 72, and Rebecca Larsen, 45, while 37-year-old Ryan Larsen was identified as the suspected gunman. Authorities classified the women’s deaths as homicides and Ryan’s death as suicide. The fallen officers were Deputy Mason Acheson, 35, and Deputy Parker Perry, 29. Acheson had served eight years with the Washington State Patrol before joining the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office in 2022. He was also a Washington Army National Guard veteran and SWAT team sniper who left behind a wife and two children. Perry, a National Guard captain and K-9 deputy, had joined the sheriff’s office in 2020. He reportedly responded voluntarily after learning that someone might still need rescuing. Perry died from his injuries on November 6, leaving behind his wife, two children, and a third baby on the way. His family also faced difficult financial and practical questions involving survivor benefits, insurance coverage, and long-term estate planning. While an attorney could help families understand available benefits, no specific settlement or court award was reported. Perry’s final act of service brought another emotional development: he became an organ donor, offering others the possibility of life-saving transplants.
As Spokane County mourned, residents and fellow first responders organized support for the grieving families. A November 9 fundraiser at Hop Mountain Taproom & Grill in Mead raised more than $24,000, with proceeds intended to be shared between the two deputies’ families. The nonprofit Behind The Badge also mobilized dozens of volunteers to provide assistance. Beyond the uniforms and professional accomplishments, Acheson and Perry were husbands and fathers whose absence would be felt around dinner tables, during birthdays, and throughout countless ordinary family moments. For Perry’s unborn child, the loss carries an especially painful reality: growing up without ever meeting their father. The sheriff’s office has requested privacy for the families as they grieve. Although the investigation continues, the two deputies are being remembered for their courage, dedication, and willingness to help people facing danger. Their sacrifice has left an enduring mark on the community they served.